Treating patients in the emergency ward at Lismore Base Hospital, who had been airlifted from road accidents by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, led United States medical student Annie Linebarger to make what she called a ‘crazy decision’.
“I decided to run a marathon to raise money for this important service,” Annie who headed to the coast earlier this month to run the Gold Coast Marathon, said.
Annie said her decision was crazy as she had never run a marathon before but thought having such a worthy cause would help motivate her.
“Working in the emergency department at the Lismore Base Hospital when patients were flown in, their lives saved by this service, I wanted to help raise money for this extremely worthy organisation,” Annie said.
Annie not only raised $5000 for the Helicopter but her experience working in the emergency department led to her make a decision about her medical career.
“One rainy night the Westpac Helicopter choppered in a patient, one of five victims of a motor vehicle accident. It was then I decided I wanted to be an emergency physician.”
Annie used the Helicopter’s fundraising page on the Everyday Hero website to promote her run and invite people to donate, writing a blog to record her training schedule.
“I received over 60 donations from friends and family,” she said.
Annie ran the Gold Coast Marathon on July 3.
“I wish I could say I flew; I wish I could say the kilometres ticked by like seconds; I wish I could say I was pain-free most, if not all of the run; and I wish I could say it was easy – but I’d be lying.
“I reminded myself throughout the race how lucky I was to be able to run this far and have the health to do so.”
Now back in Sydney to complete her medical training, Annie said the experience of living in the Northern Rivers region and her work in the emergency department has been life changing.
“This region is paradise. I truly hope I can return someday.
“You never know,” Annie said, “I might even return to work for the Helicopter Service as a member of their medical team.”
If you would like to be an Everyday Hero and raise money for the Helicopter, visit the website at www.everydayhero.com.au/charity/view?charity=1449.
