Help Keep Stars in the Sky

I was in the coffee shop drive thru lane when I heard a very distinctive “whop whop” sound. My eyes went to my rearview mirror and I watched waiting, knowing what I’d soon see. In a matter of seconds the helicopter landed in place at our city hospital, the signature logo visible as a team rushed to action upon its arrival.

I’ve witnessed this before, yet always have the same feeling. I watch as my heart pours with sorrow for the mission, yet also complete gratefulness because that logo is a sign of hope, health and ultimately – life.

Five times a day, STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) helicopters take to the sky to bring skilled medical crews to Albertans in need. We are a vast and diverse province making it sometimes difficult to get to timely medical attention in emergencies. In this case, STARS swoops in giving that chance for life when it might not be possible otherwise.

support stars air ambulance

Since STARS lifted off for the first time in 1985, they’ve since flown more than 36,000 missions, and families are touched by STARS daily. Some of the VIP {very important patients} stories are shared online to serve as examples of how STARS helped make a difference.

support stars air ambulance

I’ve spent a great deal of time reading so many of the heartfelt STARS VIP stories. One example is from Casey, whom was about 11 at the time he wrote this:

Being in a car crash is scary.

When I was six, I was thrown through the windshield of our family car onto the highway, close to my home. I was on my way to school.

My body was very sore and I had a really bad brain injury. My family was very worried about me. Our house was far away from a big city, so the paramedics knew to call STARS so the helicopter could carry me to hospital quickly. I was in a coma for three weeks and more than 400 people came to visit me.

Today, I am so much better. I go to Grade 5 where my favourite subject is math. My teachers and my grandmother help me do my school work. I also play lacrosse and bug my brother a lot. Most importantly, my hockey team went undefeated last season. I really hope we can do that this year, too.

Even though being in a helicopter was cool, I don’t think I want it to happen again. I know that it took a whole bunch of people working together to save my life and that makes me happy.

Thank you to everyone who helps STARS help kids like me.

Many others who have been touched by STARS are sharing their stories on social media using #ISupportSTARS, like this one:


 

Help Keep Stars in the Sky

 
Alberta’s Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service offers time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients. Knowing about the existence of STARS isn’t enough, as they heavily rely on fundraising in order to operate. They can’t do it alone.

One of their key fundraisers each year is STARS Lottery Alberta, and tickets through purchase are crucial to ongoing operation.

Tickets start at just $25 and prizes are $350,000 cash, 3 amazing dream homes located in Alberta, and more cash prizes totalling $1.75 million. The prizes are great, yet the cause is even greater, which is why I have personally supported this fundraiser for more years than I can recall. The ticket sales deadline is March 22, 2018, so don’t miss out and help support STARS through this fundraising initiative. 

From disasters, and rescues and getting to a hospital or to one afar that has specialized services required to sustain life – it’s so crucial to have STARS in the sky.

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own.

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