When Sue McCluskey and her partner, Mark, retired to a 20-acre farm on Lopez Island, they knew living in a remote community came with challenges. With ferries as the main connection to the mainland, neighbors encouraged them to consider a Life Flight membership for peace of mind. They enrolled, never imagining how quickly it would come into play.

One sunny afternoon, Sue fell from a ladder while painting their farmhouse, suffering a compression fracture to her spine. Mark, working in the garage, heard the fall and rushed to her side. Lopez Island Fire arrived and, given her injuries, determined air transport was the safest and fastest option. “I was very concerned, but I knew she was in good hands,” Mark recalls.

Within minutes, Sue was airborne. “Looking down at the ferry dock from the helicopter was surreal,” she remembers. “If we’d waited for the ferry, it would have taken hours. Instead, I was at PeaceHealth St. Joseph in just 12 minutes.”

Thanks to the swift response, Sue avoided surgery and returned home the next day. Today, she enjoys retirement restoring their farm, gardening, and training their Border Collie, Chase. Both she and Mark remain deeply grateful. “Accidents are just that—no one plans them. I am forever grateful for the care I received. Life Flight Network was there when it mattered most. Ten out of ten!”