A One-Year-Old’s Birthday Fundraiser
This story appeared in the July 2025 issue of “Dispatches.“
Why Rebecca and Doug Thompson Support LifeFlight
The Thompson family’s first air medical transport was in 1986 in Massachusetts, when Rebecca and Doug’s son Jack was born. Jack arrived nearly a month before his due date and was flown by airplane from the hospital where Rebecca delivered to Boston Children’s Hospital for intensive care. Rebecca and Doug say the experience made them aware of the importance of these services. They were grateful for the swift care and hoped never to need it again.
The Thompson family’s second air medical transport was in Maine in 2024. This time, Rebecca and Doug were grandparents, and Jack’s son Henry, their fifth grandchild, was transported in a LifeFlight of Maine helicopter from Rockport to Bangor immediately after he was born.
Rebecca and Doug, who live in Lincolnville, say they were familiar with LifeFlight before Henry’s transport. They had previously supported a family member who participated in what was formerly the Islesboro Crossing, now the Cross for LifeFlight, which raises funds to support LifeFlight of Maine. They donated, knowing the importance of LifeFlight’s mission.
“You just don’t know when your donation is going to help someone you know, or a family member. Hopefully not, but it doesn’t matter. I feel those of us who can afford it have a responsibility to help support organizations that do so much good,” Rebecca said in a recent conversation.
In 2023, Rebecca and Doug celebrated the news that their son Jack and his wife, Anne, were expecting a child. On April 18, 2024, after almost two days in labor, Anne gave birth to Henry by emergency C-section at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport. Due to complications with his birth, doctors were concerned that the newborn did not get enough oxygen and his brain could swell.
“They decided it was best to be cautious, and there happened to be a LifeFlight ambulance in the area, in striking distance, with that equipment on board. So, that was the first wonderful, serendipitous thing that happened,” said Rebecca. The LifeFlight crew in the ambulance brought the equipment to the hospital and prepared Henry for his flight.
Rebecca said Henry was transported by LifeFlight helicopter to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where he was admitted to the NICU. Her grandson’s transport reminded her of 39 years ago, when her son was flown to Boston.
“Since we had such a similar experience ourselves with Henry’s dad almost four decades ago, it definitely triggered some anxiety from me, but I knew it was the best solution possible,” she said. Both Henry’s parents and grandparents were confident he was in good hands with the LifeFlight team.
“These are people who have my son and daughter-in-law’s baby’s best interest at heart and thank God for them, that they were there when they needed it. You don’t expect it, but certainly when you are a recipient of that kind of care, it’s just amazing. Your gratitude is boundless,” said Rebecca.
“I think we were just very grateful that he was getting the best care available, as quickly as possible, which is what you hope for in any existential crisis,” added Doug.
Henry spent about two weeks in the NICU. Surrounded by his parents and his grandparents, the infant grew stronger by the day and was eased off his medications. When he was discharged, he returned home to Lincolnville Beach with his parents to continue to grow and gain strength.
“Doug and I are forever grateful for LifeFlight’s life-giving services and care,” said Rebecca.
A year later, to celebrate his first birthday, Henry’s parents asked friends and family to make donations to LifeFlight in his honor. Rebecca and Doug jumped at the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped their grandson.
“That’s all I needed to hear. I just thought, what a great investment! What a great service! We have such a large state. People are spread out, and hospitals are closing, and these are challenging times. It’s just so important for those of us who can afford it to make a generous donation,” Rebecca shared.
As she prepared for one-year-old Henry to come over for the evening, she spoke about the activities she had planned for her youngest grandson. She was delighted to spend time with him, and expressed her gratitude for everything that was done so that Henry could live a full, happy, and healthy life.
