Hi everyone, my name is Che and I have created this very personal video to help with my gofundme fundraiser. I wanted to get this out to get my fundraiser going and to connect with people that may have similar goals and dreams. Check out my story and please help me share this with as many as possible in hopes to inspire and motivate people with Diabetes and any chronic illnesses or disability to never give up and to go after your dreams !!
#THEIMPOSSIBLEDIABETICSDREAM
My name is Che and I'm chasing the impossible dream... to become a diabetic professional pilot. In 1992 my uncle took me to the Salinas Airshow where Russians brought fighter jets for demonstration. The highlight of the event was a front seat ride on a Bell 206 helicopter! The experience solidified my love of flying and my dream of becoming a professional pilot. But a diagnosis of diabetes as a young adult, coupled with my father passing away on my 19th birthday at the age of 54 of diabetes, stalled my dreams of becoming a pilot. I spent years learning about my diabetes diagnosis and focusing on my health, knowing that diabetes would prohibit me from becoming a professional pilot due to FAA regulations.
However, on November 7th, 2020 the FAA changed the rules to allow TYPE 1 DIABETICS to apply for Class 1 and 2 medicals to fly commercially!! I have been waiting my whole life for this opportunity and it finally came true. After 22 months, laser treatments on my eyes, cataract surgery on my right eye I finally received s special issuance letter to have a First Class Medical Exam, and on August 18, 2021 I received my First Class Medical!
It was an impossible dream for so many years, but now, at 41 years old with 2 young children and a wife, I have the opportunity to finally follow my dreams and begin a new career in aviation.
I am asking for your financial assistance in making my dream a reality. My goal is to raise $100,000 in order to quit my current job and pay for flight school in Watsonville, CA. The flying program is close to my home, where I can continue to spend time with my family. With your financial assistant I can obtain my pilot license and all the necessary certificates and ratings to become a professional pilot hopefully by early 2022.
I want my children to know that I lived life with an exclamation not an explanation and that I tried my best and never gave up! Life isn’t easy and anything you truly want will only come with hard work and a positive attitude! Thank you for your time and your support on my journey!