Help for Sarah B

Being a part of NATCA is more than a membership in a club or a group of coworkers. We, as air traffic controllers, are a very small, tight-knit community that operates more like a family. We call each other sisters and brothers, and sometimes emotions flare, but the people to the left and right every day are uniquely positioned to understand the stresses and intricacies of a job that is demanding and unforgiving. During high points and low points, fellow controllers are always on the same team, celebrating together, and covering each other’s backs, with a generosity and passion unlike any other profession I’ve seen. 

Our sister, Sarah Berbrich, currently of LAX, and previously DTW, has been recently experiencing some hardships. What she thought were migraines keeping her out of work the last month, actually turned out to be a blood clot that started near a hole in her heart, traveled to her brain, and caused her to have multiple strokes last week. She is a single mother, and her 15-year-old daughter had to call 911. Luckily, Sarah was able to get to a hospital after the first stroke, and she has been there for a week recovering. She is doing much better now, but she found out she will have to have surgery to close the hole in her heart. She has already undergone CAT scans, an MRI, a heart echo, and ultrasounds, and she is indefinitely medically disqualified.

Her LAX family is reaching out to anyone who would be willing to donate some funds to help her and her daughter during recovery and this difficult time. Any amount you can spare is appreciated!