Some people who see a red helicopter flying through the sky it brings them a sense of relief, for others it brings back memories of a day that changed their lives. 

On Wednesday STARS personnel, media, invited guests and supporters gathered at one of two show homes for the 2019 STARS Lottery launch. 

The tradition continues that two show homes will be given away as prizes in the 2019 draw, each worth over $1.5 million and completely furnished for the lucky winner. Altogether there are over 2,000 prizes that are up for grabs this year and the lottery was at 52% sold by the launch event. Many attendees were taken back by the design of the home and commented on the elegance displayed.  

During the event Legacy Giving Officer, Fred Matiko, detailed the important work done by the organization noting that they've been "woven into Saskatchewan's Fabric". 

He explained the various prizes that will be given away by the end of summer but also the impact that STARS makes in people's lives each time they are called upon. 

"STARS brings the emergency room to the critically ill and injured people across Saskatchewan every day," said Matiko. 

Last year the lottery sold out and Matiko is hoping for a similar finish to the 2019 event, reminding residents that all proceeds go towards operational costs for the organization. STARS funding is made up of two parts, half is covered by the provincial government each year and the other 50% comes from donations to keep the life-saving team riding in red helicopters in the air. 

"That support keeps our helicopters in the air, but it also fuels innovation from our medical equipment and proceeds to aviation tools like night vision goggles, training aids like human patient simulators. None of this would be possible without the strong community of allies across the province."

Each year at the event a second person is welcomed to the microphone. This year, Moose Jaw's Suzette Rodgers shared her story about what lead up to her becoming one of the STARS' Very Important Patients. 

Three years ago, in July of 2016, she suffered a nerve impingement and had surgery where five surgical discs were fused in her neck. Following her procedure, she began to have trouble swallowing and she went to the emergency room at the Wigmore hospital in Moose Jaw. Moments later Rodgers was told she needed emergency surgery for a blood clot in her neck. STARS came to her rescue and flew her to Regina.

Despite Rodgers not remembering the flight, she said the efforts made by all medical staff that day changed made an immeasurable impact on her and the people she loves.

"I was told the flight took approximately 18 minutes, what an amazing thing. My thoughts were immediately of how different my life could have been or how different my daughter's lives could have been without me."

She noted that she before she took her flight in the helicopter that she closed her eyes and put her life in the medical staff and gods hands and closed her eyes. Adding that her daughters were amazed by STARS when they arrived describing to their mother that it looked like a scene from the movie Top Gun. Rodger said she feels that her families were put at ease when STARS arrived seeing the skill and speed that's given to all their patients. 

"I think it was just a comfort knowing I was in the best hands possible and they knew that I would be there quickly. They were followed from Moose Jaw in their car and they knew that by the time they got to Regina that I would be in the O.R. (Operating Room) getting this matter taken care of as quickly as possible," said Rodgers. 

One year after Rodger's incident she decided that she wanted to give back to the very organization that had a hand in saving her life that day. 

"I now volunteer for STARS and I've been able to see how passionate everyone who is involved with the STARS organization is about the vitally important services they provide to our province. I urge you to buy your lottery tickets. Like me, you, your friends, your family, your neighbours could very well need STARS one day."

Tickets are now on sale and the early bird ticket deadline is fast approaching on June 27th. and winners for the early bird will be announced on July 11th. However, the final deadline will happen on July 18th with the final list of winners shared on August 1st. Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets for the 2019 STARS Lottery.