News

June 25, 2012

        SOUTHERN TIER (WENY) --  Medical flight care is critical for some accident victims, especially those in remote areas that could be hard to reach by ambulance.  That's why one husband and wife team are working to raise money for a non-profit flight company.

         Winnie Romeril is a flight paramedic for Mercy Flight Care, a community-based medical service company that often flies patients without any insurance.  As a result, the company doesn't always get reimbursed for the flight service it provides and absorbs the costs.         

         "A lot of people in this area don't have medical insurance and we really feel it's important to keep the costs of health care down and take care of everybody that needs it," says Romeril.

          So Romeril's husband, Dave Schenck, has planned a cross-country bicycle fundraiser called Tour de Flight.  The goal to raise money for the agency by getting donations for every mile he hits between Canada and Mexico.

          "My hope is that since it's two months long, people can tune in, kind of follow along, see my pictures, hear my stories and continue to be inspired," says Schenck.

           Dave got into a cycling accident on June 20 and suffered a severe concussion, but thankfully is recovering fine and still plans on completing his trip, starting this August.

           To get more information on that 2,800 mile trip, visit http://www.mercyflightcentral.org/  and look under Events for 'Tour de Flight' information.  You can also visit www.facebook.com/MercyFlightCentral for up to date information on his specific location.