Send Tyler Nelson to Europe

Quick Snapshot: A few years ago, Tyler Nelson told me he was diagnosed with Huntington's disease (HD). So I asked him if there was anything that he wanted to do before the symptoms of HD made it harder to do. His answer? Tyler said that he had always wanted to visit Europe. So this gofundme intends to collect some money to send Tyler and a friend to Europe... you know, to look at European stuff. Unfortunately, COVID has thrown a bit of a monkey wrench in everything and delayed posting this fundraiser. But I figured now would be an excellent time to gather money and allow Tyler to start planning accordingly.

 

Who is Tyler Nelson? Tyler Nelson is a native of Lexington, KY. He attended Lafayette Highschool where he enjoyed playing guitar in the jazz band. It was during this period his mother Ellen was diagnosed with Huntingtons. Tyler learned a great deal over this period, finding ways to bring humor and joy into an otherwise difficult circumstance. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in history. After finishing school, He spent many years involved in musical pursuits playing live music and selling music gear. He also spent time in the pet disposal business.

 

What? A trip to Europe to enjoy while Tyler's health still allows it. The $8,000 goal reflects the reality of a two-person trip to Europe for about two weeks, including airfare, accommodations, food and entertainment.

My numbers are generic as no trip has been scheduled or even planned. Regardless, here's a rough budget:

Roundtrip flights for two: ~$2,000

Lodging for two weeks: ~$2,800 (priced at $200 per night)

Food and entertainment for two people for two weeks: ~$2,800 (daily per diem of $200)

Travel within Europe: ~$400

The length and quality of stay would fluctuate depending on the success of the fundraising.

 

Why? Diagnosis of Huntington's Disease and its prognosis of diminished physical and cognitive ability over time. Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders. No cure exists, but drugs, physical therapy, and talk therapy can help manage some symptoms. At the time of his diagnosis, Tyler was told that he might start to notice a decline after only a few years. Time is of the essence, and now is a great time to plan a trip to Europe.