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In Honor of Melissa Berridge

In this world there are those who live, those who dream, and those who live their dreams passionately…

The “Fearless Spirit Fund” has been established to honor the life of our dear friend and fellow survivor, Melissa Berridge…an empowered survivor who lived her dreams with passion while encouraging others to be more than just a survivor, to pursue their dreams…to thrive! 

On April 30, 2005 Melissa participated in Operation Freefall and soared through the sky for the first time with her support group/survivor sisters and their counselor. Not only was she passionate about promoting awareness about sexual assault, she was skydiving to celebrate a personal milestone in her own recovery!  Her first jump was her reward to herself, honoring her personal healing and the completion of several months of group therapy.  

This first jump in Deland Florida was such an empowering experience that Melissa committed to “do it again” before ever removing her jump suit, which she decorated with what had once been her lunch. Although others had raised enough in pledges for Melissa to jump the second time, she insisted on paying for her own jump. That’s the kind of woman Melissa was. She was committed to her personal healing, to supporting others on their healing journey, and believed that “a free trip” just doesn't lend the same reward!  After “decorating” the drop zone upon her second landing, she enthusiastically volunteered to jump again in 2006.   

In January 2006 she began collecting pledges for her 2nd Operation Freefall jump. Her pledges alone raised over $800 and helped raise awareness to end sexual assault. Her personal pledge stated, “This will be my second year jumping for the cause. As a survivor who finally feels like a survivor and not a victim, I'm willing to do anything within reason to prevent sexual assault and provide the opportunity for other victims to become survivors…it's the most violent and traumatic crime any victim lives to remember. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted. It is the most under-reported of all crimes in the United States. I hope you'll share in this incredible adventure by supporting me…if you want to jump, too, let me know.” 

On April 29, 2006 Melissa geared up in preparation for jump #3 with her survivor sisters in Zephyrhills Florida. When asked by the videographer, “are you scared?” she shook her head without hesitation and replied, “not really.”  With a “lunch-free” landing Melissa declared with confidence and a twinkle in her eye “I can do this by myself now…with a parachute of course.”  She returned to the drop zone the following morning for one more fearless jump. Before heading home she shared with her survivor sisters that her personal goal was to return in 2007 as a certified jumper and soar solo! 

Melissa was well on her way to obtaining her certification and had already jumped solo. She said, “Skydiving really boosts my mood and colors everything else I do with bold bright hues.” Before she was able to complete her certification, her life was tragically taken. On July 29, 2006 Melissa was one of six divers who perished in the crash of the twin otter jump plane at Quantum Leap Skydiving Center in Sullivan, Missouri. Two other divers were severely injured. Like Melissa, most of those killed in the crash had a true passion for skydiving. The cause of the crash remains unknown and is under investigation. Her friends at Quantum Leap will especially remember Melissa for her persistence in the face of setbacks.  

Melissa is survived by her Mother, Barbara; Father, Jim; Sisters, Norlynn John and Bethany Berridge; Brother, James Berridge; her best-feline friend Eggbert; and her many survivor friends and sisters!

For those of us who were honored to know Melissa she will be deeply missed. She was a brilliant, witty, empowered woman, a true friend, and a passionate advocate.  May we find comfort in the love and support she gave us and may we find peace in knowing she left this world doing what she was truly passionate about…skydiving to celebrate life! 

As we glance upon Blue Skies may we be reminded that Melissa’s spirit will always SOAR!

Celebration Service

August 19, 2006, Skydive City
5pm until ?

We will be celebrating Melissa's spirit!

If you'd like to contribute photos for a memorial video please contact Jill Vanderkam at jillvdkm@aol.com.

Tandem skydives are available for $125. Please contact Kellie Greene at soar99@att.net by August 17 if you'd like to make a jump in Melissa's memory.