I'm a stroke survivor who wants to walk the Caminho de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela—a 150-mile pilgrimage. After my stroke took away my ability to walk, I've spent years rebuilding my strength and now I want to challenge myself with this journey. I'm raising funds to cover the cost of the trip, and any money raised beyond my expenses will be donated to Portugal AVC, a stroke recovery organization in Portugal. This walk represents reclaiming the words 'you are good enough' for myself after being told I was too healthy to receive disability support during my recovery.
The funds will cover the essential costs of making this pilgrimage possible: round-trip airfare from the US to Porto, Portugal, accommodations in pilgrim hostels, meals during the walk, pilgrim credential and gear, and a travel buffer for extra days and emergencies. Any funds raised beyond my expenses will be donated to Portugal AVC, an organization dedicated to supporting stroke survivors in Portugal. This trip is about more than the physical challenge—it's about inspiring other stroke survivors and raising awareness for organizations like Portugal AVC.
To anyone considering supporting this journey—thank you. After my stroke, I spent months in a hospital bed wondering if I'd ever walk again. The fact that I'm planning to walk 150 miles across Portugal still feels surreal. Your support means more than just helping me get to Portugal. It means you see the same thing I'm trying to prove: that our challenges don't define our worth. Every dollar you contribute helps me reclaim those words for myself and shows other stroke survivors that our stories don't end with our setbacks—they transform because of them. If you can't donate, that's okay. Sharing this campaign, following along, or sending good thoughts—it all matters. I'll be documenting the entire experience, and I want this to be a story we share together. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
**TOTAL GOAL: $3,000**
**Flight**
- Round-trip airfare (US to Porto, Portugal): **~$800-1,000**
- _Note: Price varies by departure city, season, and booking time_
**Accommodations (12 nights)**
- Pilgrim hostels (albergues): $15-20/night average
- **12 nights = ~$180-240**
- _Buffer for potential private room if needed for recovery: +$100-200
**Food (12 days walking)**
- Meals: $25-30/day average
- **12 days = ~$300-360**
**Caminho Essentials**
- Pilgrim credential (passport): **~$5**
- Any necessary gear (backpack, boots, rain gear, etc.): **~$100-150**
- Emergency medical supplies/blister care: **~$50**
**Travel Buffer**
- Extra days in Porto (arrival/departure): **~$100**
- Extra day in Santiago de Compostela: **~$50**
- Emergency fund (taxis, unexpected accommodations, medical): **~$200-300**
**Misc**
- SIM card/mobile data: **~$30**
- Tips/donations along the way: **~$50**
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**ESTIMATED TOTAL: $2,065 - $2,585**
**Goal set at $3,000 to account for:**
- Flight price fluctuations
- Post-stroke accessibility needs (private rooms for recovery, transportation alternatives)
- Currency exchange rates
- Unexpected expenses
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**TRANSPARENCY COMMITMENT:**
**Any funds raised beyond actual trip costs will be donated directly to Portugal AVC (Associação Portugal AVC).**
Example scenarios:
- If trip costs $2,200 and we raise $3,000 → **$800 to Portugal AVC**
- If trip costs $2,500 and we raise $4,000 → **$1,500 to Portugal AVC**
- If trip costs $3,000 and we raise $3,000 → Complete the Caminho successfully
All receipts will be kept for transparency.
Organizer
