Enriching Our Community

Caring Commmunity Connections

February 11, 2016 By Christine

A conversation, a call, some emails and texts and the result
…. caring community connections to help a family.

It began with Trish Dilg of Donate. Local. Simple, having a chat with the Wagner family who were trying to locate a new home for their trusty mini-van. Trish knew we helped families with medical transportation and so the call to us. An email from the Wagners and an assurance from us that the van would go to a family and not to the crusher or sold for parts. We were sure we could find a new home for the van. We remembered a conversation with Nicole Dunn of Turn To Us, one of our non-profit partners, about a family that had a very small car and the difficulty they were having getting the daughter’s wheelchair into the trunk. Another phone call, a few texts and it all came together. Chrysanthra’s wheelchair fit perfectly in the back of the van and now there is enough space for her, her mom and her 3 siblings in the newly named “Green Bean”. A few gas cards for travel to Sloan Kettering in NYC for appointments and the family is all set. Thanks again to Trish Dilg, Mr & Mrs. Wagner and Nicole Dunn for this team effort in making a positive difference for a local family.

Myths & Facts about Organ and Tissue Donation

January 28, 2016 By Christine

Krysta saved 5 lives, gave sight to 2 people and enhanced the lives of others through organ, tissue and corneal donation. One of our missions is to dispel the myths and promote the facts about donation. One way we do this is by talking to students & civic groups. We have even presented to a group of Brownie scouts.While only 2 out of 100 people will have the opportunity to become an organ donor, it is important to learn the facts.

“They’ll let you die if you are in a car accident because they want your organs” MYTH
This is the #1 myth about organ donation! We know it is not true. The EMT’s, doctors and nurses that attended to Krysta after she collapsed, never asked us about her wishes until she was declared brain dead. Check the facts – Gift Of Life * Busting the Myths

Placing “organ donor” on you driver’s license gives hope to those listed on the transplant waiting list. Teens getting their PA driver’s for the first time should have this information to make an informed decision. Decide if donation is right for you and make sure your family knows your decision.

Simon’s New Ride

September 25, 2015 By Christine

He’s off and riding! Simon received his new AMBUCS AmTryke!
Krysta Cares Flight Club and The Lehigh Valley Steelforce Chapter of/AMBUCS combined forces with our friends at Whitetail Golf Course to make a HUGE difference for our young friend Simon. Proceeds from our July 9, golf outing at Whitetail were used to purchase this beautiful adaptive trike for Simon. He is a special needs child who can now roll into the great outdoors with his loving family. Thank you golfers, friends and sponsors.

Helping Veterans

April 10, 2015 By Christine

Chris and Bill Hankee deliver $1,000.00 in Giant gas gift cards to Kristen Lenhart of Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living and Pat DiLuzio of Victory House. The gas cards will help homeless veterans and their families gain a new foothold on their lives. Thank you LVCIL and Victory house for supporting our Lehigh Valley neighbors in need.
Learn more about these organizations: http://www.lvcil.org/ & http://www.victoryhouselv.org/

Richard & Roper

February 23, 2015 By Christine

Thank you supporters of the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund Gas Gift Card Program! You provided fuel for an eight year old named Richard and his family to travel to Xenia, Ohio and return with Roper, Richard’s Service Dog trained at 4 Paws for Ability. Bill and Chris Hankee were invited to visit Roper at his new home in Coopersburg where he lives with Richard and his family. Roper can predict seizures and help Richard overcome tense moments. Roper is a beautiful specially trained poodle/lab mix who spent 9 months with a host/training family before meeting and joining Richard’s family.Helping Richard’s family is a celebration of your kindness! Thanks again! Check out the wonderful work of this agency: http://4pawsforability.org/