Uki family needs help

By Madeleine Murray

THE ARAKI family of Uki needs our help during a challenging time for this beautiful family.

They came to Australia four years ago from their native Japan and settled in the Tweed Shire.

Sadly, only a few weeks ago, Fumie was diagnosed with secondary stage four cancer. She had been in remission after extensive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation during 2021, but now needs treatment in Japan.

Fumie and her youngest son, who was born here three years ago, left for Tokyo on Wednesday, July 5. Her immunotherapy will be covered by Japanese Medicare, and surgery has been advised.

Fumie has graciously accepted the offer to have a crowdfund set up to help support her family at this time.

“Your generosity and support will help me greatly in my recovery to health.

Thank you so much,” Fumie told The Weekly.

Every Saturday, you will find Hiro cutting hair and Fumie selling delicious sushi at the Farmer’s Market in Uki village.

Fumie is a support staff at Aetaomah school, teaching children weaving and other skills. The whole family gives much joy and energy to the area.

“We hope that our amazing community can come together for our dear Fumie and the Araki family who are such valued members of our school and community,”

Aetaomah school principal Ron Caisley told The Weekly on behalf of the school staff.

Fumie will begin chemotherapy in Japan where her mother and two sisters will care for her and her youngest child. She is fully committed to embarking on a focused healing journey, with the support of friends and family.

Fumie has expressed deep sadness at leaving Hiro and her two older children in their family home in Uki. The decision to separate the family has not been easy.

Currently, Fumie is still feeling well and very positive, however she has experience with cancer, and knows that she may feel very unwell at times and need deep rest for healing. Hiro and their children will fly over to Japan and be all together at different stages of Fumie’s treatment.

Money raised will be spent on treatments for Fumie, flights to Japan for Hiro and the children to visit in a few months, and basic family living needs: https://gofund. me/79742446