Bob Molsberry, Vice-Chair of the UCC DM Board reports that as of Thursday, April 7, Stephen J. Hopson’s “Flight to Hartford” was only $600 shy of the $5000 goal.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the existence of the United Church of Christ, two members of First Grace Church in Akron, Ohio, plan to celebrate the occasion by renting and flying themselves to General Synod.
“Our goal with the “Flight to Hartford” project is to raise awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities,” Hopson said.
Hopson was the first deaf pilot in the history of aviation to earn an instrument rating. This rating allows him to legally be pilot in command of an aircraft through inclement weather.
“Deaf since birth, Steve has never allowed obstacles to stop him from enjoying a successful career,” said his pastor, the Rev. Robert J. Dreese.
Ryan Mathews, who uses a wheelchair to get around, also never let his disability stop him from achieving his dreams, Dreese said. Mathews recently graduated from the University of Akron. One of his dreams is to go for a flight in a small airplane. When the flight lands in Hartford, his 300-pound motorized wheelchair will be waiting for him.
Website: http://www.sjhopson.com
