Forty years ago, on August 22, 1985, I was a fearless four-and-a-half-year-old boy with a heart full of courage and a dream of being a superhero. When I saw my little brother in danger, climbing a heavy shelf stacked with motors, I believed I could hold it up, Superman-style, to help save him. But the problem was the industrial shelf collapsed, and in an instant, I was trapped beneath its crushing weight unconscious. My lungs failed, my ears bled, and my voice was silenced. My life was slipping away and hanging by a thread.

Here is full video with story: https://vimeo.com/1104585272

In that moment of crisis, a miracle unfolded. Just months before, a visionary team led by Dr. Patrick Lilja had launched North Memorial Health’s AirCare emergency helicopter transport program—a program that became my lifeline. From a small rural hospital in Monticello, doctors fought to keep me alive, I was airlifted by helicopter to North Memorial’s Level 1 Trauma Center. That flight gave me a second chance at life—a chance I was never expected to have.

Living for four decades I wasn’t supposed to have is a gift that humbles me every day. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of those who dedicate themselves to saving it. That’s why I’m using my voice now to champion the critical work of North Memorial Health and to rally support for the recruitment, training, and retention of the extraordinary emergency care professionals who make miracles possible.

I was one of the first lives saved by North Memorial’s Air Care program 40 years ago. Today, I’m asking you to join me in ensuring that this lifeline continues to reach those in need across Minnesota and beyond. In honor of the 40th anniversary of my accident and the Air Care program’s incredible legacy, I’ve set a bold goal to raise $40,000 for North Memorial Health AirCare program. 100% of every dollar you give will directly fuel the lifesaving work of the Ambulance and AirCare Teams—ensuring they can be there for someone else’s child, sibling, or loved one, just as they were for me.

Your generosity will empower North Memorial Health to continue delivering world-class emergency care. Their Level 1 Trauma Center at Robbinsdale Hospital stands ready 24/7, 365 days a year, to treat the most critically injured. With over 100 ambulances and nine helicopters operating from seven bases across a five-state region, North Memorial’s Air Care Team transported 2,431 patients by helicopter and over 100,000 by ground ambulance last year alone. Every minute counts in an emergency, and your support equips these heroes with cutting-edge simulation tools, advanced equipment, and specialized training to save lives. Since their inception they have worked as a team to save over 80,000 lives.

Together, we can ensure that North Memorial Health remains a beacon of hope for those who need it most in our community, ready to respond when seconds mean the difference between life and death. Will you join me in this mission? Your donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible impact—helping to save lives, maybe even yours one day!

Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and for helping me honor 40 years of second chances by supporting North Memorial Health’s lifesaving work.

Give today to the North Memorial Health Foundation and ignite a legacy of hope, healing, and second chances that will echo for generations. Let’s write countless more stories of survival, together! Donate now and become part of a legacy that turns moments of despair into lifetimes of hope.

Thank you for your generosity and for your help in achieving my goal!

A Life Saved, A Mission Born: Join Me in Supporting North Memorial Health’s Lifesaving Work!