Posted Condolences / Memories

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The opinions expressed on this page are those of the individuals posting submissions, not the University of Michigan or its affiliates. The University of Michigan reserves the right to edit submissions at its discretion, and to not publish submissions deemed inappropriate for posting on this board.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 09:54 AM by Jason Benson

Our deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic event. Our hearts are broken.

Dr. David Ashburn was one of my daughter Josephine Rosie Benson's Doctors. He was with us when she passed after three weeks in NICU. She was born with HLHS a congenital heart defect. We developed a connection quickly and became friends over the three weeks we knew him. He made our day a little brighter each time we saw him. His wit and charm, he was everything a Doctor should be, caring, kind, compassionate. We talked of fly-fishing in northern Michigan, how we would go one day. I never made him the flies I promised. He gave me his home phone number just in case I needed to talk. This was the kind of person he was. Such a great man, a huge loss for all of us.

Rest in peace brother.


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 09:30 AM by Mariano FECCIA

I am near to the deep family pain, the only message could be: think how many times the transplants give the hope for life for many patients

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 09:07 AM by John Brinkerhuff

Even though I had sent a previous note, I wanted to say I am a grateful Heart Transplant Recipient since July of 1991. While I was near death in the hospital at UofM, the donor was there already - we did not use the services of those who have to go out to get the organs. But I can still remember hearing the helicopter come and go as it was serving others.

When I had my life given back to me, I was so overwhelmed with appreciation and joy that I wanted to thank everyone and anyone who has any part of this miracle perforing team.

I will for ever be remembering my life saving experience and all those who had any part in it.

To the families of our loved ones who died in that crash, my wife and I share your grief personally because we lost our son at the age of 23 in a motorcycle accident. I tell you that to lend credibility to what I want to say to you. That is this: With time the pain will come back less often and with less severity, but no matter how long it is afterwards, at any moment something will be said or an event will happen and it will all come back with great sadness.

This tragedy is an example of what I am speaking about and when I heard the news, my sadness for those we love was again very real.

My hope is that you will be able to do as we have and that is remember the good times and let them make you feel like you still have your loved one near you.

My favorite promise from my bible is in Phil. 1:21 and says: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Most sincerely, John & Lorna Brinkerhuff, Heart Transplant # 174


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 03:30 AM by Omar M Lattouf

My sincere condolences to the families of the transplant team and to the University of Michigan and its community.

Omar M Lattouf


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 03:30 AM by Francesco Seddio

I express my personal condolences to the families of our colleagues.

Francesco Seddio MD, Bergamo, ITALY


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 12:46 AM by Dot and Corvin Morris

To the entire country: I have the privilege of being with one of Richard's Chenault's sister (Juanita Chenault) here in Tampa Florida. The fruit of his love/(Apple doesn't fall far from the tree) is being exemplified. I didn't have the oppportunity to meet him. Yet, his sister assures me. He is with the LORD. She reminds me not to question God, but to know Richard and his colleagues had more lives ..just in another dimension. I hope all readers/writers..this event draws us all closer to friends, loved ones and God. The UM Transport Team's Life was not in vain. God Bless us all......

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 11:07 PM by Bruce Neumann

Dear University of Michigan Transplant Staff:

We would like to extend our condolences to the entire U-M Health Organization and especially to the Transplant team and pilots who lost their lives this week while helping others.

I had a liver transplant at UW-Madison in June 1994 and as I look forward to celebrating the 13th anniversary of my "gift of life" I want you to know that the work of the transplant teams is so appreciated by us. These teams put in endless hours helping others and the recovery teams put their lives on the line traveling in adverse conditions to retrieve organs in order to save the lives of others.

The night of my transplant there were severe thunderstorms that hampered the return flight and my surgery was delayed several hours until the weather finally broke enough to allow the recovery team to fly back to Madison. I think of that often and the unfortunate event this week made me realize just how much these real people put their lives on the line each day to help those of us in need.

You are all in our prayers. Please know that your work is truly appreciated.

Our prayers also go out to the donor family (true heroes as well).

Sincerely,
Bruce (liver recipient June 26, 1994), Lorie, Tonya and Amanda Neumann, McFarland, WI


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 08:31 PM by Sylva Portoian-SHUHAIBER

TO THE GIFTED TRANSPLANT TEAM PILOTS & FAMILIES

"Virtous Hands" of team
departed from earth-corn.
Left together-,leaving
our hearts torn in mourn!

