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The fall issue of Dispatches is here! Read the latest stories from LifeFlight of Maine.
Dispatches shares stories from the patients, supporters, crew, and communities that make LifeFlight of Maine one of the premier air ambulance services in the nation. It is published three times each year by the LifeFlight Foundation.
Download the issue as a PDF here.
In this issue:
The Chain of Survival Gives Joe Donoghue a Second Chance
- On April 11, 2026, there was a one-percent chance Joe Donoghue would live to see another day. He experienced a massive heart attack in the middle of the remote Maine wilderness — almost an hour away from the nearest hospital. He was so deep into the woods there was no cellphone service and no recorded address. However, he did have his family, a stranger, a deer sled, and the will to survive. Read Joe's LifeFlight story.
Kindness Amidst Grief and Loss: The Dostie Family's LifeFlight Story
- Michele Dostie's life changed forever in May of 2026 when her husband, Rob, collapsed suddenly from what doctors learned was an aortic dissection. He was transported by LifeFlight of Maine to Maine Medical Center in Portland for emergency heart surgery. The surgery was unsuccessful, and Rob passed away at 51 years old. Rob, who was an independent contractor, didn't have medical insurance. Michele, who was concerned about how she would cover the bill, applied for LifeFlight's Charity Care program and soon learned she owed nothing for Rob's helicopter transport. Read the Dostie family's LifeFlight story and how they're giving back.
Amy Root Joins the LifeFlight Foundation Team as Chief of Philanthropy
- Amy Root joined the LifeFlight Foundation team this month as Chief of Philanthropy. Amy will lead the Foundation's efforts to expand its annual, major, and planned giving programs aimed at securing the funds necessary to meet the growing demands of LifeFlight of Maine's mission. Learn more about Amy, her personal connection to LifeFlight, and what she hopes to accomplish in her new role.
Our Vision for Maine
- We believe everyone deserves access to world-class, lifesaving medical care when they need it most. Like much of rural America, Maine's healthcare and EMS systems are straining. For the most critically ill and injured people, the advanced critical care they need to survive can be far away, almost too far, and that is unacceptable. LifeFlight of Maine believes that no one is ever too far from lifesaving care. Learn more about our vision for the future, and how you can continue to help make our mission possible.
Leadership Spotlight: Cindy Williams
- Cindy Williams understood the direct impact LifeFlight has on Maine communities, ever since an incident in her community more than a decade ago. In 2021, she joined the board of the LifeFlight Foundation. Read more about how Cindy became involved with LifeFlight, her work with the Foundation, and her hopes for the organization's future.
Blood Donations Save Lives
- This summer, LifeFlight completed a new project designed to enhance its use of blood products and to streamline the steps crews must complete prior to takeoff. Learn more about the new equipment utilized at LifeFlight, and how you can help make a difference for patients in need.
The Support of Maine's Business Community
- Brookfield Renewable Energy North America is committed to investing in the communities where it operates, including in towns and cities across Maine. Recently, Brookfield worked with its business partners to help spread awareness about LifeFlight and to raise funds for the nonprofit. Learn more about why Brookfield chose to support LifeFlight, as well as the other businesses helping to ensure people throughout the state receive ICU-level care where and when they need it.
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