'So many amazing people': Autism community helps Toms River family get out of Aruba

Jamie Greene put out a public call for help after her 15-year-old son Elijah Kapatos, whom she described as having “low-functioning, non-verbal autism,” refused to fly home at the end of their family vacation to Aruba.

Now, after 10 harrowing days, they have a plan to return to Toms River.

Carnival Cruise Line has offered Jamie and Elijah free passage on their upcoming trip from Aruba to Miami. The boat departs Tuesday and docks in Miami Sunday, June 5. Jamie and Elijah will drive home from there.

“I cannot tell you how great they have been,” Jamie said of Carnival officials. “They have their representative calling every day to check on us.”

She added, “So many amazing people helped us get to this point.”

Original story: Toms River family trapped in Aruba, needs help getting son with autism back home

How we got here

Greene, her three children and her boyfriend flew to Aruba May 10. Although Elijah had flown to Florida and back in 2016 and handled the flight to Aruba with no problem, he balked upon boarding the flight home May 17.

Greene said the staff of the United Airlines flight was as accommodating as possible, but Elijah refused to sit in his seat for takeoff. They had to deplane and he would not get on a different flight. Family and friends then raised $33,000 for use of an air ambulance — an emergency medical transport flight — but the company backed out after several days’ deliberation, citing safety concerns.

Greene’s younger children, ages 12 and 7, flew home May 24 with Jamie’s boyfriend (who is their father) so they could resume attending school.

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Ultimately, thanks to the advocacy of Wall resident Eileen Shaklee, who publishes the popular Facebook site “Autism With a Side of Fries,” word reached folks who could help. A reader of the site, Marybeth Emerich, reached out to a contact at Kulture City, a well-known nonprofit in the autism community. Kulture City made the connection with Carnival.

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“I honestly can’t believe it; I am blown away,” Greene said of the outpouring of support. “It’s good to see there are still really good people out there, strangers who just want to help.”

Greene said Elijah’s story “resonated with a lot of special-needs parents” who have contacted her.

“I’ve heard hundreds of times, ‘You are where I could be. I cannot believe this is happening to you, I am so sorry, but I can see myself in your shoes at any moment,’” Greene said.

She said Elijah is doing well. Her hope, when all is said and done, is that this ordeal raises awareness.

“If this helps somebody else,” she said, “I’m more than willing to get the story out there.”

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River family returning from Aruba after autistic son wouldn't fly