Help Julian meet his Grandparents

This fundraiser was created to allow my son, who lives in Japan, to meet his grandmother and grandfather in America. One reason it feels so urgent is that my dad is sick, a sufferer of Parkinson’s disease and other debilitating conditions. He asks me to send video or photos a lot, but we want to surprise him with something more substantial.

My Mother lives in Florida while my Father is in Virginia. I’m sure there are some parents who could do 18+ hours of international travel with a baby all alone, but Julian needs a lot of attention, and I’m hoping we can afford two tickets, though I will go alone if we don’t quite raise enough.

Estimated costs, updated March 2019:

2 single layover coach tickets: $2800

train 2 tickets VA>FL + uber x4: $500

food and 2 nights lodging cost: $300

Estimated Total: $3600

Holiday travel costs more by about 25-50%. Just so it’s clear, we are hoping to leave during a Japanese holiday as my office is closed and I won’t lose as much pay. We’re already on a budget..

I hope to introduce him to many other family members. We will be mostly staying at my Dad’s in Virginia Beach, and my mom’s in Tampa, FL. I plan to organize a small potluck dinner in Norfolk. About 25% of this week will be travel time in coach with a baby. It’s not the best but it’s the only time we can take off work.

A little about us: I’m American, born in Florida and Mai was born here in Japan. Our son is 6 months old.

We have a lot to be thankful for, but are struggling and can not afford any trip. My father is in extremely poor health, and very old, with both Parkinson’s disease and has survived cancer and multiple strokes. Neither of our parents are able to pay to have us visit them, as much they’d like to.

Julian was born on August 24th. We live modestly within our means. I’ve started a new job in February, and this year’s Golden Week is the only time we can make this 16,000 mile trip possible.

A small donation of as little as $1 goes directly to the trip fund.