Help Marissa-Fencing expenses

Hi, my name is Marissa Nelson. I am 16 years old, from a small town, and looking for some help funding my fencing.  I am a nationally ranked fencer with Olympic dreams. I have the two of the highest ranks you can earn in fencing.  My national rankings are an A in Foil fencing and a B in Epee fencing.

In order to keep these rankings I need to compete in fencing tournaments across the United States.  Fencing is my passion, and a huge part of my life.  Fencing has helped me grow and become the person I am today.

With your help I am hoping to travel across the country and fence at several regional and national events.  Unfortunately fencing is not an inexpensive sport and the expenses to get me and my coach to tournaments have become a huge expense to my family. I am hoping to raise enough money to cover most of the expenses myself.  

This year my main trips will be to go to the Junior Olympics in Columbus, Ohio, in February, and the  National Championships fencing tournament at the end of June in Dallas Texas.  Beside these two National tournaments there are several out of state regional tournaments and fencing camps that I would like to attend.

The money will go towards registration for the tournaments, usually 300.00 to 400.00 dollars, regional tournaments are not quite so much.  Airfair for myself and my coach, usually between 800.00 to 1,000.00 dollars, hotel accomodations around $200.00 a day, purchasing and maintaining fencing equipment and food.

To get the funds would mean the world to me! I live to fence and I'm hoping to be able to one day travel internationally.  With the help of your support I'll be able to fence at the Junior Olympics, Summer Nationals and make it to several other regional tournaments.

With this being my Junior year in high school it is very important to make it to as many tournaments as I can. The Colleges that have fencing teams have their coaches looking for new fencers for their teams at these tournaments.

I am so thankful that there are caring, wonderful people out there like you to help me with this, you will be a big part of my success story in my fencing career.   It's people like you who I will be forever greatful for getting me to where I need to be in order to acomplish my goals! I thank you for your help, support, and kindness from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, again so much for your help!