Wedged between a massive truck and a backhoe, saved by STARS. Given blood by STARS after being impaled by a spinning blade. Airlifted by STARS after crashing to the ground off a bucking horse in a remote area.
These are just some of the stories of survival that filled the airwaves on April 1st and 2nd for the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon presented by BHP in support of STARS.
The stories came from STARS VIPs — Very Important Patients whose lives have been saved by the organization that has flown 60,000 missions since 1985 to provide emergency medical care out of its iconic red helicopters.
During the radiothon, the VIPs’ experiences filled vehicles, homes, businesses (and any other place where the radio plays) with the goal of sharing hope while creating more for the future through donations.
Over $565,000 for care when it matters most
The community answered the call and responded with an immense spirit of giving.
“Throughout the two days, we heard from our Very Important Patients, members of our flight crew, and community allies who each shared stories about STARS’ impact in their lives and in the community,” says Jerri-Lynn Johnston, the vice president of the STARS Foundation.
“I am so excited to share that thanks to your tremendous generosity, we raised over [$565,000] to support our mission of providing critical care anywhere.”
Johnston is thankful to the VIPs Lyle Griffin, Draidyn Wollmann, Tyler Lister, Sean Rickards, and Paula Johnson for “generously” lending their voices to help raise funds.
‘Built by the community for the community’
Johnston also has gratitude for the sponsors who helped make the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon a resounding success.
“Their dedication to our work helps ensure we can continue to be there for the next patient in need,” she says.
In the end, the impact that the funds from the radiothon will have is one that the whole community shares.
“STARS was built by the community for the community,” says Johnston. “Thanks to all of you, we will continue to explore industry-leading innovations, provide the highest quality training, and deliver the best possible outcomes for patients whenever or wherever they need us. From all of us at STARS, a sincere thank you for supporting Critical Care on the Air.”
To continue supporting the work that STARS does in the province, purchase tickets for the Lucky STARS 50/50 here.
The fundraiser allows the community to get further involved in saving lives while also receiving the chance to win big. The jackpot, for which the ticket purchase deadline is May 29th, will be up to $300,000.
Those who buy tickets before May 1st will be entered to win a trip for two to Ireland or $6,500 in cash.