What would you do if you or a loved one were faced with a medical emergency-- with crucial minutes elapsing before treatment could be administered-- if an ambulance wasn't a viable option?
In Western North Carolina, this is a potential reality for many. Our region presents unusual and formidable topographical challenges for emergency responders. To help traverse the area's mountainous landscape, Mission Hospital relies on MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift).
MAMA's two helicopters serve North Carolina's 17 Western counties, as well as portions of Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, from two bases in Asheville and Franklin. Over 15,000 transports have been performed, with a 100% safety record.
Bob Shipp of Highlands, North Carolina, is a committed donor to the MAMA program. He views MAMA as an indispensable and lifesaving community service.
"It's the most important charity to me next to my church- I'll continue supporting MAMA as long as I'm around," said Bob.
Motivated by personal experience, Bob began supporting the MAMA program in 2005. He had first heard of MAMA by word of mouth, but then realized the necessity for this vital service when two of his acquaintances received lifesaving care thanks to MAMA's quick intervention. One was an electrician who was helping Bob's church complete a building project.
"He had a heart attack, and MAMA transported him to Mission Hospital," Bob recalled. "The care he received from the flight crew was critical to saving his life"
The other acquaintance was one of Bob's clients who, like the church electrician, suffered a heart attack and was quickly airlifted to Mission.
"I've had a couple of close calls myself", said Bob. "That's why these services are important to me."
To help garner community support for the MAMA program, Bob recently invited the MAMA crew to speak at his Highlands Rotary Club meeting. As the group was learning about the lifesaving care MAMA provides, the flight crew received two emergency calls and had to leave abruptly to administer immediate medical aid. Even though the informational session was cut short, the Rotary members were able to witness firsthand the crew's professionalism and rapid response, gaining a better understanding of why MAMA's work in the region is so important.
The MAMA program has touched his heart, because even though he hope he never needs MAMA, he feels relief in knowing that he, his family and his neighbors have access to this lifesaving service-- whether they all know it or not.
"MAMA is the best kept secret amenity of the Highlands. I, and many others, have a natural reluctance to get on any helicopter, but I've seen that MAMA's aircraft are the Mercedes of helicopters, its crew the best in the Nation."
As a member of the Mission Aviators Club, which is composed of generous community members who recognize the importance of the services MAMA provides, Bob is both financially and emotionally invested in MAMA. He realizes that support for the program addresses its unique and continuing financial requirements.
Due to the financial contributions of the Aviators Club, MAMA is able to remain completely modern in regard to its aircraft and equipment, to recruit and train the highly qualified staff responsible for its stellar record of safe missions, and to offer its vital services on a 24/7 basis.
Bob's wish for the Aviators Club is to spread the word about MAMA to as many people as possible. He hopes that , through events such as the one his Rotary Club sponsored, MAMA will gain needed exposure, which will lead to more financial support by the community. The loyalty of Bob Shipp and other financial supporters to the Mission Aviators Club guarantees the continuity of one of Mission Hospital's most innovative and lifesaving programs.
