GORDON—Those persons who have benefitted from the life-changing work of Hope Air and its partners when they need to get to a large hospital for immediate health care can attest to how imperative the service is.
“Hope Air is definitely the wings of earth angels,” stated Dawn Young Tolsma, of Spring Bay. “There is something I discovered in my lifetime, a miracle isn’t just the positive diagnosis, it starts with kindness and hope. It is the pilots, the whole team of the organization, the Air Bnbs, Robby Colwell, it is Hope Air,” said Ms. Young Tolsma. “I need to say thank you, no words can begin to express my full gratitude, you are big part of my life, my story, my new chapters now involve me being alive to see my son become engaged. To enjoy everyday moments. You are all part of my journey. You’re a part of doctors being amazed, you are a part of the peace and happiness I have, you are the hope, you are the miracle.”
Ms. Young-Tolsma, and fellow Island resident Bonnie Stevens, told their stories of the life-changing work of Hope Air and its partners. Hope Air provides free travel arrangements, including flight, accommodations, meal vouchers and land transportation, to help patients from rural and underserved communities reach essential medical care.
Hope Air’s Give Hope Wings Expedition, organized by Hope Air volunteer pilots, touched down at the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport on Thursday of last week, a day prior to Hope Air Day, which is a national celebration of equal access to healthcare in Canada, recognizing the life-changing work of Hope Air and its partners.
Robby Colwell, manager of Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport said, “I would like to welcome Hope Air administration, volunteer pilots, and others. I’m very fortunate to see first-hand what Hope Air does for people. I see it, the wonderful pilots who fly here to help people get to a hospital, and provide professional, caring and compassionate service to the patients who are in need of medical support in a hospital far away and are often going through very difficult times.”
“Hope Air takes the pressure off by providing the flight transportation (and the other amenities),” said Mr. Colwell. “Hope Air and their pilots make their experience wonderful.”
“These volunteer pilots are the Angels of the Sky,” stated Mr. Colwell. “The Hope Air clients I’ve seen usually call the airport with desperate medical needs and the need to be flown to areas with large hospitals. I immediately call Hope Air.”
Mr. Colwell introduced Bonnie Stevens who told her story of having suffered a terrible fall at her home, losing her sight and suffering severe injuries to her body. “I called Robbie and told him, ‘I need Hope Air’,” she said. “The volunteers of Hope Air take all the stress out of travel and getting to the hospital. They are compassionate and very caring.” She said through several trips to a hospital in Ontario and the care she needed, her eyesight was restored.
“Hope Air has been a big help in getting my life back,” stated Ms. Stevens. “I would like to thank each and every pilot here today. The care they give each individual is phenomenal. It is a wonderful organization. I can attest they make a huge difference.”
Ms. Young Tolsma told some of the details of her story. “With a long battle of chronic illnesses, a young girl was given no hope by doctors.” She was told she wouldn’t live to 18, and later would never survive a pregnancy. She was told by doctors she would not live to see 30. Every day was a celebration for her! Her body continued to survive more than doctors can explain. In 2016 she received a double organ transplant. Her recovery was a miraculous success. In 2018 strong fevers began to terrorize her body. She couldn’t breathe. Her body ached and was rejecting her new organs from a virus. The now grown woman who was never allowed a driver’s licence needed emergency care in London, Ontario. Her appointments were continuous and the frightened lady felt lost. She was fortunate that a counsellor helped her to contact Hope Air. It provided relief for the lady and her family,” said Ms. Young-Tolsma. “During one emergency appointment she stayed in London University Hospital for three months. Once released she had no arrangement to get home. To her rescue, again, was Hope Air, with short notice. Every pilot, every flight, offered a sense of hope with kindness. When dealing with health issues the burden of transportation is something that any ill person doesn’t need on top of their medical concerns.”
“In 2019 that lady was given, once again, a no hope report. Her whole life involved overcoming conditions, blood disorder, anemia, juvenile diabetes, retinopathy, having such low sugars,” continued Ms. Young Tolsma. “She should have had permanent brain damage, her heart should have weakened as a youth, she developed kidney failure, she had a son, with an emergency C-section. He was three months premature, and neither were to survive. After a new beginning with a double organ transplant, the diagnosis in 2019 again, seemed too much, too overwhelming.”
“Why do I speak of her in past tense? Like she is a third party that I do not know well? Because I am no longer her. I now identify myself as healthy,” continued Ms. Young-Tolsma.” That girl is me, a full-grown lady. But now I live with more wellness with good health than I have ever felt. I no longer live to die. I live for tomorrow because I have a tomorrow now.”
