Ken McDougal Car Repair Fund

Hi Guys,
                     My name is Ken McDougal and I am a Full Time Professional Photographer living and working here on the beautiful Oregon coast in the USA. I have been doing this for over 20 Years! I specialize in shooting nature, scenic and wildlife photography for Fine Art, home and office decor. 

One of the most important "tools" I need to get to places here on the coast is my vehicle. Over the past year, my car has racked up a lot of miles and is really beginning to now break down and show her age. At this writing, my 1999 Chevy Blazer is 13 years old and has 225, 000 miles on her.  

Recently, I was on my way up the coast to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and my "check engine" light came on. I didn't want to take any chances so I turned around, and drove back to Florence, where I live and took it into my mechanic whom I have had for around 7 years. The news was not very good. 

He explained to me that there were two things that had failed. One was an oxygen sensor and the other was multiple miss fires on my fuel injector system. Everytime I would climb a hill and put a load on the engine, the engine would start skipping badly.  I asked him what would be the cost to repair both items. That's when he dropped the honest hammer on me. He said the total cost including labor would be around $1800 dollars. 

I was stunned! I don't have that kind of capitol. He suggested maybe because of the car's age and high mileage, I should think about buying a new car. I did look around but unfortunately, I soon realized that purchasing a new car (or even a good, reliable used car) with the down payment, registration, plates, insurance and monthly payments, that was not going to be an option for me.  

So that is why I started this campaign and am asking for help. 

If I can just get these two issues fixed, I can continue to do what I do best and provide new and  beautiful images for my customers and clients of the Amazing Oregon coast. My business depends on my ability to go out of town to different locations. Right now, the car still drives ok (as long as I remain in town), but the first long uphill incline I hit (and the Oregon coastline has a lot of them) the car will continue to have major problems and may quit altogether, unless I can get it repaired. 

One last thought. This problem is now beginning to effect my income. If I can't go out of our little town of Florence, Oregon to shoot photos, that means I am very limited and I can't sell those pictures. I think you get the idea. 

Any amount given as a donation, including what my wife Kim and I can contribute, will be greatly appreciated and be used exclusively for getting my ride back in shape so I can continue to do what I have been given the gift to do best. Photography is more that a passion with me, it's a calling.

Thanks in advance for your help. 

God Bless,

Ken McDougal. 

ps: If you would like to see some of my work, feel free to visit my website at KenMcDougal.com