I need your help. I would not be asking if I didn’t have to. Please take a moment to read my story here or directly on my fundraiser page: https://gofund.me/c6c83a61e.
Despite my disabilities and chronic diseases, I love to travel. I am a female solo traveller.
I am not a millionaire, and I do not have wealthy parents. I only travel when I am able to, both financially and physically, and I travel frugally by looking for deals, and write in my spare time.
I had cancer when I was a toddler, and the subsequent cancer treatment destroyed my life. I had no say in this. The cancer treatment left me with short stature, avascular necrosis, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine diseases, gout, osteoarthritis, knock knees, an unstable gait, and numerous other comorbidities. I’ve since had another 2 cancers in the past 7 years over a period of 5 years, and value every opportunity to travel I can manage, which is now none due to my degenerative mobility condition. My full time job is managing my medical affairs and I endure pain and discomfort on a daily, permanent basis. Public transport is a struggle for me, yet, is the only way for me to get around. The Australian government has recently withdrawn funding for disability support for people like me, so I a currently only existing, and not living.
When I write my articles, I always make it a point to talk about accessibility. I’ve built this travel blog to provide practical advice to other travellers, and to show that disability doesn’t mean giving up on adventure. Travel is a passion and a form of freedom I’ve worked hard to pursue — even in the face of significant health and mobility challenges.
Due to my health issues, I have great difficulty getting meaningful paid work, and have faced discrimination when I try, then I get rejected for lack of experience.
I am also the victim of domestic violence at home and favouritism at the hands of my father, who has destroyed my relationship with my only sibling, and the rest of the family. A few years ago, in a desperate attempt to leave the house I live in and to obtain financial independence, I fell victim to a case of financial fraud (below), and a fake investment scheme, that collectively drained my savings, further damaged my independence, and left me fighting a system that has failed to act — even after multiple complaints to official government bodies and legal efforts. This fraudulent activity targeted not just me, but many others, and continues unchecked to this day.
I tipped off the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) about one of the scams, then gave a phone interview. My story, among others, were published, with mine published under a pseudonym “Melanie” today. You can read it here:
I have never asked for a hand out, and I only ask for help when I really need it.
I’m now seeking donations to help me recover what was lost — and to help me survive.
If you’ve connected with my story, my travels, or the mission behind this site, I’d be deeply grateful for your support. Every dollar and share of my fundraiser helps. My experience and other hardships put me in a state of severe depression for several years, but with your help, I look forward to writing new articles soon.
Every contribution brings me one step closer to recovery. Please read my story below. For those who can, I will be grateful for every cent you donate. If you cannot donate, I would appreciate it if you can share my donation link far and wide:
Or, donate now: