Angel Flight Soars, Inc.

In 2024 Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina doing damage that was truly a sight to behold. Many of us in Atlanta felt the need to do something to help those impacted by this natural disaster. I was fortunate enough that Ameris Bank Amphitheater, where I work a second job, supported an effort to collect donations from fans attending concerts. Over two weekends we were able to collect over 10,000 pounds of donated goods. Sometimes the universe challenges you to do something big without understanding how it's going to all come together, and that's exactly what happened here. I had no idea how to move those supplies to North Carolina but that's when Angel Flight Soars came into the picture. Normally, Angel Flight Soars is dedicated to helping medically stable patients get to the care they need via private aircraft 100% free, but here they pivoted on a dime and morphed into a disaster relief agency. They were able to leverage contacts with a trucking company to get a lot of it delivered over the road into North Carolina, but they also catalyzed their mission pilots into an air-bound disaster relief effort, delivering several thousand pounds of donated goods by private aircraft into regional airports, going around the government bureaucracy that was making it difficult to get supplies where they needed to be. That's when I knew that I needed to find a way to donate my time and talents to Angel Flight Soars.

My efforts with Angel Flight Soars have allowed me the privilege of speaking with patients to tell their story in monthly newsletters. Without fail, these people have spoken glowingly about the care, concern and efficiency of the mission planning staff, as well as the pilots who donate their time, talents, aircraft, and fuel to help them get to the care they need at zero cost. In some cases it's a person traveling from Memphis to Atlanta every 3 or 4 weeks for a treatment that will keep them alive for another month. In other cases, it's helping a person get to a specialized treatment facility that they cannot reach on their own due to financial or physical hardship. Many times the patients are moved to tears explaining just how much Angel Flight Soars means to them. This organization is quietly keeping people alive. Some of them have told me that they were on the verge of giving up and succumbing to the medical issues they face, but Angel Flight Soars has given them a new lease on life, allowing them to live another day, smile another smile, hug another family member, or enjoy another sunset. There are lots of great charities in the world doing great work, but I'm thrilled to be part of this organization in a volunteer capacity and I'm so glad that I get to see firsthand how their efforts are helping those who desperately need it. I am unique in that I have a bird's eye view into this organization through my interactions with patients on the receiving end of Angel Flight Soars' service and I can, without reservation, call this a truly outstanding organization.

I would look just like to say that angel flies has been a pure angel in my life and I thank you that they are here to help me to get my nephew to the burn center in Augusta and it takes a very good amount of pressure of worry on my mind to know that he's in good case and I would suggest that anyone anyone that needs help with continue to seek the flights that they offering and they do such a wonderful job and specially Sheila in planning and I thank God that Angel Flight is what it is I am so grateful

I am in the beginning stages of diagnoses and treatment for issues with one of my lungs. Angel Flight has been amazing at assisting me with taking the burden of traveling 8 hours round trip to get the treatments with the specialists that I need.
From the second that I submitted my application Angel Flight has been in contact with me regarding my needs and making sure that any and all scheduling details have been handled. I am so thankful to them, their staff and the volunteer pilots that represent them. This program and team are the answer to many prayers and put my mind at ease and give me the ability to focus on my health and my families health.

I had to use Angel flight several years ago when I needed transportation concerning complications I was experiencing. I thank the Lord for the generosity that was afforded me. I again thank them for their expedient help to me and a traveling companion. Q Last week I had to call on my Angels (pun intended) once again for their generosity in getting me home from Miami Transplant at Jackson Memorial Hospital back to Georgia.

I am not the best writer, but here it goes. Angel Flight Soars is a great service. When a person gets a transplant, they are put on immunosuppressant drugs, translation, stay away from public places, like commercial airplanes with 200 people on board and airports. The math tells you at least one person is infected with something that could kill a transplant patient, and probably should not be out in public. This is the number one reason I used Angel Flight.

