Source: Ascension St. Vincent
INDIANAPOLIS--16 patients from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and other staff members at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis pulled a 24-ton plane 15 feet Saturday afternoon at the Republic Airways Hangar.
It was all for the Republic Airways Plane Pull, which honors the life of Tyler Frenzel. Frenzel, who lived in Carmel, died at the age of 9 in 2004 while battling leukemia. His family says they wanted to continue Tyler’s passion for donating to pediatric patients in Indiana through the Plane Pull.
“We had 16 children here today who have all been treated at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at some point in their lives. Some of them weren’t able to walk, some of them weren’t able to breathe, but they’re all here today showing unity and strength and honoring Tyler’s memory to pull this airplane,” said Meg Zakrzewski, Vice President at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Proceeds from this annual event benefit A Kid Again, Indiana Wish, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, Riley Children’s Foundation and other charities whose mission supports children.
Last year, the Republic Airways Plane Pull donated $100,000 to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Tony Dingle joined the Kids Pull team. He has a rare kidney disease that requires regular doctor’s appointments, and said he felt really strong pulling an airplane with other kids who were once very sick.
“It felt so cool. I had a very very fun time pulling it, especially because I think it weighs 5 tons or more. One kid was in a wheelchair and seeing him in action was the most magnificent thing I’ve seen in my life,” said Dingle.
Among the other participants was Indycar driver Pato O’Ward.
