Diabetes Can't Ground Air Show Pilot
By: Andy Schroeder
Updated: July 4, 2007
Michael Hunter knows what kids will say when they see his stunt flying. Grade schooler Tasha McGee summed it up in one sentence, "I thought it was cool!"
Hunter hopes kids also get the bigger picture he paints during his aerial stunt shows: that diabetes shouldnt limit your life.
"The future is determined by their actions," Hunter said, "dreams are possible that we thought wed never be able to accomplish."
25 years ago, Hunter was told hed never fly. Diabetics are prone to black outs, and the FAA barred those afflicted with the condition from getting licensed. That rule has been relaxed a bit, allowing Hunter to become the countrys only insulin dependent diabetic stunt pilot. He brought his red and yellow plane to this years Freedom Festival, and brought his message to dozens of children living with diabetes in the Tristate.
His inspirational story wasnt wasted on Tasha McGee. She also suffers from diabetes. After listening to Hunter speak, then seeing him fly, McGee listed all the things she wants to do with her life. "Id like to be a nurse, play soccer, travel the world," she said. But McGee said she didnt think she could become a stunt pilot, not because of her diabetes though.
"Id probably be scared out of my mind!" she explained.
