AirMed Offers Air Ambulance Service to Back Courageous Woman with World-Class Aspirations
Posted on April 18, 2016
If your goal is to run a marathon on each of the seven continents, you might want to have some protection in case you suddenly find yourself in need of an air ambulance due to a serious medical condition. The need for access to an air ambulance service becomes especially crucial if you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago as Cheryl Hile was.
MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It can make running and even walking difficult as the disease progresses through the body. Nevertheless, Cheryl is one very determined and driven woman.
“I want to become the first person with MS to run seven marathons on seven continents in 12 months,” Cheryl, 41, says. “I am definitely not lowering my expectations!”
“By doing this, I hope to inspire people never to lower theirs,” she adds. “I want to encourage others, with or without MS, to do what they can and never give up.”
AirMed Provides Global Air Ambulance Services
Now, AirMed International, a leading global provider of air ambulance services, has volunteered to provide medical air transport to bring Cheryl home if the unexpected happens. When AirMed International executives heard about Cheryl’s plans and her medical situation, they immediately volunteered to sponsor her and her husband, Brian, who is her support network during the races, on their worldwide quest.
“Cheryl is a passionate person and we feel she deserves a shot at doing something special,” says AirMed International’s Director of Membership Sales Josh Decker. “Her determination and commitment reflects our company’s values and aspirations.”
AirMed International will provide an AirMed membership that will provide medical air transport for Cheryl and Brian to a hospital of their choice via an air ambulance staffed with certified medical professionals if a serious medical emergency occurs while they are away. Cheryl, of San Diego, California, began running marathons before she was diagnosed with MS, but since the diagnosis, her goals have grown.
“When I was diagnosed with MS in 2006, I was simply devastated,” she says. “My immediate thought was that I would end up in a wheelchair. I dealt with the resulting depression by running. However, I soon began tripping and falling.”
“After stumbling twice in a race, finishing with bloody knees, I went to see my neurologist. She said it was drop foot, a common symptom of MS, and she told me to ‘lower my expectations.’”
“That was upsetting. I was determined not to let MS beat me! An awesome orthotist built a custom carbon ankle foot orthotic. The brace holds up my forefoot, and I can run without fear of falling. Since then, I have completed more than 200 races, including 30-plus marathons,” Cheryl says.
AirMed Air Ambulances Stand Ready
AirMed air ambulances stand ready to provide emergency medical air transport to the Hiles as Cheryl’s race itinerary takes them to South Africa, Argentina, Hawai, Antarctica, Japan, The U.K., and New Zealand.
“Brian and I are embarking on an extraordinary journey, and we want to thank AirMed International for taking some of the worry out of our adventure.”
If you wish to donate to Cheryl's adventure you can find out more information on CrowdRise.
For More Information
Contact us for more information about how AirMed International Air Ambulance Services can provide medical air transport from locations around the world while traveling internationally.