Tuesday, March 24, 2009

On Wings of Hope

I have GOT to tell you more about this organization.

Saturday, I met with the president of Wings of Hope to work out details about the race, and to learn more about the organization. The bottom line: I couldn't have chosen a better charity to nominate.

Not only do they reach over a million people worldwide, they also run an air ambulance service here in the U.S. It is available 24/7, and is the only such service that provides free transport even to non-ambulatory patients. They typically fly two to three missions per day. Beyond transport, Wings of Hope also negotiates with the hospitals to provide the treatments free of charge, giving the chance of a normal life to many who would otherwise never get it.

The planes are set up to carry stretchers, medical staff, oxygen and medication dispensing equipment, anything the patient might need. A large portion of the transports they provide are for children with birth defects that require multiple treatments or surgeries. When I was there, a crew of volunteer pilots returned from transporting a four year old boy being fitted for a prosthetic leg. They shared with me how rewarding the work is, and at times, how difficult. I deeply admire their dedication, and the professionalism and high standards of the operation.

Their work doesn't stop here, though. They have volunteers around the world, and something like 200 planes providing support to those in most desperate need in Africa, Central and South America. But rather than just dropping off food or medicine, Wings of Hope builds partnerships with the local community and together they work toward self-sufficiency.

Thanks for reading along, and for helping make a difference to so many through Wings of Hope. I'm proud, honored, and humbled to be a part of their efforts!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Adrenaline!


Wow.

What a crazy couple of weeks! Late nights and a few weekends at work, and working on the air race in what some people refer to as "free time."

Let me tell you about free time with a 7.5 month old doberman puppy in the house. It goes something like this:

Wake up at the crack of dawn to let him out. Let him in. Let him out. Let him in. Remove inappropriate "chew toy" from throat. Provide appropriate chew toy. Feed him. Let him out. Let him in. Let him out. Let him in. Rescue shredded formerly appropriate chew toy-turned-health hazard. Water him. Rescue besieged older doberman from puppy. Let them both out. And in. And out. And in. Repeat.

Wouldn't trade it for the world. If only we could harness this renewable energy source!

So far, the only thing that has adequately tired him out has been a half hour of wrestling a 165-lb mastiff.

Whew.

Back to the race - thanks to so many who have contributed and wished us well, your support and encouragement is fuel for this effort. More soon, but now the puppy is demanding his dinner!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

T-100

100 days and counting down!

First, THANK you from the bottom of my heart to those who have already contributed -I am humbled, thrilled and touched by your generosity. After long hours working to make this all possible, your support inspires me to work even harder.

Second... well, second is the realization that 100 days is not much time, and there's much yet to do! For example, research what kind of stickers I can use on my fabric plane for sponsor logos. Brushing up on cross country planning and navigational skills. And an oil change would probably be a good idea too.

100 days also seems like a milestone for asking the important questions. Loki is currently covered in mud -should I leave him that way for the race, for street cred? Or wash and polish? How much faster would we go if I put the wheelpants back on? What outfits should I wear?

But seriously... this is the home stretch, and I'm gearing up. If nothing else, I have to find out what it is I don't know so I can be ready when the flag drops!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Ready....Set....

GO!!!

The site has officially launched! I hope you will stop by often, leave me a message, and join me in the fight against poverty. Together we really can make a difference!

Thanks so much for visiting :-)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Revving up!

We're making progress here, at Loki Skyways, with a website that's nearly ready to launch. A truly HUGE thank you to web guru and dear friend DJ for making it a reality.

I'm getting ready to spend my weekend writing letters to corporate sponsors. I'm hoping to raise not only the funds I need to actually fly the race, but a sizeable donation to Wings of Hope for the amazing work they do, bringing resources to communities in poverty-stricken areas, and building partnerships that engender self-sufficiency. They bring hope and a brighter future to the communities they touch.

I invite you to help me make a contribution to their efforts. You can contribute via Paypal on my webpage at www.myfirstairrace.com. I'll be posting financial progress reports so you can see just what a difference every donation makes --no amount is too small!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Entering the blogosphere

Well, the air race is a mere 112 days away, and I have yet to find a partner, get my site up, and install some airplane parts. But hey, at least I have a blog!

Check back here for updates, progress, setbacks, and outtakes. I look forward to having you along for the ride. And the race. And beyond.

Thanks for stopping in!