Molokai to Oahu Crossing

Two weeks ago,I wasn't going to participate in the Molokai to Oahu World Championships of Paddleboarding,I just didn't feel ready.But a day later I spoke to a very close friend who made it all happen for me to do my first M2O race back in 1999,and he reminded me,that its not about racing someone for a trophy,its about making it across to the other side.Just weeks before my first crossing ,my friend went out of his way to make sure it happened ,being a master mechanic,he mounted the outboard engine on my little 14 foot boat ,got it running perfectly,checked the weather forecast,and said,its on ! we are taking this boat ,this is your escort boat.............My friend now has terminal cancer,all the doctors can do is buy him more time with his life.I can't mention his name,because he does not want anyone to feel pity for him,he's one of the strongest minded person's Ive ever known and he is nothing short of a genius .So Ive decided to participate in this years event,not to race ,but to make it across for my 14th time and dedicate this run for my buddy who gave me my start,I really don't know if I would become the crazy paddler I am today,if it wasn't for my true friend who skippered the tiny boat while coaching me the first time.My goal is to either video this crossing myself with a gopro or have someone video me from the escort boat,mainly to be able to send my friend a short film of my paddle to watch as he's doing his artwork,because I know it will put a smile on his face.As far as this paddle goes,I am super late on training due to an injury I had during the winter that took months to heal,I am not by any means race ready,it will be hard for me and it will be done in God speed and I will put my heart and soul into it, .,,,, Because of the paddleboard I recently bought,before I made this commitment , it took my last cent,What I'm asking for is help on affording the expensive escort boat,thats all,,,I have evrything else,,any amount will be greatly appreciated . I Thank you in Hawaiian,Mahalo,,,,,; Chris Owens