An Alaskan Story of Special Olympians United to Survive

by Linda Kay Thompson
A dramatic bush plane crash in coastal Alaska leaves the pilot injured. The passengers, a team of
Special Olympic Athletes, must fend for themselves to survive. An Alaska storm first threatens to
overwhelm them during the night as they care for their unconscious pilot. Each must confront the
challenges of survival in the wilderness, while transcending their limitations. Forced to overcome
their habits of dependency and help each other, the group finds courage in the Olympic oath: “Let
me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Linda Kay Thompson is an author, art-gallery owner in Homer, Alaska, and retired special education
teacher in intensive-needs. Her teaching career, mother of a special needs son, and Alaska Special
Olympics coach helped her to see beyond the labels and limitations commonly associated with
“disabilities.” Linda is an advocate for these adults and children who each carry unique gifts. Her
life has been blessed by her son, Erik David Behnke, a professional artist with Down Syndrome
and autism. The two have been active in the art world since 1997, when Linda began to unravel
Erik’s talent in a rural classroom in Kenny Lake, Alaska. She obtained her Masters degree in Special
Education to better understand her children at home and school.
Linda started her writing career developing historical reports for publication as a federal
and state researcher. She has published two non-fiction books: Erik’s Story, finding his gifts
against all odds in rural Alaska, and It’s Okay Mom, an Alaska story of trust, love of family and triumph over adversity.

ISBN 978-1-59433-445-0-51795