How Jenny’s Voyage Was Salvaged
BigIslandNow recently carried the story of how Jenny’s dream was almost shattered when she was sold a $10,000 used engine rather than an $8,000 new engine. The engine she received was unable to hold oil pressure.
Jenny was not interested in losing more time and money by going to court. However, she was out of money and had to cash in a retirement account.
Then she began sending emails to companies for help.
Yanmar Marine America is a company that creates and builds marine engines as well as marine drive systems. Yanmar replied to Jenny and sent her a new $20,000 engine, no strings attached. The company also reimbursed Jenny for her loss in order to help her pay for the refit. Yanmar continued to help Jenny and even offered to pay a mechanic to install the new engine.
The aptly named Hail Mary Marine and K & C Mobile Marine joined forces to help with the installation. Boat Works repainted the hull at the Ke’ehi Marine Center.
Jenny said that this unbelievable act of kindness turned up another surprise. The engine company is international, meaning that her sponsorship with them can help at various locations throughout the world.
A Change in Route
The delayed launch meant that Jenny had to change the planned route due to hurricane season in the Pacific. She has to skip French Polynesia and Tahiti thus avoiding the danger zone. She will be safe in the South Pacific and then move to the Northern Hemisphere during cyclone season.
Of course, Jenny is always aware of CMT’s progression. Recently Jenny sailed to Palmyra Atoll located in the Northern Pacific. She suffered extreme fatigue and dislocated her knee. Jenny was unable to reset the knee herself and had to wait until she returned to Kona.
Thea Cyr is Jenny’s partner and admits that she is somewhat anxious about the trip, yet she has faith that Jenny will prevail. Thea plans to meet Jenny at several ports along the way.
Crowd Funding
Jenny is using GoFundMe and other online support with the hope that these groups will eventually enable her to donate to CMT research organizations.
It is Jenny’s desire to spread awareness about CMT hoping to find a cure. She also would like to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the first person with CMT to complete the (estimated) three-year journey.
Look for our PART III article next month by searching: “Patient Worthy Jenny Decker”
