FEATURE STORY: April 14, 2008 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


“I was reminded that I only have one good lung,” said Brett Santangelo, 42 year-old Delaware Hospice patient, after his tandem skydive at Laurel Airport’s Skydive Delmarva on Thursday, April 10. Except for the struggle to get his breath, Brett was thrilled with his accomplishment, one which should make him a celebrity in the hospice world.

While hospices strive to educate the public that hospice care is all about living a quality life, having control and making your own personal choices, Brett demonstrated these messages with one giant step from a plane at 14,000 feet. He loved skydiving, wanted to do it again, and Delaware Hospice supported him all the way.

An experienced skydiver himself, Delaware Hospice nurse Todd Karrick noticed a photo of Brett skydiving, and they began talking about their mutual interest. Brett told Todd that he had always wanted to jump again, and Todd said, “Why not?” Delaware Hospice staff members have a reputation for going the extra mile to meet patients’ wishes; and three months later, it was all arranged with the help of Skydive Delmarva.

The morning before the big event, an emotional Brett reflected on what he’d been through. Diagnosed with HIV in 1982, he has survived hepatitis C, several bouts of meningitis, a week-long coma, and the removal of his gall bladder, appendix and spleen. “I’ve fought a lot of battles,” he said, “but the diagnosis of lymphoma in May of 2007 hit me hard.” After a few months of more doctors, blood tests and complications, Brett felt that he’d had enough of hospitals and treatments. “A gentle woman who was helping me with my breathing treatment told me that her husband had just been under the care of Delaware Hospice and was able to spend his time in the comfort and peace of home. I decided that would be the best thing for me as well.”

Brett said, “Delaware Hospice folks came in and they’ve helped me with everything and anything. There’s never a problem getting medications, and the symptom medications help me to continue doing more or less what I want to pain-free.”

And what Brett usually wants to do is something that benefits others. For example, he visits schools and youth organizations as a messenger for safe sex. Brett’s mother, Lois Santangelo, said, “When he sits down in front of those kids and asks them to imagine their first date being their last date and tells them his personal story--from being diagnosed as HIV positive when he was 18 until now--you can hear a pin drop in the room. He’s given a lot of kids something to think about.”

He also wanted to skydive, and the weather on the planned day turned out to be perfect. The small airport in Laurel was a busy place as family, friends and Delaware Hospice staff members gathered for the exciting event. An hour of preparations, instructions and suiting up, and Brett was on the plane heading for 14,000 feet.

On board, the noise of the twin engines forced an energy-charged silence among the accompanying skydivers, including another couple who would perform a tandem dive, a videographer, and two solo skydivers (one of which was also a representative of Delaware Hospice). Brett relaxed and replenished his oxygen supply, inhaling from a portable tank.

At last, the pilot signaled that they had reached their altitude. The door opened, they counted down, and one by one and two by two they took off.

Brett said, “The first sensation when you leave the plane is that you want to reach for something to hold on to, but then you realize there’s nothing. The air took my breath away at first, but the camera man maneuvered over to us, smiling, and reached out to me to slap hands. Then I just relaxed and enjoyed the beauty.

“Our landing was pretty hard because my legs didn’t cooperate, by my tandem partner handled it incredibly well. I could hear everyone cheering and it made me feel great.

“I’m so grateful to Delaware Hospice people for making this possible and for all that they do. I’m a strong person inside, and I just need help outside. They give me the help I need. I used to go out to speak about HIV/AIDS, but now I have to give my Delaware Hospice message as well. They’ve just been wonderful.”

By Beverly Crowl, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 302-547-1816.

Brett and his mother, Lois, excitedly wait for the final “go ahead” from the airport on the morning of his jump.

Brett and his skydiving partners get set for the pilot’s signal.

Brett lands right on target.