STARS shares stories from patients in 32nd annual fundraiser calendar

STARS and Viterra announced the release of the 32nd annual STARS Calendar on Wednesday.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the STARS helicopter air ambulance service, and is the 10th year in a row that Viterra has paid for the printing and distribution of the fundraiser calendars.

“The calendar this year tells stories of resilience, community, growth, and compassion,” said Katherine Emberly, STARS’ president and CEO.

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“And it reflects on the lives of 10 of our very important patients and two of our long-standing STARS team members from the past 40 years.”

One of the very patients featured in this year’s calendar is Brynleigh Yewsuk.

“When she was three years old, she was out on our farm helping. Somehow, the tractor forks fell over and landed on Brynleigh,” explained Marcy Yewsuk, Brynleigh’s mother.

“We rushed her to the local hospital, but it was quickly determined that she needed much more help than they could provide her. STARS Regina was dispatched for her.”

Marcy said her daughter was stabilized and quickly taken to Saskatoon for urgent care.

“Brynleigh had the back of her skull shattered, her main artery was damaged, and she had multiple bleeds throughout her brain. She needed surgery immediately to put a drain in to help reduce the swelling and the pressure. She was in a very critical state for the next few days,” said Marcy.

“After nearly three months, we were finally all back home together.”

Emberly said all calendar proceeds go directly to STARS, so the organization can help others like Yewsuk.

“The calendar has been such an important fundraising tool for STARS, and a wonderful tradition to share the stories,” said Emberly.

“It’s thousands of calendars that we sell every year. Everyone, from large organizations to individuals (and) farmers across the province, all support the calendar.”

Emberly said Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan – the three provinces where the air ambulance service operates – work together on the calendar, which is sold across all three provinces.

“Viterra has donated over $2.5 million over 10 years, and we’ve raised over $6 million in partnership with Viterra for STARS through the calendar,” said Emberly.

Jeff Cockwill, vice president of corporate affairs for Viterra, said the company is happy to support the important work done by STARS.

“It’s a great way to raise awareness of the great work that STARS does, and we’re very proud to support the organization,” said Cockwill. “Supporting an organization like STARS is just a great fit for everybody involved in our business and for our industry.”