Educational-Cultural trip "Down Under"

I am one of 16 students from my high school who was hand picked by my physics teacher to participate in a two week educational-cultural trip to New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii, June 26 - July 10, 2014.  I was selected based on my leadership skills.

The "Journey Down Under" trip is hosted by Educational Tours, a 50 year old company and world leader in international education. ET's goal is to provide students life-changing travel opportunities that are immersive, helping people become citizens of the world by breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography. We will be chaperoned our entire trip by four of our high school teachers and a full-time tour director from ET.

This trip was to be a graduation present from my parents. However, due to unforeseen circumstances my trip is in jeopardy. I had a part-time job to help contribute to the cost of the trip, but the knee injury I sustained playing varsity basketball late January prevents me from working.  

My mom is the sole supporter of our family.  Her income dropped because she lost some of her daycare clients due to the economy and the families wanting to save money.  My dad is recovering from a second surgery for a stage 4 glioblastoma (cancerous brain tumor) and is no longer able to work; therefore, contribute.

The past two years have been very difficult for me and my five siblings because of my father's illness.  He has passed the 18 month benchmark where most loose the battle.  All the family is praying for his full recovery.  A miracle could occur!

Please help me with my trip and begin the first step of my life long aspiration to travel the world experiencing various cultures and environments.  

Here's my bio:

Graduating senior with a 4.17 GPA in an Advanced Placement curriculum

Accomplished athlete:  
Basketball - 2 years JV, 2 years Varsity, Team Captain, selected by my Coach to the elite position of Captain'sTable.
Soccer - 4 years Varsity, record setting goalie,  ranked 3rd in the State of Maryland.
Softball - Catcher, 1 year JV, 1 year Varsity, currently redshirted due to my ACL injury, ranked 4th in the World Series.

Mentor to students in academics and athletics 

Community Service: Annaplis Fire Department, Special Olympics, Cape St. Claire Association

Career Goal:  Cyber security as an officer in the US Air Force

Higher Education plans:  Due to the ACL injury the numerous interests in me and offers of athletic scholarships have been put on hold.  I will attend Anne Arundel Community College to begin my studies in cyber security, then transfer to a four year institution that has an Air Force ROTC program. Hopefully, my knee will heal fully enabling me to play soccer and softball, resulting in me receiving athletic and academic scholarships getting me back on track with my original plan.

Thank you for supprting me with my project!  I am most grateful!

Intinerary for the trip