"Immortal Hands"
who saved many hearts,
no longer can save
and give more lives!

"Creative Hands"
can transplant no more
to needed spirits
waiting to renew soul!

Why God sometimes
receive the givers?
leave the slayers;
yet hurt believers!

Let us pray
save all givers
Save their families
never be grievers!

Sylva Portoian-Shuhaiber MD


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 08:15 PM by Suzie Tierney

I am a double lung transplant recipient of March 2, 1999. The morning after the accident I was at the U for an appt not related to my transplant. While I was waiting for the Dr...my transplant coordinator, Cathy Walls showed up...she hunted me down to tell me about the accident in person because she didn't want me to hear about it on the TV. Even though I am numb with sadness I am so proud to be part of the U of MI family. The thoughtfulness of Cathy and my beloved Dr. Fernando Martinez go well over the top. U of MI has many heroes. God Bless all of them.

Suzie Tierney
Double Lung Transplant
March 2, 1999


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 06:51 PM by JOE MILLER MD

To Dr. Mark Orringer, members of the staff, residents of the Univ., and family members of those lost:

My thoughts and prayers are with each of you individually and collectively in this time of tragic loss. No words can express my sorrow or make it any easier for any of you or the Univ. of Mich. It is my firm belief that God looks after us and will take care of us. Each of you will be in my prayers.

Yours in Christ:
Joe Miller MD
Prof. of Cardiothoracic Surgery: Emory Univ.


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 05:04 PM by Norma J. Powell

My prayers go out to the entire University of Michigan Health System family. I cannot even imagine what you are going through...

Norma Powell


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12:56 PM by Janie Waskerwitz

Dearest Michigan Transplant Family, Life is precious but life is also fragile.

Let us rededicate ourselves to our noble cause of saving and improving the lives of others through transplantation in memory of our fallen heroes!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Have a safe journey!

Love Always,
Janie


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12:18 PM by Mary Pulte

My husband, James Pulte was a Blessed Recipient of a liver transplant 6/90. Thanks to Dr. Robert Merion, & Dr. Campbell, Harvester, Jim lived more than 16 productive years, witnessed the birth of 11 more Grandchildren, & retired to Florida! Our Gratitude to Libby Ford who Monitored Jim's progress with Compassionate Expertise, while 'Touching Base' with me with a Tender Heart! May this tragedy remind folks of the Need for Organs from all of us who believe that 'our loss has been Heavens Gain!' Respectfully, Mary Pulte

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12:06 PM by Orchid Stewart

Something as simple as recognizing someone by their walk and their crisp white coat, realizing just how much you will miss that person. Having someone greet you with a smile at all times even though they may not feel like smiling. Knowing someone that could touch another family's heart in their darkest hour to help another family, this is what I will miss about my friend Richard Chenault.

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 11:32 AM by The Crouthamel Family

To the LaPensee family, and the Fire Department family of Ricky LaPensee, friends, coworkers, we are so sorry for your loss as well as our own. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. M. LaPensee-Crouthamel

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 11:02 AM by Athos Capuani

Dear friends and colleagues we would like to express and share the profound sadness in this time and to say that we are very close to the families. We experienced a very similar loss in the cardiac surgery community a few years ago in our country. How close are the spirit of Medicine, Life and Death! Athos Capuani, cardiac surgeon, Italy.

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 10:09 AM by Sheryl Strothers

It was with great sadness and shock that I learned of the loss of Richard Chenault and his colleagues. My prayers are with the families and friends of these true heroes.

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 09:38 AM by U of M Staff

"May God hold you in the palm of his hands."

God's Blessings to all in this time of great sorrow.


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 07:56 AM by Heather Packard, RN,BSN

I met Richard when I was working in the TICU. I cared for a patient who needed a heart transplant. He would visit and make everyone smile. Our relationship continued through the years as we saw each other in the hallway, we shared hellos and smiles. I began my passion for transplant because of that patient in TICU and Richard. I then went to Ped's Cardio Thoracic ICU and worked with the little heart patients. I again was following my passion for transplant and often cared for the heart transplant patients. I loved it. What better than a second chance, sometimes third chance, at life, right?! There came the time when it was time to leave that endeavor and I am now a Nurse Transplant Coordinator here at the U. My dream come true!

