Hi! I'm April Colby, the youngest of the five kids of Jim and Sylvia Colby. Since January 2015, my parents have been living their dream of exploring the vast and varied landscapes of North America in their trusty van. They have always had an adventurous spirit, and their travels have taken them from the green forests of the Pacific Northwest to the white sandy beaches of South Florida, and everywhere in between. Their journey has been filled with beautiful memories, new friends wherever they go, and the simple joy of living on the open road.

Their van is not just a means of transportation; it is their home, their refuge, and their constant companion. It has kept them warm during chilly nights in the Rockies, sheltered them from summer storms in the Midwest, and provided a cozy retreat after long days of exploring national parks and hidden gems. Each dent, scratch, and sticker on the van told a story of their travels, a testament to the countless miles they had journeyed. They had been to all 48 contiguous states in the first five years of travel.

Setbacks Have Never Stopped Them

In March 2020, they were in Arizona headed to Alaska when the pandemic stopped them in their tracks, and they eventually headed back east. Last summer, in hopes of making it to Alaska, they put in a new engine, and that engine failed. Did that stop them? No. They put in yet another engine and on May 27, they were once again headed west to The Last Frontier.

Wildfires in Canada slowed them down, but on June 13, they finally made it to Alaska, a destination they had been dreaming about for years. The excitement of seeing the majestic wildlife and historic landmarks was palpable. However, their joy was short-lived as tragedy struck. Just one week after making it to Alaska, their beloved van caught fire, and despite their best efforts, the engine was completely ruined.

Now, they are stranded in Alaska, frustrated, heartbroken, and in need of assistance to not only continue their journey, but also to ensure they have a safe place to sleep. The van was not just a vehicle; it was their home and it represented their freedom and their way of life. Losing it has been a devastating blow, and they need our help to get back on the road. Patience and funds wane as they sit in a motel room trying to get insurance adjusters to call and for their claim to be handled so they can figure out their next move. I know I speak for all of my brothers and sisters (Charlie, Lisa, Penny and Jimmy), when I say we just want them to have a safe place to live. And that may mean needing to get them and their belongings back home in Pennsylvania, until they can find and purchase a new van. Some of the funds may go toward room and board while looking for a new van.

Support Them in Getting a New Van

We are reaching out to you, kind-hearted friends, family, and fellow travelers, to help my parents raise funds to purchase a new home in the form of a van. Your generous donations will go directly towards buying a reliable vehicle that can allow them to be safe while continuing to live their dream. Every little bit helps, and your support will mean the world to them.

Please consider donating and sharing their story with others. Let's help my parents turn this setback into a new beginning and ensure that their journey does not come to an end. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.