Colleen Fegan is not a person who can simply plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

The Crystal Lake resident lives in a rental unit, has a 15-year-old car, and survives on Social Security Disability income. Stricken with multiple sclerosis, Fegan battles fatigue and memory issues.

She said the combination of the two has made it impossible for her to work.

“So, as I get older (58) and get sicker, I’ve found MS has stolen my dreams,” Fegan said on her gofundme page.

Traveling has always been a dream of hers and an organization called Oceans of Hope is offering her a chance to be on its “Global Voyage to Change Perceptions of Multiple Sclerosis.”

Fegan has the opportunity to be part of a crew that circumnavigates the earth on a 67-foot sailboat manned by folks like her who have MS. The trip’s mission is to show what people with MS can do.

Fegan was selected to be on the leg of the trip from Panama to the Galapagos Islands.

“Truly, I have always wanted to go there, but wrote it off long ago,” Fegan said. “I am so fortunate to have been chosen for this journey because as one of the travelers said, ‘It’s as if multiple sclerosis stays home when we go out sailing.’

“What a gift! On the sea, I won’t have to think about having a disease.”

However, the trip’s cost is an issue for Fegan. Airfare alone is nearly $3,000. Not to mention the gear she needs, food on the boat, and food, a hotel room and extras on land.

Fegan is the only American chosen for the trip.

“Please help if you can,” Fegan said. “Tell your friends, tell your church family! Then, I’ll help tell the world that with MS, we can!

“Please help an old lady cross the sea!”

Fegan’s gofundme page has gotten $2,370 from 22 donors in two months. However, she is not even halfway to her required fund-raising of $6,000.

To contribute for Fegan to go on the trip, go to www.gofundme.com/colleentrip.

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