‘Every life matters:’ Nonprofit looks to bolster aid along dangerous stretch of I-90

If you’ve lived in Washington long enough, you’ve most likely driven through the pass along Interstate 90 (I-90). And if you’ve ever driven in the winter, you know just how dangerous that stretch can be. However, something you might not know is the first responders to the incidents that occur are mainly volunteers.

In August 1999, Cheri Marusa founded Life Support, a nonprofit composed of a group of neighbors and friends from Cle Elum and the surrounding area to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) and support for the local volunteer fire departments within upper Kittitas County.

Marusa was a volunteer responder for a short time and saw firsthand the needs of the volunteer fire departments and knew the system needed to improve.

“We needed to evolve and look to the future of how to deliver emergency medical services and what the needs were for our volunteer fire departments, and that’s how it all started,” Marusa told MyNorthwest earlier this month.

Life Support founded to protect those driving on I-90, surrounding community

Life Support was founded with the goal of preventing deaths and suffering. Also, enhancing EMS for I-90 travelers, visitors and citizens within the small towns and recreational region of Upper Kittitas County.

“All we’re asking for is, no matter the outcome, whether it’s sorrowful or joyful, is to look those in the eye who called 911 and give the first responder assurance in knowing that everything that could have been done was done,” Marusa said.

In its 24 years, Marusa said Life Support achieved buying the first ladder truck, building strategically placed fire stations, purchasing aid units, defibrillators, jaws of life, providing training courses and much more.

Marusa added that Life Support works closely with Kittitas County Fire District 7 (KCFD 7). The fire district has more than 60 volunteers. However, the number of volunteers spread throughout the region and all the agencies is around 120.

Although Life Support has come a long way, the nonprofit is dedicated to providing more training and equipment to ensure rapid and effective responses throughout the region. At the top of Marusas mind is to complete the Fire Training Tower and purchase rescue equipment.

“The training component is drilling in my head and the funds to purchase equipment are all vital,” Marusa said.

She added that KCFD 7 will also need professional firefighters as the community continues to grow.

“Every life matters,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “911 doesn’t respond to check who you are, who you identify as, where you work or what degree or finances one has, the first responders are there to take care of a human life, to give them an opportunity to survive and thrive and to elevate the dignity of all involved.”

Golf tournament coming up to support nonprofit

Coming soon is the 2024 Life Support Golf Tournament with Davis Law Group to raise funds for Life Support. The tournament will happen on Friday, August 16.

Davis Law Group is an award-winning team of Seattle personal injury attorneys. According to the company’s website, Davis Law Group has decades of experience handling cases involving wrongful death, car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, impaired driving collisions, dog bites & animal attacks, on-the-job injuries and other negligent actions.

Davis Law Group wanted to host a golf tournament to garner help for Life Support after hearing about its mission. For more information on joining the tournament or becoming a sponsor, visit Life Support’s website. To donate to Life Support, go here.

For Marusa, there was a call to action to create Life Support.

“I answered the call within my heart,” she said. “And in its own way, it was a 911 call to elevate our community’s first responders. So, I’m very happy. I’m very proud of what’s been accomplished, from the many helping hands and donors.”

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.