posted September 04, 2025

Linda Cina beat the odds and lived to thank those who helped her

FLORENCE, AZ, Sept. 4, 2025 – When Linda Cina was airlifted to Chandler Regional Medical Center three years ago with a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors gave her a one percent chance of survival. Thankfully, the self-described fighter overcame the odds, and on Wednesday, she reunited with the Life Net air medical team and first responders from Coolidge Fire, Coolidge Police Department, and AMR at HonorHealth Florence Medical Center to thank them for saving her life.

“That day in April of 2022 I had a horrible headache,” said Cina. “From what I’ve been told, my 17-year-old daughter found me unconscious and called 911. The next thing I remember is waking up very confused in the ICU. I was told about all of the heroes who were part of my survival, and when I realized how many of you had a role in me going from a one percent chance of survival to surviving, and being how I am now, I had to let you know I was okay. I had to say thank you.”

Cina underwent a craniotomy and was hospitalized for two-and-a-half weeks. Her recovery was slow and steady, and against all odds, she made a remarkable comeback with only mild balance, hand strength, and hearing issues remaining. She found the names of the flight crew in her medical records and reached out to Life Net Flight Nurse Amy Milner on social media. When the two connected online, Milner was excited to bring together the first responders who played a role in saving Cina’s life to celebrate her miraculous recovery.

“We usually don’t get follow up on patients, and it was amazing you were able to find us,” said Milner, during the reunion. “It is really fulfilling to see that you are doing so well after such a crazy call. We have multiple people here today who responded to that call. That day was pretty chaotic, but we all banded together and worked as an amazing team to get things done for you.”

Engineer Adam Seils with Coolidge Fire, Officer Alex Lake with Coolidge Police Department, and AMR Operations Supervisor Roberto Aranda all responded to the 911 call for Cina and recognized the need for Life Net to quickly transport her to higher level care. All three were at the event to celebrate Cina’s recovery.

“It is really good to see that what we do is appreciated,” said Life Net Flight Nurse Mark Navarro. “There are no coincidences, and it is truly a miracle and a blessing that you are sitting right here before us. I hope you have many more years to come. You have things to do and I’m glad to see that you can do them.”

Incidents like this can cause concerns about medical expenses, but thanks to the No Surprises Act, which went into effect in 2022, insured patients are protected from unexpected bills. They cannot be charged more than their copay, coinsurance, deductible, or maximum out-of-pocket expenditure—including for emergency air medical transport. Life Net is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider. The Air Methods patient advocacy program works directly with patients to navigate financial assistance options, regardless of insurance coverage.

“I have been able to continue raising my three children at home and continue being a mom for my daughter on the east coast,” said Cina. “My dogs are happy, and being home with my husband is amazing. I couldn’t have had all of this without all of you.”