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 20, 2025

Embracing Life's Journey: How Angel Flight East Transformed My Battle with Cancer

byCatherine Brzozowski

Embracing Life's Journey: How Angel Flight East Transformed My Battle with Cancer

"Just because it is terminal doesn't mean that I have to live like I'm terminal. I want to embrace every single day."

I stumbled upon Angel Flight East (AFE) while searching online for ways to ease the financial burden of traveling for medical care. As someone living with stage four metastatic breast cancer, the journey has been long and challenging. But AFE has been a beacon of hope, providing not just transportation, but a community of support and compassion.

The Unexpected Gift of Community

When I first heard about AFE, I was skeptical. Could a small plane really make such a difference? My daughter even questioned, "Are you sure you're going to get on that airplane?" But the experience was nothing short of transformative.

The intimacy of the flight, just me and the pilot, was comforting. It wasn't just about getting from point A to point B; it was about the connection, the shared stories, and the understanding that I wasn't alone in this journey.

"I was just really humbled by the generosity of not only the people that run the organization, but also the pilots."

Redefining Terminal: Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Living with a terminal illness often comes with preconceived notions. People expect frailty, but I choose to defy those expectations. I've been living with this diagnosis for 17 years, and I refuse to let it define me.

Instead, I focus on the positives, the silver linings. I surround myself with a support group of women who understand, who walk in the same shoes. Together, we protest, we travel, we live.

"Just because it is terminal doesn't mean that I have to live like I'm terminal. I want to embrace every single day."

The Power of Connection: Flights That Heal

Each flight with AFE is unique, but one stands out. My journey with Earl, a pilot who felt like a grandfather, was particularly special. His kindness and attention to detail made the flight feel safe and personal.

"He just was so comforting in just making sure I was buckled in, he did all the steps... it was amazing."

These flights are more than just transportation; they're opportunities to connect, to share, and to find comfort in the skies.

A Call to Action: Embrace the Help

If there's one thing I've learned, it's to never feel embarrassed to ask for help. Organizations like Angel Flight East exist to support us, to lift us when we need it most.

"They want you to call them, they want you to get into contact with them because this is what they enjoy doing."

So, if you're in need, reach out. Let them be the angels among us, guiding you through your journey.

The Broader Implications: Living with Purpose

My story is just one of many, but it highlights the profound impact that compassion and community can have. Angel Flight East isn't just about flights; it's about hope, resilience, and living life to the fullest.

I challenge you to embrace each day, to seek out the positives, and to connect with those who can support you. Whether you're battling an illness or supporting someone who is, remember that you're not alone. Together, we can turn uncertainty into hope, one flight at a time.

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