I am sure many of people looked at me and said to themselves “does this guy need a private flight?” Well I can say yes I did and do, and now with my doctor visits going yearly, instead of monthly, my wife and I will most likely drive the 10 hour trip to my transplant center, so others can use the service. I was given a walker, but refuse to use it, I tried to carry my own bag, some pilots insisted to carry my bag. I should have explained it actually help be keep my balance, and I felt they were doing so much to help me that I should pull some of the weight. I am currently taking 20 drugs, which does not help my balance, but my walker is in the attic, and will stay there until I can't walk without falling. I might look drunk, but I am not, that's what 20 prescriptions and a third kidney does to my balance.

These are only a few things I can think why people should volunteer their planes, their time, or money to this service. I never knew of the service before getting a transplant, and was lucky to find them. I would happily discuss the meaning these flight had to me, call Angel Flight and I give permission to them to give my name and number to anyone who wants more information. I am sure there is a tax benefit, if not there should be. Angel Flight is saving lives, mine was one of them.

Angel Flight Soars helped me to soar to Cleveland, Ohio to see about getting an intestinal transplant. This treatment is not offered anywhere around where I live and travel is very hard for me with Short Bowel Syndrome, not to mention the enormous cost of a trip there. The experience was wonderful starting with Sheila and all the behind the scenes coordinators, Sheila kept me updated on everything that was happening. Where to go, when to go, who to meet. She was fabulous! Then the four pilots that got my sister and I there, I can't say enough about them. They were so kind and caring. They put us both at ease. There was Paul, Tom, Richard and Jeremy our angel volunteer pilots! This was my first angel flight and I will never forget all the kindness giving from the heart of each and everyone of them! Angel Flight Soars, Inc. is the best! Thanks.

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and I live in savannah GA my treatments were in Atlanta GA. I've haven't been able to work. If it wasn't for angels flights I don't know how would have been able to get my treatments. Thank You so much Angels Flights. Edwin B

Intestinal transplant evaluation after mesh damage and short gut syndrome. Angel flight was there to get ne to Ohio to get the mesh out and rehabilitation. Also the follow up appts with gi for iv nutrition (tpn). Cleveland clinic

With my intestines hanging out my body 2 yrs 9 inches Angel Flight got me to Florida for the best colorectal surgeon in the United States at Cleveland clinic.

Angel flight has been a blessing as I'm a very complicated case and Cleveland clinic is the only comprehensive medical facility to handle the needs.

Dean Winegardner picked up many missions and many other pilots.

Presently at Cleveland clinic for an emergency for a few months with a complicated urinary system situation. Lord willing Angel flight will be able to get me home as I know they have such a demand with multiple people in need.
The office staff, the hands on pilots have treated me and my traveling help with compassion and kindness.
Words can't explain how it takes the stress off knowing they are on board.
Denise

Got our little girl across the country to see a specialist for her very rear medical condition. Changed our lives completely and we are forever grateful!

Angel Fight Soars is an organization full of heart. Everyone from volunteers to the office staff to the pilots who make all the life saving missions possible are driven to one purpose. Getting people from where they are to where they need to be for medical treatment. Working all hours of the day, weekends and nights to make these missions happen.

Angel Flight Soars is the finest charity I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Words are inadequate to express how blessed, grateful, appreciative to Angel Flight Soars and it’s sister companies that made it possible for me to get to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Everyone I encountered whether by email, phone, or in person was extremely kind and willing to go the extra mile to ensure my trip was made possible. Thank you so much for all you do!

What an Amazing experience! Our first flight went smoothly. Each Pilot was knowledgeable,
friendly, and happy to be able to help my mom get to her treatment. I can't thank the pilots and everyone at Angel Flight Soars enough for all they do!

Angel Flight Soars got my son to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania from Birmingham Alabama to get a new kidney and liver. Even when my location change, they made a way to make it happen.

Angel Flight Soars has made it possible for me to participate in a cancer treatment clinical trial that otherwise would have been impossible for me to reach. The trial location changed at the last minute and it was through the efforts of the coordinators and the amazing pilots who volunteered their valuable time and planes that I was able to begin treatment.

Every person I have come into contact with at Angel Flight Soars has been compassionate and professional. I can only imagine the behind-the-scenes outreach and coordination necessary to make these flights happen. To have these travel details handled - and handled so seamlessly - removes stress and a huge burden from my shoulders.

