Family plans fly-in benefit for grandson

Five-year-old Colton Whisler was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, or RMS, a type of brain cancer, on Oct. 12.

The tumor is in his brain, ear canal and cheek glands and is inoperable. Daily chemotherapy treatments have begun, and his family is in need of support.

Colton is the son of Derek and Stephanie Whisler of Seward and the grandson of Greg and Terri Whisler, who operate Whisler Aviation at the Seward Airport.

Derek is a chief warrant officer who serves as a helicopter pilot with the Nebraska Army National Guard. He has been deployed to Iraq four times and was called to respond to Hurricane Harvey last year and Hurricane Michael just a few weeks ago.

Stephanie is a benefits coordinator for Gold Star Families who have lost soldiers in the line of duty.

“This is a family that serves our community and nation to the fullest,” Diane Geiger said.

Geiger and her husband, Larry, are helping to organize a benefit for the Whislers, who sponsor and organize the annual Fourth of July airshow, as well as the Midwest Aerobatic Championship contest.

“Needless to say, they are involved in our aviation community. We need a huge turn out,” Geiger said.

The benefit will be a fly-in soup and dessert lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Seward Municipal Airport, located three miles south of Seward along Highway 15.

Volunteers are needed to help with the event by setting up, making soup and desserts and selling tickets for aircraft rides, among other duties.

Organizers are looking for donations of baked goods and crafts that will be for sale.

A free-will donation will be accepted for lunch with a $5 suggested donation.

Aircraft pilots will fly in, and aircraft will be available for viewing, along with a National Guard helicopter display. Notable pilots include Harry Barr, Jesse Panzer and Doug Roth, who will sign autographs and fly passengers in tours over Seward and the surrounding area.

Tickets for a 15-minute helicopter ride will be for sale for $50 per person. Airplane rides will go for $25 per person.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Geiger at (402) 450-7842 or (402) 430-6977.

Monetary donations may be made at www.gofundme.com/colton039s-medical-bills.