Jaeda’s Rescue-Swimmer Dream

Being part of the US Coast Guard is not easy, especially if you have a life threatening disease. However, this did not stop 18-year old Jaeda, who is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a hereditary ailment that causes progressive disability.

At 18 years of age, Jaeda still wonders what she will become when she grows up. Through the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the US Coast Guard, she finally settled on being a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

In June 2009, Jaeda’s wish to become a rescue swimmer came true when she spent two days at the USCG Aviation Training Center located in Mobile, Alabama. At the training center, Jaeda got the chance to practice rescue techniques while wearing all the Coast Guard gear. She also took control of a helicopter flight simulator. The best part, however, was when she flew out from a helicopter to go on a real rescue-swimming training mission.

The rescue simulation was absolutely exciting for the aspiring Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She never could have imagined how exhilarating it was to jump off a helicopter and be lowered to the ocean.

To conclude a unique wish experience, the US Coast Guard gave Jaeda her very own rescue-swimmer gear, a personalized name badge and her own flight suit. She was even given the official title of Honorary Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.