Nov 21, 2011, 8:45 PM
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Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Hi, everyone-
Natalie Hill of Coos Bay, Oregon, is a 15 year old girl who is dying of cancer. She has osteosarcoma that started in her knee, metastasized to her lungs, and her doctors don't think she has long to live. She's posted a bucket list online of things she'd like to do in the time she has left, and one of the things she's listed is skydiving.
Normally, we make people wait until they're 18 for a first jump. From what she's written and the news reports about her, barring a miracle, Natalie probably isn't going to see 18. Her tumors are inoperable and doctors are focusing on keeping her comfortable. According to her facebook page, her birthday is Dec 15, so she's almost 16. Are there still any dropzones that allow jumps at 16?
I figured if there was somebody that can grant this girl's wish of a skydive, it would be somebody here, so I thought I'd post it. She's also got a ride in a hot air balloon on her list.
If you can help or know someone who can, her website is linked below. You can get in touch with her on her facebook page, or by commenting in the updates section of the website.
Bonus is that they get to jump a C130. If it is of interest drop me a PM and I can give you details for a TI/AFF-I friend of mine that is involved with the project.
To jump in the US, I am sure I have heard of the USPA providing waivers for special cases like this?
Nov 21, 2011, 10:19 PM
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Re: [nigel99] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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To jump in the US, I am sure I have heard of the USPA providing waivers for special cases like this?
USPA passed a 13 year old terminally ill with leukemia to do a tandem, so its possible.
If anyone can make a jump happen for Natalie Im willing to help out monetarily to pay for her jump, or help with airfare or accommodations. PM me info where I can help out if possible.
Nov 22, 2011, 7:48 AM
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Re: [Nightingale] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Here's the reply I got asking how to go about a jump for her situation:
Hi Shawn, A waiver request will need to be completed and submitted to the regional director for the region where the jump will take place, and a copy of that waiver to me at USPA HQ, as well. The Board of Directors will need to vote on whether to approve the jump or not. The manufacturer of the tandem gear used for the jump will also need to approve the jump. Uspa.org is down right now, but the waiver form and instructions can be found under the USPA Members/Safety section of the website.
Regards,
Jim
Jim Crouch | Director of Safety & Training
If someone wants to contact Skydive Oregon and ask if they can help out getting this done, or tell me to and I will. If they can help, then contact Natalie and her parents.
Nov 22, 2011, 7:59 AM
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Re: [JerseyShawn] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Here's the reply I got asking how to go about a jump for her situation:
This should be a snap to pull off. Get the RD to sign off on the waiver, and have the RD contact the BOD members to vote on this ASAP (waiting until the Feb meeting is not an option). Find a DZ and TI willing to do the jump, and it shouldn't take more than one phone call to the manufacturer to get their permission.
The whole point of tandems needing to be 18 is the legal liability. It's got nothing to do with the mechanics of the jump or the gear, it's just that nobody wants to get sued. In these types of cases, a lawsuit isn't a real problem.
Beyond that, the DZ, pilot, TI, video guy and packer should all be willing to do the jump for free. I've shot video for a couple of these 'make a wish' jumps, and would never dream of taking a dime for any of it. If some sick kid's dying wish is to do what I get to do every weekend, it's my honor to be able to share that with them.
Nov 22, 2011, 8:22 AM
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Re: [davelepka] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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I am new to this sport and I have to say how proud I am to be a part of this family. It is amazing how quickly all of you jumped on this and are willing to do whatever it takes to make this girls wishes come true. Thank you for showing me what a wonderful group I am becoming a part of. You guys rock!
Nov 22, 2011, 8:46 AM
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Re: [davelepka] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Quote:
Here's the reply I got asking how to go about a jump for her situation:
This should be a snap to pull off. Get the RD to sign off on the waiver, and have the RD contact the BOD members to vote on this ASAP (waiting until the Feb meeting is not an option). Find a DZ and TI willing to do the jump, and it shouldn't take more than one phone call to the manufacturer to get their permission.
The whole point of tandems needing to be 18 is the legal liability. It's got nothing to do with the mechanics of the jump or the gear, it's just that nobody wants to get sued. In these types of cases, a lawsuit isn't a real problem.
Beyond that, the DZ, pilot, TI, video guy and packer should all be willing to do the jump for free. I've shot video for a couple of these 'make a wish' jumps, and would never dream of taking a dime for any of it. If some sick kid's dying wish is to do what I get to do every weekend, it's my honor to be able to share that with them.