I started to work with Richard Chenault, the transplant guru! How lucky! We became great friends. He was not only a friend but a spiritual advisor, a big brother that LOVED to tease us, a shoulder to cry on, the list goes on. He was so excited for me and my pregnancy. He was VERY excited that he guessed that it is a boy, especially because I thought it was a girl. He warned me that he had a good guessing record, and it turns out, he did. What a blessing he is. Rick and I also shared a friendship. His smile was great and he too loved to pick on us. He was very excited about the upcoming U of M Football season as he had just bought season tickets from my father-in-law. **sigh**. He was so much fun and very dedicated to his work. He and Richard were great friends. David Ashburn - I worked with him in the Ped's Cardio Thoracic ICU. The first question he asked his first day to our unit was "Do ya'll do any Turkey Huntin' round here?" He would continue to ask as the months went by. He took his job seriously but with a great attitude and disposition. He was tough but with a soft heart. What a good surgeon he was. His spirit was wonderful. He loved to talk about his kids. He will be missed.

Dr Martin Spoor - I did not know him personally but worked along with him over in the adult cardiac world. What a nice man. Quiet and peaceful. He will be missed.

What a tragedy this is. Will I ever learn to smile again? I am sure it will come, especially if Richard has anything to say about it! :-)

God has them all, I know this for sure. True Heroes.

As I continue my work that they all loved so much, this is how I honor these men and the two pilots who lost their lives as well. I will have to again send teams out to procure organs to save more lives, I will pray for them every single time and give them the courage and support they will need.

My love and prayers to all of the families and those who loved these men. God Bless, please continue to pray.
Heather


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 06:46 AM by Joe Shaw

David was a member of our Realtree Hunting forums for several years and as such touched the lives of everyone that read his posts and sought simple advice or a good story from such a wonderful guy. To us he was Exturkinator and not Dr. Ashburn. He was a friend to everyone and never had a bad word to say to anyone. The world is truly worse off without him and all of our prayers go out to his family as well as the other 5 members of the flight team. We were truly blessed to have known him and exchange words on his true passions of his family and hunting. God Bless.

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 06:16 AM by Amit Chawla

I was a Visiting Instructor in Anesthesiology from 2003-05 and worked closely with the cardio-thoracic team. I had worked with Martin on a number of occasions. He was a wonderful person, always very calm, polite and caring. I am greatly saddened by his loss.

I would like to convey my heartfelt condolence to his family and to the families of the other five members of the team. They gave their life for a very worthy cause and it will not be in vain.

Amit Chawla, Consultant Anaesthetist, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK


Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 04:25 AM by Robin Keeney

On behalf of the Holden Neo-Natal Transport Team at Mott Children's Hospital I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the members of the Transplant Team and to our colleagues at Survival Flight. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of tragedy and sorrow.

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12:57 AM by Cecile Phan

I was a medical student doing a summer research project in the same lab as Martin (Dr. Spoor) back in 1999-2000. He was not only a brilliant researcher, but also a wonderful person to be around. I still remember him looking all serious, peering over the top of his glasses, looking straight at me, and then said something so funny I'd double over in laughter. Martin loved Cardiac Surgery, but he also loved his family above all else. Martin and Susan just had their first daughter then, and he would come into the lab proudly showing her pictures with such pride in his voice.

Susan, my deepest condolences and prayers to you and the family during this time!! Please know that Martin has left an indelible impact on the people who had the fortune to know him, myself included.


Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 11:37 PM by Hunter Family

To the Survival Flight Staff and families;

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

God Bless All of You
The Hunter Family


Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 10:38 PM by Leora Balsam, MD

I met David Ashburn during fellowship interviews a few years ago and he was clearly a talented individual. The news of the Survival Flight crash was heart-breaking and gives my own Stanford thoracic transplant team pause as we continue on with our mission to serve our patients. I'd like to send my most heart-felt condolences to the families of those that were lost.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 10:15 PM

To the families of the lost team members and to the team,

I am so incredibly sorry for your tragic loss. I have been doing heart transplantation at Loyola in Chicago since 1983 and have been on dozens of procurements. Many of those procurements have been scary.

