
From Bed to Bus: One Disabled Man’s Epic Farewell Journey
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Who I Am
Hey, I’m Danny — you might know me online as OGKrip, the Cyborg Viking.
I’m 42 years old, disabled, and living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. These days, I spend most of my time in bed, fully dependent on medical equipment and care aides. But I’ve always found joy in creating content, connecting with people through humor, nostalgia, and real talk. And right now, I have one last dream I want to make happen:
A road trip from British Columbia to California in a modified motorhome or bus, with my care team, my gear, and a camera—filming the whole thing as one final epic ride before my health declines any further.
But before I tell you more about that, I want you to understand where I’m coming from.
The Long Fight
I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when I was just 2 years old. The doctors said I wouldn’t live past 18. Even now, the average life expectancy for someone with my condition is only 26.
After the diagnosis, I had to go to the children's hospital every 6 months. Not once did my father ever come. He left when I was 7.
My mom has remained fiercely dedicated to my care, and even at 80 years old, she’s still by my side. She’s loved me unconditionally, made countless sacrifices, and done everything she can to keep me in our family home. I’m also incredibly grateful for my sisters, who’ve stepped in to support me over the years. And Keith—the way he’s shown up, helped out, and stood by me—has meant more than I can say. Honestly, I don’t know if I would’ve made it this far without all of them.
There were many times I was told I wouldn’t survive:
- In 2005, I got pneumonia. The doctor said I wouldn’t make it. I pulled through.
- In 2014, a routine wisdom tooth removal turned into sepsis and lung failure. I spent seven weeks in the hospital and lost five days of memory. I was given less than a 10% chance to survive. I pulled through.
- In 2023, a hip fracture led to a severe pressure sore. The doctor said it could take two years to heal—if I even survived two months. I signed a DNR. I signed the paperwork for a medically assisted death.
But after five months of steady decline, something in me snapped. I said, “Forget this. I’m not ready to go.”
I doubled down on everything I could. And in less than two months, the wound that was supposed to take years to close… healed. Even the nurses were stunned.
But it left its mark. I used to spend most of my day in my chair—now I’m mostly confined to bed. My life and my routine are permanently changed.
And yet, I’ve never felt more alive.
What This Trip Means
DMD is a progressive condition. It takes something every few years.
At 11, I lost the ability to walk.
At 19, I couldn’t feed myself.
At 22, I needed a breathing machine to sleep.
At 27, I was put on a ventilator 24/7.
At 36, I had my last bite of pizza.
At 39, I had my last sip of tea.
Now, I can’t even swallow my own saliva. I’m losing the ability to speak clearly.
But I’m still here.
I’m still smiling.
Still making videos.
Still connecting with people.
Still dreaming.
Still grateful.
This road trip isn’t just about the places I’ll go—it’s about celebrating the fact that I made it this far. It’s about honoring the life I’ve fought so hard to hold onto.
It’s about one last adventure—on my own terms—with the people who’ve helped me survive, and the camera that’s helped me share my story.
Why I’m Documenting Everything
One of the biggest reasons I want to do this trip—and document every part of it—is because I want to leave something behind. Not just memories, but something real.
For most of the past 20 years, there are barely any photos or videos of me. It’s like I disappeared from my own story. That’s why I started creating YouTube Shorts and videos. I want my friends, my family—and anyone who’s followed this journey—to have something to hold onto when I’m gone.
Not just a memory, but a legacy. A record that I was here. That I lived. That I fought. And that I still found ways to laugh and chase adventure, even when it seemed impossible.
This trip isn’t just about traveling. It’s about reclaiming my story while I still can.
And more than that—I hope it inspires someone out there who’s struggling. Someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or like their dreams are slipping away.
If even one person sees this journey and thinks, “If he can do it, maybe I can too,” then all of this will have been worth it.
No matter how hard life gets—don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop fighting. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.
A Legacy on Wheels
This motorhome won’t just be for one epic trip — my dream is to turn it into a shared resource for other people with disabilities. When I’m not using it, I want others who need accessible travel but can’t afford it to be able to hit the road.
With the help of donors, local sponsors, and maybe a community fund, this vehicle could stay on the road—well-maintained, insured, and available for future trips.
Your support helps launch more than just a journey—it builds a legacy of freedom and access for others like me.
The Road Trip Plan
️ 10 Days
60–65 hours of driving
Filming every step
Must-See Stops:
- Astoria, Oregon (Goonies vibes)
- Portland (retro food and bookstores)
- Disneyland (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)
- Universal Studios (Harry Potter World)
- Santa Monica Pier (beach, boardwalk, arcade)
- Las Vegas (Pinball Hall of Fame, neon everything)
Full Itinerary:
- Day 1: Vancouver → Astoria → Portland
- Day 2: Overnight drive to Hollywood
- Day 3: Universal Studios
- Day 4: Santa Monica Pier
- Day 5: Disneyland
- Day 6: Anaheim → Las Vegas
- Day 7: One full day in Las Vegas
- Days 8–10: Return via Oregon and Washington
What the Funds Will Cover
This is more than a trip—it’s a disability-accessible documentary and legacy project.
Accessible Motorhome or Bus
- Vehicle: $50,000–$100,000
- Accessibility mods: $25,000–$75,000
Subtotal: $75,000–$175,000
⚕️ Care Aide Team (24/7 for 10 days)
Subtotal: $20,000–$25,000
Film Crew and Post-Production
Subtotal: $35,000–$70,000
⛽ Fuel and Travel
Subtotal: $5,500
️ Attractions (Disney, Universal, Vegas)
Subtotal: $1,500–$2,000
️ Meals for Crew and Aides
Subtotal: $2,500–$3,000
️ Insurance, Permits, Contingency
Subtotal: $5,000–$8,000
Estimated Total: $140,000 – $285,000
Stretch Goals: Maximize the Legacy
- $175K: Better vehicle, upgraded accessibility, reliable power for medical gear
- $200K: Extra videographer, drone footage, improved livestream setup
- $225K: Full doc edit, original music, accessibility features
- $250K: Public screenings, archive the footage, photobook
- $285K: Full backup support + real-time content sharing + press/media kit
Final Thoughts
I don’t want to go quietly.
I want to hit the road like a Viking on wheels — BiPAP, battle bus, and all — and leave something behind that people will remember.
If you can help fund this trip—or just share it—you’re not just making a dream come true.
You’re helping me tell a story that ends my way.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for believing.
– Danny
aka OGKrip, the Cyborg Viking
Organizer
Danny Nicholson
Organizer
Nanaimo, BC