Paleontology goal

I am a female paleontologist with multiple sclerosis. Living pay check to pay check, I've never had any opportunity to travel. Four years ago, the Society for Vertebrate Paleontologists announced that its annual meeting was going to be in Brisbane, Australia. I started to scrimp and save everything I could. I had, until recently, saved $3500 for the trip and was getting really excited to go. Then, I had a multiple sclerosis flare up and medical treatment cost me almost all of what I had saved. I feel very lucky that I had the money saved to pay for treatment, but I am feeling VERY disappointed that it probably cost me my one chance to travel abroad. My friend suggested I try this. I feel silly for asking for money just to fund my trip, but I guess it is worth a try. I am proud to do what I do, preparing fossils, and to represent women in science. I would love to attend this meeting.

Thank you for listening.
Jennifer