Who is the RD for Oregon?
I've emailed Skydive Oregon, as that seems to be the closest DZ to Natalie, but haven't heard back yet. Does anyone have any connections there?
As for the DZ doing it for free, sure that'd be nice, but we don't know the financial situation of every DZ, so that shouldn't be assumed. It'd be wonderful if they agree to get her in the air at all, so that's what we should ask for, and if they want to do more, that needs to come from them. I'm sure we can get enough donations to get the cost covered.
Nov 22, 2011, 9:15 AM
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Re: [brucet7] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Is Kapowsin jumping right now or are they down for winter? Skydive Oregon is still running til the end of December on good weather days, according to their website.
Worst case, maybe we can get her down to Perris or Snore or one of the Bay Area dropzones if weather becomes an issue up north.
Nov 22, 2011, 9:22 AM
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Re: [brucet7] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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Skwrl is taking point in contacting Jesse and the USPA.
I sent an email to Skydive Oregon using their "Contact Us" form on their website, but I don't have any specific individuals to contact. If anyone has any connections, please let me or Skwrl know.
Nov 22, 2011, 2:05 PM
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Re: [Nightingale] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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As for the DZ doing it for free, sure that'd be nice, but we don't know the financial situation of every DZ,
Granted, but if you figure that the TI, packer, video guy, and pilot will work for free, the only remaining cost is the plane and wear/tear on the rig. You're looking at $75 for a 1/2 hour in a 182, and $15/$20 for the rig, so under $100. Maybe hit the TI and video up to cover their own slot, and they're in for $20/head, and the DZ only has to cough up $60.
Let's face it, all involved are 'professionals' and make money jumping out of planes. Footing the bill for a jump of this nature is the least they could do.
That aside, if the DZ/employees won't ptich in, anyone one who wants to donate can PM me for my paypal address, and I'm sure we can whip up the $300 to cover a tandem with video. Let's find out for sure that we need to raise the dough, and how much, before anyone sends any money so I don't have to deal with a bunch of refunds and the like if it turns out we don't need anything.
Nov 22, 2011, 2:11 PM
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Re: [davelepka] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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As for the DZ doing it for free, sure that'd be nice, but we don't know the financial situation of every DZ,
Granted, but if you figure that the TI, packer, video guy, and pilot will work for free, the only remaining cost is the plane and wear/tear on the rig. You're looking at $75 for a 1/2 hour in a 182, and $15/$20 for the rig, so under $100. Maybe hit the TI and video up to cover their own slot, and they're in for $20/head, and the DZ only has to cough up $60.
Let's face it, all involved are 'professionals' and make money jumping out of planes. Footing the bill for a jump of this nature is the least they could do.
That aside, if the DZ/employees won't ptich in, anyone one who wants to donate can PM me for my paypal address, and I'm sure we can whip up the $300 to cover a tandem with video. Let's find out for sure that we need to raise the dough, and how much, before anyone sends any money so I don't have to deal with a bunch of refunds and the like if it turns out we don't need anything.
Natalie has a bucket list fund. If the money's not used for a jump, she can use it for something else. The info is on her website above.
She also has a wish to visit LA. Perhaps she would like to combine a visit to Los Angeles with a jump at one of our local dropzones. I will email them and see if it's possible.
Nov 22, 2011, 2:22 PM
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Re: [Nightingale] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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dawn at above the rest ballooning would take her im sure and id be happy to cover the cost. happy to fly her around LA or to the DZ as well !! pm your number and i can make some phone calls for you.
Nov 22, 2011, 2:24 PM
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Natalie has a bucket list fund. If the money's not used for a jump, she can use it for something else. The info is on her website above.
And so it is. I just made a donation through paypal, and it was a snap, 3 clicks and it was done. They also take credit cards if you don't have paypal account.
I did attach a note that the money was for skydiving, and that she should get video/pictures and post them here after her jump.
Nov 22, 2011, 2:41 PM
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Re: [sinjin] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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I don't know Natalie. I just saw the news reports and thought "skydiving... I'm sure we can figure that one out!"
These are the numbers of people that know the family and organized the Bucket List fundraisers.
Misty Speakman 541-260-4454 or Kayla Kintner 541-404-4105.
