Acknowledgements

To my students who have continually demonstrated incredible abilities. You have inspired and brought me great joy.

To Penelope Anderson, a fellow parent who encouraged me to write.

To my editor, Ann Keffer, who sifts gold out of my work.

To Donald and Maryann Fell, Scott Fell, FAA in Homer, Kathy and Vic Martin, for the details involved in technical rescue, aviation and nautical jargon necessary for writing this survival story. I hope I got it all right in the end.

Notes from the author:

Each character in this book is an amalgam of different students from my 23 year career, and of the unique individuals I met while coaching Alaska’s Special Olympians. This book seeks to transcend the boundaries and limitations of “labels” placed upon these “special” individuals by society. I have learned to love and admire these courageous people, and hope this message of respect and compassion will continue to take root.