06/13/2026
Madi Hati is a Gold Looper! 🎗️⚓
I posted this photo last night, but I was simply too tired to write.
My heart is overflowing with everything this journey has meant; including the first 5500 miles and 11 months Roy, Max, and I, completed, and now these last 1200 miles (including going home to MN from Grafton, IL), with the River Sisters.
This photo is full of our story.
As Mama Drone, this is what I do: I tell meaningful stories that capture the raw emotion of a moment through my lens, my drone, and my words.
This story—this day, with these incredible women, on this boat, in this exact place—is a story that embraces the true power of sisterhood. It’s about helping others and finding your own strength while lifting each other up.
Standing here as River Sisters, we are united by a love for the water, bound by trust, respect, and the unstoppable synergy of our combined power, knowlege, and individual talents.
The pinnacle of any great climb is available to anyone who boldly embraces a dream fueled by passion and a burning "fire in the belly".
Roy and I had that fire for this journey, unfortunately, we had to end Roy's portion of the trip, last August due to cancer. Roy Fenstermacher is amazing and is recovering remarkably well, but was unable to finish the trip as a crew member. I served as our "Captain" and Roy did all the running of a single crew person.
As much as Roy wanted to finish the trip, he also graciously wanted me to finish the trip.
We knew I couldn't do that alone.
Any journey might bring limitations, obstacles, discomfort, fear, doubt, and an exhaustion that makes you think you can't go on.
It also brings hope, helpers, angels, fair winds, friends, and a strength you never knew existed inside of you. As a person of faith, I know I do not walk alone—and that is a beautiful thing, because I’ve lost my way walking alone.
Then three women (Eileen, Nancy, and Diane) whom I met by chance, offered to help complete this journey with me.
We are the “River Sisters”.
You might look at us and think, “Ah, one must be physically strong and young to achieve such a massive dream.” As you can see, we are atypical to that belief, but it is not a factor to our hearts desires, dreams, or goals.
Let me tell you about this 42 year old boat's namesake, Madi Hati.
In this photo, I am surrounded by my River Sisters, holding a small ceramic container. Inside are some of Madison Harriet Meyer's ashes—my beautiful granddaughter. She is an honorary crew member, and has traveled most of the entire 6,000 mile trip.
Madi was born with a rare genetic disorder called Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). It is a progressive neurological and immunologic condition, and most children are wheelchair-bound by age 8 to 10, just as Madi was. Statistically, most live until their teens or early 20's. There is no cure for AT.
She was not strong physically, yet she lived the most extraordinary and bold life during her 17 years (June 8th marked 4 years since her death). She remains one of the strongest people I have ever met.
Madi lived with pure grace, despite all of her health challenges (she had Lymphoma and died of complications after treatment).
She never saw her limitations, rather, she looked to us to help her achieve her desires, and so we did.
Madi absolutely loved the water, especially our ski boat. Despite her physical limitations, she did almost everything kids her age did—we just adapted. She never backed down from her heart's desires, because she knew, without a doubt, that we would find a way to make it happen.
Madi's story is not a tragedy of sorrow. It is a triumph of extreme strength, a love for adventure, and a legacy of creating unforgettable stories.
Madi was and is, a River Sister.
Whether you feel weak or strong today: live your dreams. Find your passion. Feed the fire in your belly for whatever it is you are called to do.
Madi Hati is a Gold Looper, and her spirit continues to navigate the waters with us.
Forever loved, and forever AT free. 🌊🕊️
Mama Drone
Ataxia-Telangiectasia A-T Children's Project
