Sky High Ambitions Flight attendant’s creation of a multivitamin for travelers leads to awareness for children in need around the globe. By: Malaka I. Thompson
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welve years ago, Lisa Lent was a flight attendant who had a dream to create a nutritional supplement for those who love to travel. This initial dream ultimately led her to something far greater, the creation of Vitalah, which produces Oxylent, a multivitamin that is designed as an ideal supplement for everyday life.
Oxylent Variety Box contains a month supply of 3 delicious flavors of Adult Oxylent-- Sparkling Berries, Sparkling Mandarin, and Sparkling Blackberry Pomegranate • Photo: Rosemary Chasey
From the roots of Vitalah, Lisa was always committed to finding a special charity with which to partner. She decided that Vitamin Angels (www. vitaminangels.com) was the perfect fit. Created to help reduce child mortality worldwide by providing children under the age of five with vital nutrients, Vitamin Angels is aligned with Vitalah’s mission of bringing high-quality supplements to families everywhere. Before creating Oxylent, Lent first approached a nutraceutical company about creating a supplement for travelers. It was called “The Flight Pack,” and unfortunately for the product, it launched a week after 9/11. The timing was not right for the idea, Lent discovered. Lent continued her career as a flight attendant, and six years later she moved to Santa Cruz, Calif., and decided to
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implement her idea again at the recommendation of a close friend and mentor. It was then that Vitalah was founded on principles of integrity, quality and superior formulation, and with the goal of developing a new generation of health supplement. Lent’s initial dream to create a supplement for travelers ultimately led to something far greater with Oxylent – an effervescent multivitamin drink. Oxylent has received consecutive product awards in 2009, 2010, and 2011 attributed to its great taste, unique formulation, superior quality, easy absorption, third-party testing and eco-consciousness. With every purchase of Oxylent, a portion of Vitalah’s proceeds are donated to Vitamin Angels. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to reducing child mortality worldwide by advancing availability, access and use of essential micronutrients (especially vitamin A) among at-risk populations worldwide. In 2011, Vitamin Angels will connect more than 24 million children five years old and younger with the vital nutrients they need as a foundation for good health. Sales of Oxylent also assist numerous national and local community organizations, including the American Red Cross, The Kobe Bryant Foundation, HollyRod Foundation in support of Autism and the Monterey Bay Rape Crisis Center, among others. Oxylent is available at Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe and other retailers. For more information or to find a retailer that carries Oxylent, visit www.oxylent.com or call 877-OXYLENT (699.5368).
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Coutinho is eager to share Africa’s empowerment with others. Recently, a group of physicians from Nigeria visited the IDI and were inspired by what they saw. “They said, ‘We want you to give us your secret. Your people are so passionate; they love their jobs. What have you done?” Coutinho said. He believes the answer lies in IDI’s ability to bring the right people together. “If you leverage their passion and knowledge to make a difference, you just get a synergy.”
Power to the People
Of course, IDI’s most significant achievements have been with the patients. The institute makes sure that patients see themselves as an integral part of their own recovery. The emphasis is placed on healthy behavior – not the stigma that so often accompanies HIV. One patient whose life has been saved and transformed is “Jackie.” Not only has she survived her illness, she also has thrived, and uses her newfound empowerment to offer hope to others.
Accordia and IDI have “ given me the courage and confidence to talk to people and tell them that life still can go on, she said.
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Referred to as “friends,” patients like Jackie take their newfound coping skills to the streets – helping to uplift the community. “It makes me proud to help others live longer and tell them that we can make a difference,” Jackie said.
A Self-Sustaining Future
Since beginning full operations, IDI has gone from 100 percent reliance on funding from Pfizer Inc. to less than 20 percent. The institute has integrated itself into the local health system, gaining the confidence of the Ugandan government, which now has become a significant