As is written, there is no greater gift than for one person to lay down their life for another. Surely, your team did just that. Each and every next transplant, I will remember and pray for your lost crew. Their lives were not in vain.

God Bless all at U of M.

Bryan Foy, MD, Surgical Director, Heart Transplantation


Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 08:20 PM by Suzette Cooke MD

Martin Spoor was in the medical school class ahead of me and his wife Susan, in my class. It was so special to see their relationship develop and to see this beautiful couple marry and have 3 wonderful children. We had our 10 year medical school reunion last summer and Martin, Susan and the family came out to Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada to share in these special times. We will dearly miss Martin but I am confident that Susan will be the strongest of mothers and will forge ahead with courage and spirit "extraordinaire". We will try to honor and celebrate Martin's life ... by giving to others in the incredibly compassionate way he did.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 04:26 PM by Susan K

As a transplant recipient I feel like part of the survival flight family and felt tremendous loss upon hearing of the tradgedy. Even though I never met any of the victims my heart goes out to their family and friends. Just know that those of us who have benefited from their dedication truly appreciate what they did every day. The survival flight program saved my life and as trite as it sounds, "Thank You" and God Bless.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 02:51 PM by Kit Raymond

Richard Chenault's mother lived with my famly for a short time in 1990, so I got to know Richard through the eyes of a proud and loving mother. He was greatly loved by his family, and he returned that love back to them, magnified by his love for Jesus. He and his wife, as well as his mother, were at my birthday party. His love for others and his joy for life are evident in the snapshots I have of that evening. His life has made a great impact on many people, and people saw not only him, but Jesus as well.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 01:02 PM by Former University of Kentucky Air Medical Crew Member

My heart breaks for your program, the university, and especially the victims' families. As the eight year anniversary of my own program's fatal crash approaches, those feelings of grief have come flooding back with the news of your tragedy. You will all survive and continue to carry out your mission as six new angels watch over you!

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 12:39 PM by Windz Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the brave souls who perished and with all those involved.

Blessed be,


Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 09:06 AM by Sondra Bricker

To All the Survival Flight Crew, I was deeply saddened when I saw and heard of the crash on Monday. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Our family had the privlege to have had your services rendered to us on June 6th, 2004. Your flight crew was the best, and because of your selfless giving of time, efforts, and education, our Daughter - Jolene, is now alive and living a productive life. She recently graduated from U of M with honors and was asked to speak @ her commencement ceramony. We are so very proud of all her accomplishments, and we would not have been there to enjoy those accomplishments without your services. I say a prayer for all emergency crews whenever I hear a siren, or see the helicopter. You will always have a very special place in our hearts. Because of your generous giving of self, we still have our beautiful daughter. God Bless each and every one of you, and may He give you His Peace in this terrible time of loss. You are all 'Special Angels of Mercy'. Sondra Bricker, Fort Gratiot, Michigan.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 08:30 AM by Lauren Malinzak, MD

Hail! to the victors valiant.

I am saddened by your loss. An honorable, but immense loss. I will miss Martin's kindness and patience. I will miss Richard for his friendliness, ideas, stories and conversations.

Live, love, learn and leave a legacy.

My thoughts and prayers are for the U-M transplant team, the victims' families and friends, and their children. I hope as their children grow up, they are able to overcome the loss of their parent and give back to others and their communities, like their fathers did.


Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 07:36 AM by Nancy Taylor

This is for Bill Serra's family. I was so sorry to hear about this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Posted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 01:06 AM by U of M employee

David had such a loving heart for his friends and family. He had recently told me of how he and his wife decided it was time to turn the T.V off and spend more time with the kids, and how much he cherished this time!! I was so happy to hear that he had a relationship with Jesus and I find comfort in the fact that he is with his father in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with his family!

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 11:28 PM by Guy Hornig CRNA, MS

My father passed away in 2000 after surviving 13 years post OHT...13 years we (my family & friends) might have never experienced had it not been for the men and woman that made up his transplant team. In fact, it's what introduced me to the healthcare field. I hope the lives of these fine individuals and the deeds they performed will inspire others to follow in their foot steps. We ought to never take for granted the gift of life that donors bestow upon us and we ought to never take for granted the courage and determination of those blessed with the ability to pass on that gift. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the UM family. God Bless.

