MOOSE JAW — When Lisa Clements noticed her son, Tyler Lister, struggling to breathe while she was working from home, she assumed it would be another short hospital visit.
Lister, who has Down syndrome, had bounced back from pneumonia before.
This time was different. Shortly after arriving at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, Lister’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Within hours he was put on oxygen, intubated, and fighting for his life.
“About seven hours after being admitted, the doctor told me to call my kids, Paige and Dallas, and tell them to come home — Tyler was not doing well,” Clements recalled.
As they waited anxiously in the hallway, the family heard the words that would change everything: “STARS (Air Ambulance) will be here in 20 minutes.”
“Amid the shock, I don’t remember anything, but I vividly recall Tyler’s STARS crew arriving at the hospital,” Clements said. “Tammy (Hagerty) is such an angel. Before they left with Tyler, Tammy took me aside, gave me a hug, and promised me she would look after him.
“She didn’t have to do that — it’s not part of her job,” she added. “But it’s something that will forever be in my heart.”
Recognizing the severity of Lister’s condition, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) transported him to Regina for specialized care. Their swift action saved his life.
After arriving in Regina, Lister spent 22 days in the ICU, facing respiratory failure, septic shock, and emergency ileostomy surgery to remove damaged intestine. At one point, doctors drained four litres of fluid from one lung alone.
Lister’s battle continued even after returning to Moose Jaw, where he suffered massive pulmonary embolisms, keeping him hospitalized for another 18 days.
Through it all, STARS’ role in giving Lister a fighting chance was never forgotten.
“If it wasn’t for STARS, he probably wouldn’t be here today,” Clements said. “I’m 100 per cent sure of that.”
Determined to show her gratitude, Clements later commissioned local artist Carly Jaye to create two paintings — one for the STARS team and one specifically for flight nurse Tammy Hagerty.
“I just felt compelled,” Clements said. “Something was drawing me to do something to give back to them.”
, described the project as deeply meaningful.
“I’ve been commissioned to paint pictures like this a few times, and it’s almost just striking to me how a piece of art can help heal people in tough situations,” Jaye said. “It means a lot to be able to be the hands to bring those people’s ideas to life.”
Using iPhone photos Clements had snapped during a personal visit to STARS, Jaye created detailed portraits that captured the bond between Lister and his rescuers.
“She nailed it,” Clements said. “I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it was. I don’t know how she does it.”
On April 22, Lister and Clements personally delivered the paintings to the STARS base. They spent over an hour visiting with the team, grateful for the chance to thank them face to face.
“I vowed that when this was done, I was going to keep showing that appreciation, that gratitude to STARS and the Regina ICU unit,” Clements said. “So far, I think I’ve been doing pretty good.”
Today, Lister is nearly back to normal. He recently underwent a successful reverse ileostomy and has returned to his day program. His trademark bubbly personality is back — and he’s now a proud and smitten new uncle.
Reflecting on the experience, Clements emphasized the life-or-death importance of STARS interfacility transfers.
“A person never knows when they’re going to need them,” she said. “Never in my lifetime did I ever think we would use the STARS service.”
For Clements and her family, gratitude has turned into a mission — ensuring that the heroes in blue flight suits know they are forever appreciated.
To learn more about STARS Air Ambulance, visit .
