Published: January, 2010
In December, a Coast Guard crew from Air Station San Francisco flew Luis Castillo, an 18-year-old living with cancer, around the San Francisco Bay in an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. The ride was part of a wish that was made through the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts organization, a non-profit group that responds to requests from Oakland’s Children’s Hospital cancer patients in the oncology unit.
This charity program was created by dedicated firefighters from the City of Oakland metro fire department who know that they can make a difference in their community. As they respond into the homes of citizens, firefighters can truly observe the personal situations where people need a hand to live and succeed.
The Random Acts organization has a simple aim—to help fellow firefighters give something extra back to the communities they live in and care for. With a board made up of diverse individuals of many ranks serving on a purely voluntary basis, they aim to fulfill the mission statement: “Creating a positive difference in the lives of Individuals through Random Acts of Kindness.” Their motto—“No Egos, Badges or Resumes”—means simply that the program is for everyone in the department, and all they want is a commitment from the heart, not a reflection of ego, status or ambition.
The helicopter ride took Castillo over the Oakland Coliseum, Candlestick Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and other points of interest in the area. All photos accompanying this story are by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns and appear courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