Knowing that there are people who are willing to share their skills and gifts is humbling and uplifting ... literally and figuratively! I am indebted to this organization and so very grateful.

I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for Angel Flight Soars. Before connecting with this organization, I was in the car with my baby approximately ten hours every Tuesday traveling to appointments. Angel Flight made our weekly appointments significantly easier. My baby was so much happier having not spent an entire day in the car. Additionally, the staff were so helpful and friendly, and the volunteer pilots go above and beyond the call of duty. This positive experience during an otherwise challenging season of life will forever be engrained in my memory as evidence of God’s goodness. We were truly so blessed by this organization. Thank you!!!

I am amazed by the work that this organization does. I found out about them from my neighbor who needed help getting to MD Anderson. Angel Flight has given them hope for a longer life and i am very glad they are there to help. God bless you all.

What a great experience. I began with the organization a few years back as "service to the community." And since I've been volunteering my time as often as possible. While there i learned what charity, and what giving truly is. Sometimes we go through life knot knowing what it feels like to truly "need" something. Volunteering for Angel Flight Soars showed me what helping those people is all about. Healthcare, especially specialized medicine, can be far out of reach for most American's. Angel Flight Soars makes that reach a reality. In most cases, a life saving, life changing experience for everyone involved in each mission. Angel Flight gets everyday people to "not so everyday places." The organization is truly unique and amazing. Pilots volunteering their time and their airplane to assist a total stranger showed me that people can truly be kind. It's made me see the world so differently. Thanks Angel Flight for all that you do and continue to do.

I have been a contributor to this wonderful organization for a few years now. Their dedication and selflessness to helping patients receive the medical care they need, is heartwarming.

I will continue to support them in any way possible. The staff is a very impressive group of people and I am proud to be associated with them.

Amazing organization. Very caring management. They are the best.

All the employees and volunteers at Angel Flight are committed to helping people. Their goal is to make sure everyone is treated equally. They go above and beyond to help people every day!

Angel Flight is a life-changing organization for the patients and pilots (and the pilot's staff) alike. They are a A plus team that works together to get patients to the medical care they need. Angel Flight uses over 92% of contributions received for program services., costs directly related to helping to transportation for medical care. Less than 4% is used for management and general expenses. Thanks to volunteers (earth angels) they use less than 4% for fundraising expenses.

Wonderful organization that helps everyone that requires medical care and cannot afford the transportation. I have seen Angel flight save children's lives. The pilot's do everything without any charges and do not request anything in return. Angel uses over 92% of contributions received for program services., costs directly related to helping to transportation for medical care.
Less than 4% is used for management and general expenses.
Thanks to volunteers (earth angels) they use less than 4% for fundraising expenses.

I am a kidney transplant patient. We’re not for Angel Flight Soars it would’ve been nearly impossible for me to get with Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida soon enough to receive my donated Kidney. Angel Flight Soars stayed in touch with me diligently for 3 1/2 years as I waited for “Bakkal I am a kidney transplant patient. We’re not for Angel Flight Soars it would’ve been nearly impossible for me to get with Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida soon enough to receive my donated Kidney. Angel Flight Soars stayed in touch with me diligently for 3 1/2 years as I waited for “the call” That a kidney was available. The call came at 3 AM Sunday morning. Both Angel Flight Soars and Pilot were right on top of things. I arrived in Jacksonville a few hours later I had the transplant surgery that day

I have volunteered on several occasions for this wonderful organization. They are a 5 star team dedicated to providing for their community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to help out just a little and I look forward to continuing to volunteer.

