Miracle on the Hudson survivor to speak at The Woodlands at Furman
August 30, 2017
Dave Sanderson wasn’t supposed to be on U.S. Airways Flight 1549. But as the last passenger off the plane that made a miracle landing in the Hudson River, Sanderson was forced to quickly manage his resources in a crisis. He will be sharing the lessons learned from this harrowing situation at an upcoming presentation at The Woodlands at Furman.
Sanderson was a sales executive with Oracle when he boarded his U.S. Airways flight at LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009. Six minutes after takeoff, the plane made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after losing engine function in a feat that would come to be known as the Miracle on the Hudson. Almost immediately, Sanderson and his fellow passengers were forced to put their everyday problem solving and crisis management skills into practice in a life or death situation. The resourcefulness, teamwork and compassion demonstrated by his fellow passengers and those who rescued them inspired Sanderson to consider how these lessons could be put into practice in an everyday context.
While Sanderson’s story is unique, his presentation focuses on the ways the crisis management skills learned in this situation apply to daily life challenges. Sanderson demonstrates how being resourceful is the key to improving your circumstances, no matter how dire.
“People are looking for insight on how to handle unexpected challenges,” Sanderson said. “It’s not just about surviving a plane crash. You may never have that experience, but what worked that day can work every day in your life, and that’s what people understand and draw strength from.”
“One Defining Moment” with Dave Sanderson will take place on Tuesday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Woodlands at Furman, located at 1500 Trailhead Court in Greenville. Lunch will be served. The event is free and open to people interested in moving to a continuing care retirement community, but you’re not sure when the right time is and want to learn more. All attendees will be entered to win a copy of Sanderson’s new book, “Moments Matter.” An RSVP due to limited seating is requested by September 5. To RSVP, visit www.thewoodlandsatfurman.com/events, or call (864) 626-6530.
Angela Hecker, Director of Sales & Marketing with The Woodlands at Furman, said Sanderson’s story is important to those who are retired and undecided about where they want to live in the future. Many times, seniors make their long-term living decisions only when a crisis occurs and then, it may be too late.
“The reason we have Dave coming to speak is not only for him to share his life altering experience. We hope to inspire our prospects to make the decision to move to The Woodlands at Furman now, so they can enjoy all that we have to offer, including Life Care,” she said.
About The Woodlands at Furman
The Woodlands at Furman is a premier non-profit continuing care retirement community owned and operated by a local board of directors and managed professionally by Greystone. The 22-acre campus is located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail adjacent to Furman University. It offers all four levels of continuing care with the added financial assurance of Life Care. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities – enabling them to continue an active and engaged lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandsatfurman.org. or call Angela Bagwell at (864)371-3123 to schedule your appointment today.
