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.

October 6, 2025

From Diagnosis to Hope: How Angel Flight East Transformed My Journey

byCatherine Brzozowski

From Diagnosis to Hope: How Angel Flight East Transformed My Journey

"When you wake up one morning and all of a sudden you're in the hospital, life comes at you at a hundred miles an hour."

I never imagined that a swollen leg would lead to a life-altering diagnosis. But there I was, in January, facing the reality of stage four gastrointestinal cancer. The whirlwind of hospital visits, tests, and treatments was overwhelming. Yet, amidst the chaos, I found a beacon of hope—Angel Flight East.

The Unexpected Lifeline

The journey to New York City for treatment was daunting. A four-hour drive turned into six due to my need to stop frequently. Sitting for long periods was not an option with my condition. That's when I discovered Angel Flight East, a service that has been nothing short of a lifesaver.

Their team, especially the flight coordinator David, and the volunteer pilots, have been incredible. They arrange everything, ensuring I get to my treatments without the added stress of travel logistics.

"Angel Flight East has just been a godsend to me."

The Heart of Angel Flight: The Pilots

The pilots are the heart and soul of Angel Flight East. They volunteer their time and aircraft, treating each passenger as the most important person on their mission. I've flown with Clay, Vivek, and Daniel, among others. Each flight is special, not just for the breathtaking views but for the friendships that develop.

Flying in a small plane is an experience like no other. You're closer to the ground, with a bird's-eye view of the terrain. It's intimate, personal, and a reminder of the beauty in the world, even when life feels overwhelming.

A Community of Support

Angel Flight East is more than a service; it's a community. The pilots, the coordinators, and everyone involved are dedicated to making a difference. They provide an extra layer of support, ensuring that I can focus on my treatment without worrying about how I'll get there.

"They make you feel like you're the most important person in the world."

A Call to Action: Be Your Own Advocate

If you're facing a medical journey, be your own advocate. Research, ask questions, and explore all options. Angel Flight East is there for those who need them, offering a lifeline when it feels like there are none.

Reach out to them if you need assistance. They're ready to help, and their service is genuine and free.

Hope in the Skies

Angel Flight East has changed my life. They've been there for me, providing not just transportation but hope. As I continue my treatment, I know I'm not alone. With their support, I look forward to sharing a success story in the future.

If you or someone you know could benefit from their services, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can spread the word and ensure that more people find the help they need.