Help me be William's eyes

My name is Fernando Vázquez. As a volunteer climbing instructor for the non-profit Catalyst Sports, I strive to make adaptive climbing more accessible to people with different types of disabilities. This is one of my climbing partners, William Lowery. Even though he's blind, he has never let that disability stop him from reaching his goals. Last July, armed with incredible will power, William beat every expectation we had by getting second place in the visually impaired category on the first USA Paraclimbing Nationals, and qualified for the World Paraclimbing Championships on September 8-14th, in Gijon, Spain. His family humbled me by asking me to be his eyes yet again in the coming competition, as they believe I am an important part in his success.

Though I am incredibly honored, this had not been my plan. The trip is not currently within my means, and I have little more than a week to try to find the money... Which is why I'm asking for your help.  William's family was able to find me a ticket for $500. As a man of principle, I believe it would be unfair for me to raise funds for a trip for myself, while the real athlete has to cover his own costs. That is why I'm setting this fundraising effort. William's plane expenses are just over $1000; lodging, transportation, and accommodations for both would quickly ammount to nearly $2500.

Help us conquer this daunting mountain. Help me be his eyes on the wall once again. Please give generously. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

I've been blessed with incredibly supportive friends and family  and I'm certain that with a small push we can get all the expenses covered for us. But why stop there? Any excess donations will be transfered to Catalyst Sports and used to expand adaptive climbing programs making them more accessible to people in the South East and all over the US.

If you have no money to spare right now, but still believein this vision, please visit their page and support them in any way you can, whenever you can. (http://www.gocatalystsports.org)

UPDATE: Thanks to the support of so many amazing friends, the initial goal was met! I've just increased my goal to $3000, and I hope the momentum keeps going! Thank you so much to everyone that helped me reach the $2000 milestone. I want to encourage everyone to keep supporting us, as it would be even more awesome to get as much as we can for lodging, transportation, and food, plus any extra we can get to support Catalyst. However, I have to say I couldn't be prouder of the friends I have, you rock, and hopefully we will too.