In October 2019, I received a phone call from someone at LifeFlight of Maine, the nonprofit that provides helicopter emergency medical services across the state, and was invited to take a tour of its Bangor location thanks to a donation I had made to the organization. But at that time, I was living and working in Iowa, so it was geographically impossible.

Then COVID-19 hit and the world shut down, and I had forgotten about the whole thing.

Fast-forward to this year. I was planning a trip to Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula, a place I return to year after year, and took a shot by reaching out to LifeFlight to see if the offer to visit could still stand. I explained that a LifeFlight team helped save my life in the summer of 2016 after a kayak accident, and I was forever grateful for Missy, one of the crew members, and her kindness.

There were many involved in saving my life that day who kept me from succumbing to hypothermia, from lobstermen, the Coast Guard and ambulance EMTs, to the LifeFlight crew and doctors and nurses at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

But first and foremost, Missy stuck in my mind. She spoke to me as I regained consciousness and explained what was going on while we were on the helicopter, and she later showed up in my hospital room in the middle of the night to check on me. She was there right before I learned from the Maine Marine Patrol that my husband, Michael, was gone.

For this upcoming trip to Maine, I was both happy and nervous to learn that a tour would be possible, and I would get to meet Missy before her shift started. Brian Allenby, LifeFlight’s Director of Communications, was helpful in arranging the visit, scheduled for Monday, May 23, and I asked Chris Popper, Michael’s cousin who lives in Bangor, to accompany me. Both he and his wife, Bonnie, helped me tremendously after the accident.

About a week before my trip while I was still at home in New Jersey, I was asked by Plainfield Rescue Squad Vice President Rolene Robinson to write a story about a then eight-year-old burn victim who was transported via medevac in 2021, who a year to the day later wished to thank those who helped save her life. (I report on all the news in town at TAPinto Plainfield).

I showed up early at the rescue squad, and spoke with one of the paramedics who was on call that day last year. I remember her telling me that this visit would be special because as first responders, they don't often get to see their patients again after they are released from their care. Knowing I’d be in a similar situation just a week later, it was hard to keep my emotions in check. (I’m not crying, you are!)

On the drive to Bangor from Winter Harbor, I’ll admit I got a little choked up thinking about how the visit would go. I arrived at the hospital, parked my car, walked into EMMC where I spent two nights almost six years ago, and met Kate O’Halloran, LifeFlight of Maine’s Executive Director. She couldn’t have been nicer and more welcoming, and we chatted while we waited for Chris and Missy to arrive.

Once all parties were there, we headed up to a receiving area where patients are brought coming off the helicopters. The four of us talked about the LifeFlight of Maine organization, and how Mainers take care of Mainers.

Kate also talked about fundraising and goals for the organization that has cared for 33,000 people in its 23 years. In 2021, 2,300 patients were transported by LifeFlight - an average of one patient every four hours. The medical teams are deployed from bases in Sanford, Lewiston and Bangor, using three helicopters, a fixed-wing airplane, rapid response vehicles, and specialized ground ambulances, according to its website. The crews partner with local EMS, fire/rescue and hospital providers.

We then headed out onto the roof, and Missy showed Chris and me one of the helicopters, and explained what took place on that fateful day. I had to step away for a moment then.

We also watched from a stairwell as another helicopter arrived with a patient. (We weren’t allowed to be outside as it landed.)

Missy and I talked about our lives today, and similar experiences and challenges we’ve had to overcome. It’s clear she is fearless and compassionate all at the same time.

And then it was time for our visit to end as she had to start her shift.

I am forever grateful to Kate and Brian for organizing this visit, for the LifeFlight of Maine crews who help others in their greatest times of need, and especially for the chance to thank one of the people who through her actions allow me to continue to tell both my story and those of others.

Learn more about LifeFlight of Maine or make a donation here. Or join me in participating in Cross for LifeFlight.

(Pictures courtesy of LifeFlight of Maine.)