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.

July 16, 2025

From Roadblocks to Runways

From Roadblocks to Runways: How Angel Flight East Transformed My Journey

"I wasn't sure I'd be able to do this, but once I met the pilots, I realized it was no different than flying in a car with wings."

Beth's story is one of resilience and transformation. Living with a rare genetic condition, she faced the daunting task of traveling from her home to Boston for specialized medical treatment. The journey was long and arduous, often taking six to eight hours by car. But then, Angel Flight East entered her life, turning what was once a roadblock into a runway of hope.

The Long Road to Boston

Before Angel Flight East, Beth's trips to Boston were a test of endurance. The drive was not just physically taxing but emotionally draining. Traffic snarls and unexpected delays were the norm, not the exception.

"It would take us around six to eight hours one way in good traffic," Beth recalls. The thought of being stuck on the road for hours was overwhelming, yet it was a necessary journey for her health.

Taking Flight: A New Chapter

Everything changed when Beth discovered Angel Flight East. The organization, with its network of volunteer pilots, offered her a lifeline. Her first flight was a revelation.

"As soon as I met the pilots and actually did it once or twice, I realized it was really not any different than flying in a car with wings," Beth shares. The small aircraft, piloted by compassionate volunteers, became her new mode of transport.

A Community of Compassion

Beth's experience with Angel Flight East is not just about the flights. It's about the community she found. The pilots, like Lewis Barson, became more than just service providers; they became friends.

"Each flight had its own thing, but there were a lot of funny flights," Beth reminisces. The camaraderie and humor shared with the pilots made each journey memorable.

The Impact of Angel Flight East

Beth has flown over 120 times with Angel Flight East, a testament to the organization's impact on her life. The flights have not only provided her with access to essential medical care but have also given her peace of mind.

"Without Angel Flight, we would still be stuck driving," Beth admits. The flights have become an integral part of her healthcare journey, ensuring she receives the treatment she needs without the added stress of long road trips.

Spreading the Word

Beth has become an advocate for Angel Flight East, sharing her story with others who might benefit from their services. Her outreach has opened doors for many who were unaware of the organization's mission.

"A lot of times, even in doctor's offices, people ask how I get to Boston, and I tell them about Angel Flight," Beth explains. Her efforts have helped raise awareness and connect more people with the life-changing services Angel Flight East provides.

A Call to Action: Join the Mission

Beth's story is a powerful reminder of the difference one organization can make. Angel Flight East is more than just a transportation service; it's a community of hope and support.

If you're inspired by Beth's journey, consider how you can contribute. Whether it's volunteering as a pilot, donating to support their mission, or simply spreading the word, every action helps.

How will you help turn roadblocks into runways for those in need?

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