Above: From left: Stevie Simpson, Dani Bucsko, John Bucksko and Travis Mills come together to support Izzy’s Wing.
In memory of Izzy Bucsko, who left this world on October 16, 2023, Izzy’s Wing—a501(c)(3) organization—held its inaugural event at Skydive Arizona October 18-20. The charity was formed to promote safety, training and fellowship with an emphasis on canopy flight, as Bucsko was passionate about canopy piloting. The winds were howling on the first day, so participants settled for an in-depth discussion on canopy flight with Travis Mills. On Saturday and Sunday, the weather cooperated, and more than 20 skydivers participated in canopy coaching for a wide range of skills and experience levels with Mills, Jason Sanders and Stevie Simpson coaching the groups. Izzy’s parent’s, John and Dani Bucsko, participated in the event, as both are long-time skydivers and DZOs.
Izzy’s Wing also supported the Swoop du Jour event coordinated by Emily Wallace and Stevie Simpson, where swoopers competed in zone accuracy. World champion Justin Price took home gold, Jerrid Atwood the silver and Kacey Crippin the bronze. In support of their fellowship mission, Izzy’s Wing sponsored a dinner on Saturday night, where Skydive Arizona jumpers shared their memories of Izzy Bucsko, her passion for skydiving and acceptance of everyone. She lived by these ideals: Laugh often, hug big, love deeply.
In January, Izzy’s Wing headed back to Skydive Arizona to support SIS and the pink canopy course with Jeannie Bartholomew, with a mission to help make coaching accessible to women skydivers.
The charity plans to offer canopy coaching events this summer at various drop zones across the country, and would like to hear from drop zones that may want to participate to advance Izzy’s Wing’s mission to make quality canopy coaching available to all skydivers. A website is under construction, but those interested can visit @izzyswing on Instagram or facebook.com/izzyswing.
Dani Bucsko C-23384
Woodbury, Minnesota