I have a soft spot for those suffering from neurological movement disorders. Can you imagine not being able to control your movements and not being able to do the regular things that you once could do so easily? It is a scary thought. But there are so many people who are living with these disorders and making the most of their lives. One of them is Myrta Gage, an 84-year-old pilot who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She wanted to fly a plane at least once again. And guess what? Her son helped her in fulfilling her dream!
84-year-old Myrta Gage was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She was struggling even with regular house chores. So her son, Earl, along with her family decided to help her curate a bucket list and fulfill it. And Myrta, who was a pilot in her youth, had one thing that she absolutely loved doing—flying a plane.
According to Indian Express, her wish of flying a plane turned into a reality when Earl contacted a pilot named Cody Mattiello and asked him to help fulfill her dream. Mattiello, to help a fellow pilot, agreed to take Myrta and Earl over Lake Winnipesaukee and Mount Kearsarge.
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Myrta, who was also a pilot in her youth, found herself, once again, inside the cockpit of a plane. Once they were in the air, Cody handed over the control of the plane to the 84-year-old and the old pilot’s bucket list wish of flying a plane was fulfilled.
Cody Mattiello shared pictures and videos of Myrta Gage on his Facebook and captioned it, “I was asked a few days ago to help fulfill this amazing lady’s final wish’s (sic) to fly a plane again. She was a pilot in her youth and having Parkinson’s disease and being in her 90’s insurance requirements would not allow her to use a flight school… Her son contacted me to help and I was more than happy to help a fellow aviator. Beautiful weather to fly down Lake Winnipesaukee and around Mount Kearsarge to see the fall colours. As a New Hampshire-born pilot, I feel lucky to be able to share my love of aviation and be a part of making memories like this for others.”
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Needless to say, those who came across the videos and photos of the 84-year-old pilot with Parkinson’s were overwhelmed with emotions. And rightly so. I mean, how beautiful and heartwarming it is to watch her fulfill her dream of flying a plane and that too while fighting a neurological movement disorder. I have to say her will and dedication towards her profession are oh-so inspiring.