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.

August 4, 2025

From Seizures to Cycling: Patrick's Journey of Resilience and Hope

byCatherine Brzozowski

From Seizures to Cycling: Patrick's Journey of Resilience and Hope

"I had to literally take it day by day, step by step, sometimes hour by hour, making sure I get through the night okay and survive."

Patrick's story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. After battling seizures for half his life, he underwent life-changing brain surgery. But his journey didn't end there. It was just the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see him defy the odds and inspire others along the way.

The Search for Support

Patrick's quest for medical care led him to Angel Flight East, a beacon of hope for those needing transportation to distant medical facilities. He discovered AFE through a recommendation from a local airport, seeking a volunteer pilot to help him reach the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. The drive was daunting—a six-hour journey each way—but the promise of a flight offered a glimmer of relief.

Navigating the Process

The process of signing up for an Angel Flight was straightforward yet crucial. Patrick emphasized the importance of having a doctor's approval and completing the necessary paperwork. "The more digital we can make anything is a great tool," he noted, appreciating AFE's shift to electronic forms that streamlined the process.

"Having that comfort that Angel Flights will be able to take them to this doctor's appointment and get them home in a timely matter gives them a lot less to worry about."

Though Patrick ultimately found that the type of aircraft used by AFE wasn't suitable for his needs, the experience highlighted the organization's commitment to finding the best solutions for each individual. Even when AFE couldn't provide the flight, they ensured Patrick had alternative options, showcasing their dedication to service and support.

A New Passion Takes Flight

Patrick's journey didn't stop at medical appointments. He found solace and strength in adaptive cycling, pushing his limits and participating in events like the Rough Ride Philadelphia. His longest ride? An impressive 108 miles outdoors, a testament to his determination and spirit.

Cycling became more than just a hobby; it was a way to give back. Patrick participated in charity rides for wounded veterans, using his passion to support others in need. He even envisioned how Angel Flight East could assist in transporting equipment for adaptive athletes, expanding the organization's impact beyond medical flights.

The Power of Community and Hope

Patrick's story is a reminder of the power of community and the importance of never giving up. His message to others is simple yet profound: "Believe in yourself, be resilient, and you'll be okay." It's a sentiment that resonates with the mission of Angel Flight East, where hope and assistance are provided through the generosity of volunteer pilots.

"If everything's gonna be okay. If you have the right doctors and understand that hope and never giving up will provide you with success no matter what you're going through."

Join the Mission

Patrick's journey is a testament to the impact of organizations like Angel Flight East. By supporting AFE, you can help provide hope and assistance to those in need, ensuring that no one faces their journey alone. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, your contribution can make a difference.

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