January 9, 2010 Newsletter
ANGELS AMONG US
We started our first meeting of the new year by stating our meeting guidelines for 2010.
•We start and end our meetings on time.
•We keep confidential all personal information shared with the group.
•No interrupting or side conversations. Speakers will determine Q&A format.
•We don’t monopolize the group’s time.
•We treat each other with respect.
Pat Urie presented us with a comprehensive view into Angel Flight West who provides free air transportation to and from out of area medical care.
REQUIREMENTS:
•Must provide own transportation to & from departing airport.
•Must be able to enter & exit aircraft.
•CANNOT be for medical emergency.
•Treatment site must be within 1,000 miles of originating airport.
ISSUES:
•These are small private airplanes.
•There is no food or water on board.
•There is no bathroom on board
•You do not have to fly alone- a caregiver is welcome.
•These pilots are volunteers.
•You must be prepared to postpone your doctor appointment if ANGEL FLIGHTS cannot meet your original flight time request.
•it is important that your doctor be notified that you are traveling by ANGEL FLIGHT. Doctors are agreeable to last minute changes under these circumstances.
•Larger hospitals have reduced rate places for you to stay.
Dave Urie tested ANGEL FLIGHTS and went from Redding to Santa Monica. His flight to Santa Monica was done in two legs. Redding to South County Airport for second flight handoff (no waiting) then on to Santa Monica. Ground transportation was provided by ANGEL FLIGHTS to hotel near UCLA. Dave took a cab from hotel to doctor’s office . Following his appointment ANGEL FLIGHTS took him to Santa Monica Airport where he was lucky enough to get a 3 hr. direct flight to Redding. DAVE SAYS “THUMBS UP!”
This is a fantastic service available to any of us.
BONUS:
This now opens up our reach to medical facilities outside of our local area. What many people don’t realize is that by using the University Systems your Medical or Medicare coverage is not a problem! They accept it all and you are getting some of the top care in the country.
There is so much value to this program, How to request a flight with Angel Flight West:
888-426-2643 http://www.angelflightwest.org
HOW HOPE 4 MS CAN HELP:
Call Pat or Dave Urie who can help by answering questions & helping you with initial request assistance. 357-3585 or e-mail
Mark your calendars for our next meeting Feb. 6th when we join with the MS Society to present Randall Lippins, MFT. We met Randall at our annual support group leaders seminar in Sacramento and just knew we had to have him come to Redding. Randall is a licensed Marriage & Family therapist who’s motto is “Striving to Help Individuals, Couples and Families Become Whole”. Come with your questions, issues or just to listen to this wonderful man speak. http://www.RandallLippinsMFT.com
Until then,
BE WELL