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FREE FLIGHTS FOR MEDICAL CARE

Passenger

Who We Help

Medical Flights

AFE assists patients traveling between 100 and 1,000 miles for non-emergency medical treatment. This allows patients to "commute"
 to and from their treatments instead of worrying about long-term accommodations for the duration of their recovery.

Patients who might request our assistance include rural patients with limited access to specialized care, follow-up care for organ transplantation, among others.

If you're unsure whether we can help with your needs, please reach out!

Compassion Flights

AFE also considers compassion flights for non-medical situations on a case-by-case basis. If you need to visit a loved-one in recovery, need help leaving a disaster or evacuation area, or require transportation for some other critical situation, we may be able to help.

Who's eligible?

Passengers who are medically stable, ambulatory, and able to sit upright for the duration of the flight are eligible for our services.

Gabe's Story

Cumberland, Maryland seems like a perfect get-away spot—it has a vibrant arts scene, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of interesting breweries and dining options. What it does not have is a place for 4-year-old Gabriel to be treated for short bowel syndrome.

Cumberland is what we call a ‘healthcare desert,” a rural community with otherwise great quality of life but inadequate healthcare for patients with specialized or rare conditions. With no adequate alternative in the area, Gabriel had to travel more than eight hours away to Boston Children’s Hospital for his treatments. That's when Angel Flight East stepped in to help.

Gabriel's first flight was on December 18, 2019, and to date, we have scheduled more than 20 flights in order for him to receive his lifesaving medical care.

 “We could never thank Angel Flight East enough for getting Gabe and me to his appointments at Boston Children's Hospital and back home to Cumberland, MD. One less thing we have to worry about with our plates so full.” - Miranda, Gabriel’s mother

Just like with all our patients, Angel Flight East will continue to fly Gabriel for as long as he needs; and thanks to the generosity of our volunteer pilots, his family will never have to pay for air transportation.

Matt's Story

Marfan Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that affects connective tissue, occurring in about 1 in 5,000 people. Of the roughly 7,000 people in Delphos, Ohio, Angel Flight East is helping that one. Meet Matt H, one of the 1 in 10 Marfan patients with a high risk of death due to cardiac influence.

With an early diagnosis, Matt was able to keep his primary care at the Cleveland Clinic, three hours away from home and the closest non-pediatric providers. However, Matt’s condition eventually caused aneurysms in his aorta and elsewhere. The Cleveland Clinic now referred Matt to New York University Langone Medical Center, tripling his travel time into a 10 hour road-trip. Luckily, Matt’s mom had an idea: Angel Flight East

Matt’s care team in Cleveland completed a few forms, and the next thing he knew, that 10+ hour drive turned into a 3 hour flight. The best part? Instead of driving 2 hours to the nearest major airport, Matt could be picked up a mere 15 minutes outside of his small town.

The stress of deciding between a germ-riddled airport or an overnight road-trip melted away. Matt and his wife got to his specialist in New York with the ability to exhale.

Matt sadly passed away on Wednesday October 11 in New York. Angel Flight East is now working with the family to find a resource to transport Matt's remains back home to Ohio.

June 30, 2025

A Journey of Hope: How Kelsey's Dream and Angel Flight East Transform Lives

byCatherine Brzozowski

A Journey of Hope: How Kelsey's Dream and Angel Flight East Transform Lives

"Failure is not an option." These words, penned by a young girl facing the toughest battle of her life, continue to inspire and guide a mission of hope and healing.

The Heart of Kelsey's Dream

Kelsey's Dream began as a tribute to a brave young girl who faced leukemia with courage and resilience. After Kelsey passed away, her family channeled their grief into a mission to support other children battling cancer. The result was a nonprofit organization that provides comfort and understanding through a unique play therapy toy called Hopper, the Cancer Crusher.

Hopper is more than just a toy. It's a companion for children undergoing cancer treatment, equipped with a MetaPort and a bandana, mirroring the experiences of young patients. This thoughtful creation, designed by Kelsey's sister Kylie, is distributed to 178 hospitals across 46 states, offering children a sense of familiarity and comfort during their medical journey.

"It helps us heal. When we get stories and see pictures of children and hear about how it's helping, it helps us heal."

A Flight to Remember

Kelsey's story is intertwined with another organization dedicated to providing hope: Angel Flight East. When Kelsey needed to travel to Chicago for a critical study, commercial flights were not an option due to her fragile immune system. Angel Flight East stepped in, offering a private flight that ensured her safety and comfort.

The journey was more than just a flight; it was an experience that brought joy and a sense of normalcy to Kelsey. From playing tic-tac-toe with the pilot to enjoying warm chocolate chip cookies, the flight was a moment of respite in a challenging time.

"I'm never flying commercial again," Kelsey declared, savoring the special treatment and the kindness of the volunteer pilots.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

The impact of Kelsey's Dream and Angel Flight East extends beyond the children they serve. The organizations foster a sense of community and collaboration, bringing together volunteers, donors, and medical professionals in a shared mission of compassion.

Kelsey's Dream continues to expand its reach, with programs like the snack initiative and support for cancer camps, providing comfort and joy to children and their families. Meanwhile, Angel Flight East remains a lifeline for those in need of medical transportation, offering flights free of charge through the generosity of volunteer pilots.

"We just want more people to know about it. We always come into kind of the hurdle that people think it's too good to be true."

Join the Mission of Hope

The stories of Kelsey's Dream and Angel Flight East remind us of the power of community and the profound impact of small acts of kindness. As we reflect on these narratives, we are called to action.

Consider supporting Kelsey's Dream by sponsoring a hospital or contributing to their snack program. Visit KelseysDream.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

For those inspired by the mission of Angel Flight East, explore opportunities to volunteer or donate, ensuring that more families can experience the peace of mind and support that Kelsey and her family received.

Together, we can continue to turn uncertainty into hope, one flight and one Hopper at a time. How will you contribute to this journey of compassion and healing?

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