If you have a few minutes, I would like to tell you a story. I used to travel whenever I got the chance. I worked hard to earn every penny I could to be able to explore as much of the world as I could reach. I never made it beyond the United States, but at the time, that was enough because I always knew there was 'someday'! Unfortunately, over the years, my physical and mental health became more of an obstical. Then, after becoming disabled 6 years ago, unemployed for the last 4 years, a 2 year battle with SSDI only to be told i'm 'not disabled enough' for help, I have been losing hope and begun to identify more as a medical pin cushion than a person.

Last year, I made an attempt on my life. Fortunately, it was aborted, but it resulted in the start of a terrifying period of my life. I knew my depression was crippling, and most days still is, but I did not understand what I was willing to do until I faced it. There are still days that I see that dangerous possibility looking at me in the mirror. I don't like this person I have become, and I miss the adventurer I used to be.

That is what this trip can give me! It can help me reclaim that spark of passion I used to have. Refind some of the good parts of the person I used to be! And maybe even give me a sense of hope that has become so foreign to me.

I have been presented with a brief window of opportunity to explore several countries alongside my best friend! A friend I have not seen in far too long after they moved out of country with their husband 5 years ago! It is a limited window because of my health and their work, which is why I am seeking help to fund it. And quickly. For this trip, I will be traveling for approximately a month through seven different countries: Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Poland, and France.

Currently, I have saved enough to make it to Italy. I have sold as much of my fandom collections as I can to gather the money, and now I am asking for help. Every $300 I raise will allow another country to be part of my adventure! The funds I am hoping to raise here will only cover travel and housing costs for this trip.

To prepare for this trip I will be spending the next several months working very hard on my mobility, both to improve it, and to find the best accommodations to use on bad days, something I am still learning to adapt to. I will work on my anxiety, coping and pushing my personal boundaries, and managing my depression. I will also be planning as many incredible moments and experiences as I can fit into this adventure!

I would also like to assure all of you that if I am unable to raise the funds to afford the trip, all funds I do raise will be donated to other causes.

I would also be more than happy to have all of you be part of my trip! I will be posting my trip as much as possible #WhereInTheWorldIsMandiSanDiego!

And for anyone who wants a postcard from any of the places I visit, you can contact me to get me your address and I will gladly send you one or more!

Thank you all for your time and support! Any tips you have or suggestions on where to visit are welcome!