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 09:38 PM by Nkiru RN

My thoughts and prayers go out to these heroic men and their families, and may their souls rest in peace.

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:46 PM by Denise Cooey

David Ashburn was married to my niece Candace. His sense of humor and positive attitude will be missed by all. David worked so hard and came so close to realizing his dream. God must have really needed him in heaven! He was such a good father and loved his children so much. David thanks for the memories and rest assured that we will help look after your sweet wife and children until you can hug them again. We will miss you! Neesie

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:41 PM by Ashara Giles

Richard Chenault was my youth pastor many years ago at Straight Gate Church. He and his wife were so in love, so dedicated to us teenagers back then. He was the kindest, most gentle, amazingly teacher. When his picture flashed across the television, I immediately began crying, because it wasn't true. It couldn't have been...he has an adoring wife and a beautiful daughter and my heart and soul is with them in this difficult time. Richard is in heaven, with his Heavenly Father, and I believe God rescued him before he felt anything at all. Sheryl and Kayla...God is with you. I love you.

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:32 PM by Merci Madar, MD Harrisburg PA

My deepest sympathies go out to Susan, their 3 children and all the victims families. Martin was not only a classmate of mine but was also a very dear friend at the University of Calgary. There was no one as special or gifted as Martin. Martin was truly a gift to all of humanity. He never had an unkind word about anyone, quiet, soft spoken, humble but could instantly put a smile on everyone's face with his uncanny wit and 1 liners. Martin was a tremendous role model for all of us beginning our careers in medicine. For Martin medical school was a priviledge and he saw it as a path to share his gifts and talents with all of mankind.

The tragedy of this accident is unimaginable. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend 3 of the best yrs of my life along side Martin during our medical schol training at the Univ of Calgary...you were a guiding light for all of us. I will always have such fond memories of those 3 yrs, the best was our trip to Honduras with the bottle of champagne the airline gave us to celebrate on the way there and being able share stories of our medical school adventures with everyone on the plane. It was an honor to be your classmate and to have had someone so special touch my life the way you did.

My thoughts and prayers will always be with you, Susan and your entire family. I pray to God to help heal the sorrow of all the victims families and all those so touched by this tragedy. With my deepest sympathy during this difficult time

Merci, Univ of Calgary '95


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:31 PM by Joanne Dupuis RN MN

On behalf of the Heart Transplant Team at Children's Hospital of MI, please accept our most sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving the loss of these heroic men who died as they lived - selflessly working to save the life of another.

On a personal note, I had the good fortune of meeting Richard at a regional meeting a couple of years ago. It was clear to me that Richard was a very special individual who had found his calling. I am grateful for having had the chance to meet him.

Our hearts go out to you in this most difficult time.


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:22 PM by Butch Oliver

I wish to convey my deepest sympathy for the family of Dr David Ashburn. I also wish to tell Alan and Marie Ashburn that we love them dearly

David Ashburn was the first person I met when I moved to Brentwood, TN as as teen. David and I became friends and even attended the same high school and church.

David was always one of the most charismatic people I have known and always had a smile on his face. I will not forget how he loved his antique Mustang he kept in perfect condition while driving to school each day.

I know that his spirit will live through his children and all the lives that he touched as a gifted physician and christian.


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 08:02 PM by Al Winstead

I am a member of Realtree.com, a website that has thousands of Christians crying now over the loss of Dr. David Ashburn....our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, along with the other victims families...David was a great forum member, and a good man...he loved turkey hunting, and he will truly be missed.......so sad...God Bless all who try and make a difference........al winstead and family.

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 07:23 PM by Jessica Clark

On Wednesday morning May 30, I took a survival flight with my 9 day old son. We live in the Upper Peninsula and my son had become dehydrated and they were unable to care for him at our local hospital. The survival flight nurses arrived at our hospital at about 4 a.m. They were the only people who were able to get an IV in my son after many hours of trying. They helped ease my worries and kept me aware of what was happening with my son while we were in flight.

I am very appreciative of their hard work and efforts and I want to express my condolences to all family and friends of those survival flight members lost in the crash. You all do amazing work and I'm thankful to be home with my healthy son now because of your hard work and talents.

