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.

January 21, 2026

A Journey of Hope: How Partnerships Transform Lives

byCatherine Brzozowski

A Journey of Hope: How Partnerships Transform Lives

"We just want our families to have one more day."

These words echo in my mind as I reflect on the profound impact of partnerships in the nonprofit world. At Angel Flight East, we believe in the power of collaboration to create life-changing outcomes for families in need. Today, I want to share a story that embodies this spirit of unity and hope.

The Heart of the Mission: A Mother's Love

When Jackie and her husband Dan founded the Madeleine James Foundation, they were driven by a deeply personal mission. Their daughter Maddie's battle with infant leukemia opened their eyes to the struggles faced by families in similar situations. They saw parents torn between work and being by their child's side, and they knew they had to act.

"We wrap our love and support around families," Jackie explains, "so they can focus on their child's cure."

Their foundation provides financial support, allowing families to stay close to their children during treatment. It's a mission born from love and a desire to make a difference.

The Power of Partnership: A Shared Vision

At Angel Flight East, we understand the importance of partnerships. Our collaboration with the Madeleine James Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common cause. Together, we provide free air transportation to families in need, ensuring they can access life-saving medical care without the burden of travel expenses.

"You make it so easy for families," Jackie says, "and that is truly a gift."

By working together, we create a network of support that extends beyond transportation. We offer hope, comfort, and a sense of community to families facing unimaginable challenges.

A Community of Compassion: The Impact of Support

The impact of our partnership is best illustrated through the stories of the families we serve. Jackie recalls a mother who expressed her gratitude, saying, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." This family, like many others, found solace in knowing they were not alone.

"It's those moments of kindness and pure love that stick out the most," Jackie reflects.

These stories remind us of the importance of community and the difference we can make when we come together. Every flight, every donation, and every act of kindness contributes to a brighter future for these families.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we continue to expand our reach, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you're a potential partner, a donor, or someone looking to make a difference, your support is invaluable. Together, we can provide hope and assistance to more families in need.

Visit Angel Flight East to learn more about how you can get involved. Let's create a world where every family has the support they need to focus on what truly matters: their child's health and happiness.

How will you make a difference today?

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