Argentina; Don't Cry For Me

We all have dreams, right? Welcome to my dream.

When I was 16 years old, I overheard my aunt recommending the film ‘Evita’ to a family member. I thought it sounded okay, so when it came to a local cinema, I went along. I fell in love with Eva Peron and her story. I’ve just turned 40, and am still utterly desperate to visit Buenos Aries and Eva’s hometown of Los Toldos.

However, this is not as simple as it might sound to most people. I am severely disabled and confined to an electric wheelchair. I depend on a care-giver to do a lot of things for me, so my carer will need to travel with me. As well, there are many other requirements to make the trip possible. The cost will be astronomical! I need all the help I can get.

My condition is possibly one of the most debilitating, frustrating and degrading disabilities, as well as being continually deteriorating. I have Friedreich’s Ataxia as well as a few additional complications; curvature of the spine (Scoliosis), and heart palpitations (Tachycardia).

I look after myself with diet and exercise to keep as healthy and strong as I can. I have a strict diet of fruit and vegetables, eggs and a little meat; only a little chocolate daily! I have a strict exercise regime throughout the day, to maintain my muscle tone. I visit the hydro therapy pool weekly (1-2 hours), for exercise and relaxation. I also do hand-straightening exercises constantly to keep my fingers from seizing up as I rely on my hand movements to operate my wheelchair.

As you can read, I am doing all I can to stay strong to make this trip a reality; I just need your help with funding.