First of all thank you for reading this.  I am looking for donations to help my son travel overseas. Why?

Well several years ago, his older sister traveled overseas as student ambassador and it was a wonderful experience for her.  She actually went twice. When she had traveled the 2nd time, he had asked if he would get to go and I promised he would.  But a lot has happened since then and I cant afford to send him with out some help. 6 years ago my husband had brain surgery for an aneurysm and while he is lucky in that he is alive, he has been unable to work since then. 4 years ago, my hubby came home and found my 16 yr old daughter collapsed in the bathroom. 

She was declared brain dead 2 days later-she had a bizarre heart problem we had never heard of.  So at the age of 8 my son became an only child.  We are still devastated at the loss of my daughter-I would not wish this on anyone.  My father in law was told he had cancer 4 weeks later and passed 6 months later. So my son lost his sister and his grandfather in a 6 month period. Over the next 2 years I had back and neck surgery. 

Just as we were starting to overcome everything, I found a lump in my breast-so over the last 11 months I have been undergoing treatment for breast cancer-the whole 9 yards-surgery, chemo and radiation. I have managed to work but it has been hard.  Through it all my son has been a trooper.  Maintaining good grades, participating in sports and being a joy to his parents.  I really would love to send him on this trip to Europe.  I think it will help him feel close to his sister, learn about the world and have a lot of fun. He is now the age she was when she went. 

Every little bit will help us! 
We are now a family of 3 with one big saint bernard.  I am a pediatric nurse and my hubby was a welder before he had his surgery.  My son spends his time away from school swimming (like his sister) , playing soccer and of course playing video games.  I am more into reading any good mystery I can get my hands on. 

I have also become very involved with the local organ donation organization- we donated my daughters organs.  And the national organization The Compassionate Friends which helps bereaved parents cope with their grief journey.  We like to take road trips in my car and camp when we have the time. 

As much as our life as been very complicated lately, we prefer the simple pleasures in life!