Help Mark Lepow's Dream to Experience New Zealand Come True.

Hi! My name is Mark Lepow, I’m 59 years old, and in stage four kidney failure. When I get to stage five, I start dialysis and will be placed on the kidney transplant list.

I created this GoFundMe to help fund my lifelong dream to experience New Zealand firsthand.

This adventure WILL BE FRUGAL!!!! Via friends who live in NZ, I have places I can couch surf for a few nights here and there. My list of free/nearly free events is steadily growing, and the word camping has been part of my vocabulary since I was a kid.

I welcome suggestions for places and events but please realize that I am not interested in visiting Hobbiton or other touristy places. I’m looking for natural beauty like mountains, waterfalls, and beaches.

Though I will be traveling solo, you will be going along with me. Via nearly daily posts to my substack, YouTube, and other socials, where I will share my unique take on New Zealand via photos and videos.

To get quite serious here for a moment, time is of the essence because while my very strict diet and exercise have decreased the rate of damage to my kidneys, I am sliding toward stage five and dialysis.

There is a slight chance I could go on dialysis while I am in NZ. If that happens, I may not be cleared to return to the States. Dialysis for a non-resident in NZ costs at least $900NZD per treatment, assuming no other expenses. My hope is to be stabilized enough to return to the States and continue dialysis here. But to be honest, if I am not cleared for travel by NZ, I have been assured that I will receive the medical attention I need.

BUT I REFUSE TO GIVE UP! Yes, I’m stage four kidney failure but there is so much more I can and want to do. Planning this trip has given me hope, hope I haven’t had for a long time.

So, please come along with me on this last adventure before I go on dialysis.

Thank you,

Mark Lepow