We've heard back from Jesse at USPA. A waiver has been issued for Natalie to skydive, and she's good to jump at any dropzone in the US that will accept her. We have been told that Skydive Oregon will not permit anyone under 18 to jump, which is their right, however, Skydive Kapowsin will take her as a jumper, weather permitting (GO KAPOWSIN!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!). Kapowsin is quite a drive from Coos Bay (7 hours, I'm told), but at least there is an option now, again, weather permitting.
I am also checking with Southern California dropzones, as one of Natalie's other wishes is to visit Los Angeles. If she is going to be here anyway, perhaps Perris or Elsinore would be options as well, and the weather is a bit more reliable.
slotperfect (D 13014)
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Nov 22, 2011, 3:11 PM
Post #27 of 48
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I had the honor of being the TI for a young man in similar circumstances last winter. I can help you get it set up. I will PM you my phone number.
Nov 22, 2011, 3:27 PM
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We've heard back from Jesse at USPA. A waiver has been issued for Natalie to skydive, and she's good to jump at any dropzone in the US that will accept her.
Good job!
Does she know she's allowed to jump yet? (Or her helpers know?)
Can someone post a direct link to the donations page (the one I can use a debit card, don't have paypal)? All I have is my phone with internet and doesn't show the donation pages. Thanks!
Nov 22, 2011, 3:33 PM
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Re: [JerseyShawn] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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We've heard back from Jesse at USPA. A waiver has been issued for Natalie to skydive, and she's good to jump at any dropzone in the US that will accept her.
Good job!
Does she know she's allowed to jump yet? (Or her helpers know?)
There's a difference between being allowed and finding a DZ that can take her that she can get to. We're working through the details and coming up with a list of DZs that are willing to take an underage jumper in her situation so she can choose what will be most convenient.
Nov 22, 2011, 4:37 PM
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Re: [Nightingale] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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i submitted a request for a flight from Angel flight West... i gave misty's contact info and i called misty to let her know. my contact info is on there as well. hope we can get this done for her !!
Nov 22, 2011, 7:31 PM
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i submitted a request for a flight from Angel flight West... i gave misty's contact info and i called misty to let her know. my contact info is on there as well. hope we can get this done for her !!
Nov 23, 2011, 6:10 PM
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i am working on the angel flight west. i would be willing to fly her in a 182 from SF to LA and back.. if someone could do the OR to SF leg , that would make it easier. we are trying to work the angel flight west angle as well. sounds like the socal part is coming together :)
Nov 24, 2011, 7:29 AM
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Re: [bodypilot1] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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You rock, Ed. I hope you guys are able to make that happen.
Has anyone been in touch with her family yet? My concern is that we've got a lot of activity (BSR waivers, lining up DZs, AngelFlights, etc.) but unless I'm mistaken her family is not aware of it. I'm concerned we might get all this lined up and then end up with her folks nixing the idea for various fears for her safety, etc.
Nov 24, 2011, 8:38 AM
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Re: [Skwrl] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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skwrl,, i have spoke with misty twice who is a family friend, she is working on the forms for the angel flight.. i mentioned we are working on the skydiving and balloon in the LA area. so i am pretty sure they know. ill try to get more info from misty tomorrow !!
Nov 29, 2011, 8:08 AM
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Re: [Skwrl] Skydiving for 15 year old?
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I don't think they could've done the BSR waiver without her parents being involved (please correct me if I'm wrong). When we heard back from Jesse, she said the BSR waiver had already been done prior to us asking about it, so we had nothing to do with that, but that Skydive Oregon wouldn't let her jump. Perris and Kapowsin will, provided their tandem manufacturers agree as long as Natalie's doctor clears her medically, both her parents (if applicable) sign the waiver, and at least one accompanies her to the dropzone.
So, it could happen. Once we hear back from the tandem manufacturer, which is the last hurdle on our end, it's time to contact Natalie's people. We don't want to call and say "hey, these DZs will let you jump!" and then get a no from the gear company. We want all our ducks in a row so we don't risk disappointing a kid.
Nov 30, 2011, 9:55 AM
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UPT - a great bunch of folks - very graciously agreed to the waive. They're getting in touch with Perris shortly.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!
/happysnoopydance!
That was our last duck to put into the skydiving row. Now...to get Natalie to Perris...
Depending on the date, if Natalie lands in L.A. and needs a ride, I can drive her out to Perris. I'd also love to jump with her, if her Tandem Master is ok with me flying with them, or I can just be there for support. Whatever Natalie needs and wants is good with me.
Good job! 
