Direct, Personal Help to People in Sendai

Yuji as MC at our
wedding in 2002 

Yuji Igari is a good friend who lives in Sendai, the major city closest to the earthquake's epicenter. A music therapist by training, Yuji runs a small private practice called "Commuon" helping the developmentally disabled learn to interact better and express themselves through music. Needless to say, his fledgling business is now gone with no realistic hope of revival in the near future. Yuji's house is in ruins. He spends his days waiting in lines to collect rations of food and water for his wife and little boy. They spend their nights sleeping in his car.

Hearing from Yuji via Facebook brought the tragedy in Japan home for me. This morning, I asked him to put aside his pride and accept some money as help. Much to my surprise, he did not refuse. On the contrary, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. He and so many like him really need direct and immediate assistance, quite frequently in the form of money.

With his son
before the tsunami

I sent Yuji some money and have offered to send more if I can solicit the help of others. In turn, he has promised to share what I collect with the most vulnerable in his community. Being a person who has dedicated his career to helping those with special needs, I trust Yuji can and will do much good for those around him. But he needs our help.

Please donate $5 or $10 right now by clicking the link below, more if you can afford it. I will personally match every dollar that is collected between now and 24 March up to $500. Then, on the 25th, I'll send half of the total to Yuji and the rest to the Japanese Red Cross, which is doing amazing things in the Tohoku region.

Don't hesitate to give. Even a small amount will help.


Together, you helped me raise $1,090 for Yuji and the Japanese Red Cross. Many thanks.
The fundraiser is now closed.