Help Tegan Meet Ellen gets underway

Meeting Ellen Degeneres is a huge dream in itself, but for me it is part of a wider plan. This campaign is aimed towards my ultimate vision of a once in a lifetime trip, which for me this experience would be. My ambition comes out of the desire to have at least tried to achieve all my life ambitions while I still can. I say this because the health condition that I have, Muscular Dystrophy, is one which will continue to deteriorate over time. Without wanting to seem dramatic this fact has given a sense of urgency to many of my plans in the past year or so, whether this is a sub-conscious drive or just the impatience of a mid 20's young woman, I don't know. But I do know that over my life time it has generally paid off to trust my instincts.

So, I'm diving into this idea and making plans with all my efforts and energy, combined with those of the people nearest and dearest to me.

The outline of my ambitious dream is that all our efforts on facebook, twitter, and youtube, combined with the personal approach of a parcel that will be sent to Ellen will eventually convince her and her producers to scoop us up and take us to LA (Los Angeles) and present me and my supporters to Ellen. Ultimately, I would not only like to meet her and get to talk with her, but I would also love to be a guest on her show. I hope my efforts and what I have to say would encourage others to pursue their own goals and adventures. In particular, I hope this message will reach young people, especially those with disabilities, who may question the possibilities that their life may offer with the restrictions of their condition.

My own disability means that I require a significant amount of physical assistance and support with every aspect of my life. For this reason I will be traveling with four others, so that the work load of assisting me can be shared. I'm creating a backup plan of travel arrangements if this amazing campaign doesn't get the results I'm hoping for, as I'm still totally determined, no matter what, to get to LA for a holiday.

As with all travel there are complexities and costs involved. Due to my disability and health needs, the costs and planning needed are greater than the average traveler's requirements. The long flight means that there would be major strain on my breathing and comfort, as I usually would spend my day supported in a chair that allows me to shift and adjust my seat to give extra space for my breathing and muscle comfort. To allow for this I need to travel in business class, as I also need to access power outlets when I sleep, because I use a breathing support machine. The level of support I require means I would have to have one of my travel companions with me, meaning these two tickets would be more than four times the cost of two economy tickets. This doesn't include the other expenses, such as accessible transport and accommodation, which often charge at a higher rate because of their specialized service.

Despite these challenges I'm determined to go ahead and use my stubbornness optimism and creativity along with the combined efforts of my support network to overcome the obstacles and reach my ultimate ambition.

Life is for living, and to kick ass.

Tegan