Help me travel while I'm able!

My name is Phil Ord, and I have a disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This causes progressive muscle weakness and eventually heart and respiratory failure. The good news is right now while I am relatively healthy and able. I still require help with many things most people take for granted like brushing my teeth, itching my face, and putting on a sweatshirt. I have a shortened life-span, and will be lucky to see thirty. However, this does not stop me trying my hardest to live a full life. 

Science is what makes me the happiest and most motivated. I graduate in May with a biology degree with a minor in chemistry. Through good luck and hard work, I have been able to move out of my parents’ house and live independently at college with the assistance of caregivers. A full tuition scholarship was awarded to me based on high marks scored on an entrance science exam. I am a climate change activist, and I plan to dedicate my life to making the world a better place with my knowledge through peaceful revolution.  Lately, I have my sights set on going to Paris in December, to rally outside the climate talks. My environmental group, The Breakthrough Institute, will be demonstrating and joining them would be teriffic. I love exploration in general and have wanted to do some traveling outside my hometown of Denver, Colorado, which has proved itself difficult.

Some may feel sorry for me, that I will leave this world too early, which is unfortunate.  I love life, and value every moment of it. If anything, my illness has given me incredible perspective, humility and insight. Occasionally something gets me down, but a million things bring me back up again. This is why I am excited to travel, and witness as much beauty and wonder of this planet as humanly possible, before my body starts failing in a few years. Friends are my most valued possession, because at the end of the day, relationships are what make my life so meaningful. I figured trying crowdfunding amongst my friends would open up a few doors for me to travel a bit, and provide an opportunity explore. I am very limited financially with Social Security benefits. Also, traveling with a severe disability has hidden costs that are hard to forecast, such as securing an accesible place to stay. I am grateful to anybody who has even considered helping me, for they are truly a blessing. Thanks for reading!