of traveling, I decided I needed to get to more civilization – and find a hospital. I found one in Berkeley Springs, WV.
The hospital was way out of town in the hills, and I almost turned around a couple of times. I went to the ER and after an EKG, CT scan with contrast, and chest x-ray, I was told that I had a collapsed lung. Once stabilized, an ambulance ride to Winchester Medical Center in Virginia, another x-ray, and more painkillers, the rest of the night passed. An MOA Ambassador posted an appeal and found a member to pick up my bike and bring it to Winchester. I was moved to Fairfax Inova Hospital in Falls Church in case I needed a thoracic surgeon as my lung wasn’t sealing- Ambulance ride #2. Thankfully my lung did seal, and a thoracic surgeon was not needed. I contacted SkyMed. Since I was somewhat sedated, I didn’t have my SkyMed ID at my fingertips – it didn’t matter. They had me in their system – I was good to go. I could concentrate on recovering and didn’t have to worry about getting home – both me and my bike were taken care of by SkyMed. Since I couldn’t fly due to my health condition, SkyMed arranged a driver, who chauffeured me home in total comfort and my bike followed later.”
How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose SkyMed? “I learned about SkyMed at a BMW MOA Rally. SkyMed was a great value for my money, offered more, and was not anywhere near as restrictive, especially when it came to age. I had been traveling the US and southern Canada by myself. It was only prudent that I carried good protection.”
What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed? “Don’t travel without a good protection plan – especially if you travel alone. Everything about my experience was totally professional and smooth.”
Do you have any tips to share on ‘how to’ survive a life challenge? “When something unexpected happens to you, you simply must deal with it. It helps to have SkyMed at your back. Like most challenges, you eat an elephant a bite at a time. Take a breath and take it slow. It’s okay to depend on others.”
