On June 16, 2019, Lindsey and Chris Woltering’s lives were forever changed when their daughter, Avah, made an unexpected and very early entrance into the world. At just 24 weeks and four days, Lindsey delivered her tiny baby girl at home—alone in the bathroom—while Chris was on the phone with dispatchers. “I can feel the baby’s head!” Lindsey called out, realizing in that terrifying moment that Avah wasn’t waiting any longer.

Neighbors and Nezperce Ambulance rushed to help, wrapping Avah in towels and carrying her carefully down the stairs. Knowing she would need advanced medical support beyond what was available locally, Life Flight Network’s Lewiston team was dispatched and landed at the Woltering home. They quickly transported Avah to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. From there, it was clear she required a higher level of care, and a second Life Flight Network team—the Neonatal Emergency Specialty Transport (NEST) crew from Spokane—soon arrived. They provided NICU-level care in flight and safely delivered Avah to the NICU at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

The days and weeks that followed were filled with challenges, prayers, and small victories. By week three, Avah had turned a corner. Supported by the NICU staff, the Ronald McDonald House, and the generosity of their small community, the family found strength in each step forward.

Today, Avah is a joyful, thriving six-year-old who loves to swim, care for animals, and chase her family’s chickens and guinea fowl. Her family never forgets that Life Flight Network crews gave Avah the best chance at survival. They renew their membership every year as a tradition of gratitude and for peace of mind.

“It was life and death,” Lindsey reflects. “Without Life Flight Network, Avah wouldn’t be here today. Life can change in a moment—treasure every day.”