Donated fuselage helps flight attendant return to work
Southwest Airlines flight attendant Kate Odorizzi demonstrates the type of therapy she received for a work-related injury. Dan Pelle, SR photo
In 2012, a partnership between Southwest Airlines and St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute resulted in a new addition at St. Luke’s – a portion of a retrofitted airplane fuselage.
The fuselage landed at St. Luke’s Community, a 2,200-square-foot therapy area dedicated to helping people recover after an injury or illness. And soon, it helped one of Southwest’s own to return to the job she loved.
Kate Odorizzi has been a Southwest flight attendant for 15 years. Odorizzi moved to Spokane in 2004, although her job is based in Oakland. “Spokane was my favorite overnight,” she said. “I love the four seasons.”
In March 2011, she was working in the aft gallery when her flight encountered severe turbulence. She was violently tossed from side to side in the small area.
“Everything in the galley came out – glassware, drawers – every item became a projectile and I encountered everything.” Full story, Cindy Hval, SR
Have you ever encountered severe turbulence on a flight?
