Step 1: I recommend that you get your licence (if you haven't already) and ensure it allows you access to HF bands. You'll need HF to communicate over such a long distance.
Step 2: Borrow an HF radio, or find a local ham who can demonstrate one. Or spend hours researching before buying a Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood/whatever. I like Yaesu, and I have an FT817, but maybe you want more power.
Step 3: Once you have a licence every ham is your friend. Find someone in the vicinity of your remote family and make arrangements to try and establish communication. If you can do it, then you know it's possible (and how hard it was). Now you are in a great position to advise the remote family what to do.

It's a great hobby. Expect to spend hours dabbling.

(Actually, once you have made contact with the remote ham you're pretty much done. Get your remote family to buy him (statistically it will be a him) a crate of beer/side of venison/fine wine or cigars and you'll be set if an emergency hits).

(Only half-kidding).