Sincerely,
Jessica and Jeremiah Clark


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 06:29 PM by Laura A Young RRT (TBC/Respiratory Care)

I have worked in the TBC unit for 14 yrs, and worked closely with the transplant team many times. I feel so blessed to have known them for they touched thousands of lives as well as my own. With heavy hearts we carry on! We will especially miss Richard, who was not only a member of the Trauma/Burn family, but also a member of our extended "Track Family"! God Bless and keep you all!

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 06:09 PM by Barbara Gallagher

For all of the families and friends of the transplant team members who perished in the fatal plane crash, I would like to extend my prayers and sympathy. I am a donor mom in Franklin, WI. Seven years ago this June my 19 year old son was severely injured on the job. It was a miracle that he lived to make it to the hospital. By that evening he was declared officially brain dead. The team at Froedert Memorial Lutheran Hospital was exceptional. From the emergency room staff to the ICU personnel to the WI Donor Network team, everyone treated us with kindness and dignity. As with your staff, these are amazing, dedicated people who not only save lives, but who recognize the depth of their mission and treat all involved with respect and integrity. While I did not know any of the Michigan team, I know the kind of people they were and they have not died in vain. Their work will be remembered and honored by all of us who have been touched by organ donation.

Sincerely,
Barbara Gallagher


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 06:02 PM by shannon kelly

this song for some reason made me think of richard, my cross country and track coach, he truly was a hero to me.

Think about the love inside the strength of heart
Think about the heroes saving life in the dark
Climbing higher through the fire, time was running out
Never knowing you weren't going to be coming down alive
But you still came back for me
You were strong and you believed

Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Be strong. Believe.
Be strong. Believe.

Think about the chance I never had to say
Thank you for giving up your life that day
Never fearing, only hearing voices calling out
Let it all go, the life that you know, just to bring it down alive
And you still came back for me
You were strong and you believed

Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Be strong. Believe.

Wanna hold my wife when I get home
Wanna tell the kids they'll never know how much I love to see them smile
Wanna make a change or two right now
Wanna live a life like you somehow
Wanna make your sacrifice worthwhile

Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Be strong. Believe.

Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Everything is gonna be alright
Be strong. Believe.

Think about the love inside the strength of heart
Think about the heroes saving life in the dark
Think about the chance I never had to say
Thank you for giving up your life that day

(The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here)


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 05:11 PM by Lori H

As I worked for another state's Organ Retrieval agency there were times when Dennis would come and help when our regular Air Charter service was already in use. He was very cordial and spoke very highly of the mission he was being asked to help with. You could tell he really cared about our mission.

I cannot tell you how many people it takes to put a transplant into action with such a stringent timeline; everyone involved I consider as part of the "team." This team includes: [before donation is contemplated] medic staff on the lifesaving EMS (ground and air), ER nurses EMTS docs and clerks, radiology lab, docs covering trauma and/or ICU care of patients (someone needs to enter MD orders efficiently), nuclear med, chaplains; [and then after consent is given] UNOS staff, OPO staff, medical staff with the transplant program, OR staff (including environmental services), hospital security, transportation help such as cab drivers, FBO staff (including dispatch who needs to find the quickest flight for our needs); [at the transplanting hospital] security, OR staff, anesthesia, surgeons and nurses, pathology, lab, radiology, ICU nurses and other rounding docs in specialty fields.

As you can see it takes A LOT of people to make this work, these pilots were not faceless pilots. They were as important to this vital lifesaving process as the surgeons aboard and the OPO staff. Thank you to the FBOs, and families who offered these fine men up to help is such a lifesaving mission. They are not forgotten or taken for granted. We really appreciate all they have given to our mission; their heroic efforts to fly in inclement weather at inopportune times to help are recognized. God bless you and your families; be proud of them and the service they have given.

Lori, from a neighboring Organ Procurement Organization


Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 04:29 PM by A.R. Cholewiak

I am new to the university as an intern, but am very aware of the hard work and sacrifice that the men and women of Survival Flight display everyday for the benefit of their patients. The loss of these admirable individuals is tragic and their selfless work will be remembered. The outpouring of support and grief has been very moving and displays the integrity of this hospital.

Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 04:27 PM by Randy Rowe

On behalf of the entire staff of HALO-Flight (Corpus Christus, Texas) we share in your pain over the loss of your co-workers and friends. May God give you strength and courage to move forward in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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