On the same day as our "APB" went out, Crusader driver Norm Gandia, Blue Angels Team 66-67,  hooked up with Tony Less, Blues Boss 74-75.  Tony made the appropriate contacts with the current Team.  The Blues jumped in with both feet to make something work, and it worked beautifully.  Alyssa and her family returned to CA from FL in the evening of Sat. 5 Oct.  The Auburn PD folks brought them to San Francisco on Sunday, for the Blues Fleet Week airshow that afternoon.  The family stayed in SF that night, as she received her last treatments on Monday and Tuesday.

F-8 guys Tom Brown and Rich Keefer were the downtown SF coordinators from our end.  Stan and the Auburn PD worked with the SFPD and the CHP to get all the big ducks in a row.  Rendezvous point was the Argonaut Hotel, which was near show center (the team flew out of SFO, a few miles to the south).   Rich and Tom pick up the story:

[Rich had ordered some Blue Angel items from the Museum, to present to Alyssa on behalf of the Crusader Assoc.  He and his wife made a card, and wrapped them in appropriately-colored paper].   RSK: I arrived at the hotel early, and spoke with several of the Admins, and the #7 and #8 pilots…all had been briefed thoroughly on Alyssa and all were prepared to spend whatever time required to make her visit memorable…..just makes you very proud to be a part of this Naval Aviation fraternity!!
TFB:  The Blues loaned us their debriefing room which really worked out well. The family had a chance to refresh there and had a bite to eat before departing for VIP seating to watch the show, which was magnificent. Rich's gifts on behalf of the Crusader Association were very well received by Alyssa and her family.

TFB:  Alyssa and her Mom arrived right on schedule at SFO by CHP helo, as a result of superior support by the SFPD/CHP. It was impressive to watch so many folks dedicated to make something special happen for someone they didn't even know!

  Alyssa -- Arriving!

The Blue Angels Team of 2005 with Alyssa and her Mom.

  Souvenir photos are presented.......

.... and explained. 

  Boss Foley signs her cap.

The rest of the Team follow suit. 

     Time to leave.

Alyssa - Departing!