Celebrating 40 years of STARS, July 2025

Every month, we’re collecting stories celebrating 40 years of STARS Allies, Very Important Patients, and Innovation. These were the stories we highlighted in the month of July 2025.

Forty Years of STARS Allies

Ed and Patti Haraldson

A 1969 Dodge Dart was auctioned off to help us be there for the next patient! The car belonged to Ed Haraldson, who purchased it in September 2024. Before he passed away from cancer, he made a final request: that the car be auctioned, with proceeds donated to STARS.  His wife, Patti, helped fulfill that wish with support from EG Auctions.

Forty years of STARS Very Important Patients

Doug MacTavish

What began as a hunting trip turned into the longest helicopter mission STARS has ever flown when Doug McTavish suffered a heart attack deep in the backcountry. In the mountains, on the side of the river, STARS was able to go where no one else was able to—and help Doug make it back to his family. Read more about Doug’s story.

Forty years of STARS Innovation

Night Vision Goggles

In 2003, STARS became the first civilian air carrier in Canada to use Night Vision Goggle (NVG) technology. Today, STARS continues to use this cutting-edge technology to enable safer flights for our crews—and our patients.