SEBASTIAN — Over the course of the last six months VeroNews.com has been covering the news of Sebastian, we have come across some wonderful people and organizations who strive to serve others.
And, in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, we would like to share with you some of our favorite inspirational stories we have come across since we first began publish last July.
We couldn’t possibly include every single uplifting story we have published, but here are excerpts from a small sampling we have selected.
These stories include a middle school that helped send holiday wishes to wounded soldiers, a group of Special Olympians who gave it their all they in the pool, and a host of “angels” willing to take flight when emergencies arise. Sebastian River Middle helps couple say thanks to wounded vets, by Debbie Carson, posted Nov. 25
SEBASTIAN — What began as a chance encounter during a Veterans Day ceremony quickly turned into a class project for American History eighth graders at Sebastian River Middle School.
Teacher Jaime Sturgeon met Barefoot Bay resident Anne Marwick during the ceremony at Riverview Park in Sebastian on Nov. 11 and found out Marwick and her husband, Ernie, were trying to send holiday cards to wounded veterans staying at VA hospitals across the country.
“They were very, very enthusiastic about the project,” Sturgeon said of his students.
He took in approximately 100 cards to his five classes the Friday after Veterans Day to have the students write messages to the recipients.
Sturgeon added that he would like to continue supporting the Marwicks’ effort in the future, as well as add mailings throughout the year, not just during special holiday seasons.
Read the full story here
State Special Olympics in Sebastian a rousing success for athletes, volunteers, by Michael Bielecki and Joe Castagna, posted Oct. 4
SEBASTIAN — The North County Aquatics Center played host to the Special Olympics State Aquatics this weekend in Sebastian. Several athletes from Indian River County participated, and everyone reaped the benefits of this great two-day event.
“We hosted 330 athletes, and had over 400 volunteers this year,” Indian River County Special Olympics Coordinator Darla Danis said. “The Indian River County Recreation Department is a well-oiled machine when they help run big events like this, and we love having them here.”
“Sebastian has done an amazing job hosting the Aquatics Championships, this is the best events we attend state wide,” said Phil Macharg Director of Sports and Training.
For many of the athletes Special Olympics provides them with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Carole Demery and her daughter, Nicole, who was participating in the 50-yard breast, 50-yard free, and 50-yard free relay were very excited about the races and being involved in the Special Olympics.
“Nicole has made a lot of friends through the program,” Demery said. “It’s not just about the swimming, we also have a lot of extracurricular activities as well.”
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These angels are ready for emergency flights on a moment’s notice, by Lisa Zahner, posted Dec. 13
For patients who must travel across the state or across the country for medical treatments or surgery, taking to the highway may not be the best or even a viable option. That’s where Angel Flight and pilots like Randy Rolf, Don Lindell and Michael Smith come in.
The trio of local men – retirees Rolf and Lindell who live on the barrier island and Smith who lives in Sebastian and works at Indian River Medical Center – make a difference by helping people and supplies get to their destinations.
“I’ve had people who I’ve flown say to me, ‘You really are an angel,'” said 77-year-old Lindell.
Angels or not, the volunteer pilots provide a great service for sick people in need, and sometimes their actions are downright inspiring. In fact, Smith got started in Angel Flight because of Lindell and other Command Pilots, as the 47-year-old was once on the receiving end of a very important Angel Flight.
“I got a call at about 8 a.m. from Angel Flight asking if I was available immediately for a flight, they said we had to get a patient to Gainesville for an organ transplant,” Lindell said.
Smith was on the list to receive a kidney-pancreas transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and on Nov. 16, 2005 they’d found what they thought were compatible organs and needed him to get there within a few hours. A type one diabetic, Smith had been on dialysis and his health was rapidly failing.
After his new organs enabled him to resume an active life, Smith began volunteering with Angel flight while taking flying lessons. Very soon, when he gets a few more flight hours under his belt to meet the 250 Pilot in Command hours required, Smith will be authorized to transport patients.
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