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

From Desperation to Hope: How Angel Flight East Transformed Our Journey

byCatherine Brzozowski

From Desperation to Hope: How Angel Flight East Transformed Our Journey

"Without you guys, I don't know how we would have made it to Cincinnati for his appointment."

When life throws you a curveball, sometimes it feels like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of challenges. For us, it was a car accident on the 4th of July that left us without a vehicle and a way to get our son, Jonathan, to his critical medical appointments. But then, we discovered Angel Flight East, and everything changed.

The Struggle of Long-Distance Medical Care

Driving from Philadelphia to Cincinnati was brutal. An eight-hour journey that tested our limits physically, mentally, and financially. With only one income and no car, the situation seemed insurmountable. Jonathan needed a stent removal, a procedure that couldn't wait. The fear of delaying his care was overwhelming.

Discovering a Lifeline

In a moment of desperation, I turned to Facebook support groups. That's where I first heard about Angel Flight East. It was a revelation. We reached out, and to our surprise, we got a flight immediately. It was our first time flying, and it was nothing short of life-changing.

"I wish more healthcare professionals would refer families to us because it's much better than driving nine hours one way."

A New Perspective on Travel

Flying with Angel Flight East was a revelation. The pilots were communicative, kind, and made us feel safe. It was a stark contrast to the anxiety of long car rides. Jonathan, who had never been on a plane before, loved it. He even asked if we could fly again to Cincinnati, a place he never wanted to visit before.

The Power of Advocacy

Our journey to Cincinnati was not just about getting a second opinion; it was about fighting for Jonathan's future. For years, I pushed for a second opinion, convinced that airway reconstruction was the answer. It was a battle, but one worth fighting. Jonathan's progress since then has been nothing short of miraculous.

"Jonathan's been breathing from his nose and mouth since June 9th, all on his own."

Building a Community of Support

Through social media, we found a community of parents facing similar challenges. It was comforting to know we weren't alone. Sharing experiences and advice became a lifeline. Jonathan even watches videos of other kids with trachs, finding solace in their shared experiences.

A Call to Action

Angel Flight East has been a beacon of hope for us, and it can be for others too. If you're a healthcare professional, consider referring families to this incredible service. If you're a parent in need, don't hesitate to reach out. The support is there, and it can change your life.

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