Dr. Maurianne Reade, on behalf of Paula Fields, president and CEO of the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) said, “On behalf of our hospital, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the vital support you (Hope Air) provide to our patients and their families. Your commitment to ensuring access to medical care, regardless of distance or financial barriers, has made a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. Hope Air’s compassion and dedication helps bring comfort, dignity and hope to patients facing some of life’s most challenging moments. We are grateful for your parentship and the impact you continue to make in our community.”
Mr. Colwell said he is very pleased that Hope Air and the Expedition chose the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport to launch its Give Hope Wings Expedition. Lee Arsenault a volunteer Hope Air pilot, and his partner Marilyn Staig of Pickering and the Hope Air Expedition, and Ed Johnston are the main organizers of the Give Hope Wings Expedition. “I have got to know Lee and Marilyn quite well over the years. When Lee called in the winter and asked about holding the launch at our airport I said absolutely, saying that all pilots whether on a Hope Air mission or not, are always welcome at the airport.
John Collins, chief development officer for Hope Air noted, “We heard two powerful stories of the many patients Hope Air provides service to every year.” He praised the volunteer pilots who are taking part in the fundraising expedition, at their own cost.
Hope Air has grown substantially since it started in 2017, starting with 6,000 travel arrangements for patients, to 46,000 travel arrangements over the past year, or 11,000 trips (providing full-service flight, hotel, accommodation and land transportation), said Mr. Collins. “We couldn’t do this without the pilots, airports and sponsors. And when you talk to Robby it is clear how important this service is to him, not just the airport.”
Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island said, “I have to be honest, this morning I had to look up what Hope Air is all about. And the more I read, I am overwhelmed by what your organization does. On behalf of Gordon/Barrie Island, Gore Bay, Burpee and Mills Township, who are the owners of the airport, I want to thank everyone for being here today. It is truly humbling to see this kind of generosity every day.”
“Our work connecting people in communities to necessary health care. We are fortunate to have so many (sponsoring) partners, such as Manitoulin Transport,” said Mr. Collins.
Kelly Chaytor, a Gore Bay councillor and employee of Manitoulin Transport said the new airport hangar building “is the perfect setting to recognize the incredible work of Hope Air. Manitoulin Transport is privileged to have made a donation in support to Hope Air, who are making a difference in the lives of so many people.”
Mr. Arsenault and Ms. Staig then made a special presentation. “Today we are kicking off our Give Hope Wings expedition. Pilots are flying here to Manitoulin and various other venues to bring awareness of Hope Air and asking Ontario to stand behind equitable access to the services Hope Air provides. It is a great pleasure to be here.”
“It is my great pleasure to be here today to recognize someone whose support has truly made a difference, not just to Hope Air, but to the many patients and volunteer pilots who rely on the support of municipal airports,” said Mr. Arsenault. “Robby Colwell, manager of Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport, consistently goes above and beyond in creating a welcoming, reliable, and compassionate environment for Hope Air flights. His support has helped turn Gore Bay into a vital link, a hub, for Hope Air, a place where hope quite literally takes off.”
“One story in particular stands out,” said Mr. Arsenault. “A number of years ago, Robbie received a call from a local resident on a waiting list for a liver transplant saying he had a call from hospital in Toronto that a liver was available for his transplant but he had to be in Toronto within five hours for the surgery. Commercial options weren’t available, and ground travel simply wasn’t fast enough. Robby didn’t hesitate. He picked up the phone and reached out to a Hope Air volunteer pilot, Gord Roberts, who was at his cottage nearby. Gord answered Robby’s call, got in the air with the patient, helped make that critical connection happen. That transplant was successful, and that patient’s life was changed, all because of Robby’s initiative and actions refused to let time or distance stand in the way.”
“That moment captures what Hope Air volunteers are all about and exemplifies what makes Robby such an incredible partner. It’s not just about operations and logistics. It’s about compassion. It’s about action. And it’s about people who care enough to step up when it matters most,” said Mr. Arsenault. “So, Robby, on behalf of Hope Air, our volunteer pilots, and the many patients and families who have been touched by your efforts, it’s my honour to present you with this plaque as a symbol of our deep appreciation.”
The Give Hope Wings Expedition is an annual flying fundraising initiative organized by Hope Air volunteer pilots. This expedition brings together volunteer pilots who fly across various regions to raise awareness and funds, ensuring that Canadians facing medical challenges can access the care they require, regardless of distance or financial constraints. Since its inception in 2017 Give Hope Wings has raised over $2.7 million, supporting thousands of medical travel arrangements for Canadians.
