A local Deep River woman’s dying wish to skydive has touched hearts across the Valley and beyond.
Barb, a hospice patient with terminal cancer and just two weeks to live, had one final dream: to experience the freedom of skydiving. Last week, her closest friends made it happen. They wheeled her out of hospice, brought her to Airborne Petawawa, and together they leapt from 12,500 feet, fulfilling Barb’s wish and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Above from left: Barb with Tandem Instructor, Raul Zaharia. (Photo submitted)
“This was about more than skydiving,” said Raul Zaharia, Owner of Airborne Petawawa and the Tandem Instructor who jumped with Barb. “It was important to me personally to take Barb because the reason I started this company was to share skydiving with the world. Seeing her courage, and her friends’ determination to make it happen, is exactly why I believe in what we do here.”
The story has since gone viral on social media, with Barb’s photos receiving thousands of reactions and shares. Airborne Petawawa plans to release the full video of her jump this week, expected to inspire even more people with Barb’s incredible spirit.
Airborne Petawawa regularly hosts community programs, including “Getting Wounded Vets Airborne,” which provides free tandem skydives for injured veterans. The dropzone believes in skydiving as more than a sport, it’s a way of celebrating life, courage, and community.
A heartfelt shoutout to Barb for inspiring us all to live a little more boldly.
Vela,A.,Dropzone Manager Airborne Petawawa(2025,Sept.8) Barb’s Dying Wish to Skydive Comes True at Airborne Petawawa [media release]