As an Angel Flight pilot, I work with several wonderful groups that coordinate flights to get hurting people from their home to distant treatment facilities and back. This is a tremendously rewarding undertaking. Angel Flight Soars makes coordination of these flights and vetting patients a breeze for us as pilots and I’m sure for the patient also. Flight segments and rendezvous points are sensibly chosen to facilitate distance, fuel requirements, patient comfort, instrument approach availability, and safety aspects. Frequently free ground transportation is also available and is factored into the coordination puzzle. When pilots request route or transfer airports changes, AF Soars is most accommodating.
The aircraft, fuel, and pilot services are solely provided by volunteer pilots like myself and costs of the flight are totally the responsibility of the pilots. Angel Flights Soars is only a coordination and service center for pilots and patients. No compensation is provided to pilots by either Angel Flight Soars or the patient. Our reward is “thank you” and the smile on our passenger’s face resulting from having flown four or five hours in a general aviation aircraft instead of a ten or more hours car trip. Invariably our flights result in making a new friendship or renewing connections with people requiring multiple Angel Flights for recurring treatment or follow-up checks.
My most memorable experiences as an Angel Flight pilot involved transporting Richard Norris. First was a flight from Atlanta to his home in Hillsville, VA and months later a flight with Richard from Baltimore, MD back home to Hillsville. Richard is the person who received the first full face transplant in the United States. On the first flight, Richard was wearing a mask to hide his horribly disfigured lower face. The next trip was months after he had undergone the thirty-some hour face transplant surgery. On arrival in Baltimore as I walked into the general aviation fixed base, I saw Richard and said, “Hi Richard”. He turned towards me and the first words out of his mouth were “How do you like my new face”! I nearly broke into tears of joy as I saw that beautiful face! Hundreds of medical personnel, numerous Angel Flights, and a miraculous day-and-a-half of intense surgery had come together to give Richard his life back. I was overjoyed to be just a very small part of Richard’s journey.
God has blessed me with the knowledge, skill, and resources to fly airplanes. I continue to be blessed as I utilize those gifts to help others needing air transportation to and from distant medical facilities.

Doin’ HIS thing,
Bob Oglesby

Picture is of Richard six months after face transplant surgery (center), Chuck Foster (left), and me on the right.

What an amazing organization. I cannot say enough good things about how Angel Flight, and all of their volunteers. Angel Flight is run with love and it shows through in everything that they do.

My sons school closed last year due to Covid. He returned home depressed. His depression continued and his world became darker and darker. His mom, a travel nurse was 6 months into a contract, list contact when he stopped communicating. On March 1st he attempted suicide by pouring gasoline on his body and igniting. His burns cover 79% of his body and he has spent 5 months in ICU. He cannot sit in a car for the 3 hours to make it to the hospital he needs for treatment. His case worker scheduled the angel flight and then we were told he was refused. I can’t imagine refusing someone who is recovering after losing his faith in humanity. It is beyond shocking and the exact opposite behavior I exhibit as a healthcare professional. I look forward to the day I can bring up these gross misconducts on a larger platform. No one is more deserving than this young man. Your judgement of others to say the least is less than angelic.

Thank You so much Angel Flights because of you and guys like these we can fly comfortably to the hospital. I wish I could donate millions because patients need it including myself ❤️
May God continue to Bless you all

Dear Pilot Julian Joffe and Angel Flight,
We cannot thank you enough for carrying our aunt safely in your plane from Columbus, Ga., to West Palm Beach, Fla., on March 12, 2021!

At the time of that flight, our aunt had suffered a stroke that limited her ability to speak and to swallow. Because she was reliant on a feeding tube through her abdomen and was unable to fully communicate, she was very vulnerable and in need of significant medical care and support, complicated by COVID-19 protocols.

By transporting her (accompanied by her 79-year-old sister) here to Palm Beach County, you enabled her to be surrounded by loved ones who could ensure she had the medical care, companionship and services needed during her recovery.

Over the past four months, our aunt has worked hard to regain her speech, strengthen her arms and legs, and restore her health. She has been motivated to participate in speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Her presence here in Palm Beach County has meant that her family members could care for her and take her to medical appointments – and, especially, that she could participate in COVID-restricted family gatherings and celebrations, including her own 82nd birthday!

Our aunt has made amazing progress since her stroke on February 23, 2021, and we believe that would not have been possible without your assistance.

Pilot Joffe rolled out the red carpet for our aunt (literally), and he continued to check on her after her arrival. For your compassionate customer service and caring heart, we thank you!
Thank you, Angel Flight Soars and Pilot Joffe, for your generosity and thoughtfulness, and for being such an important part of our aunt’s healing journey!

They are so very kind and caring! When I was put in the hospital during the freeze in 2021 my husband had no way to get back to our Arkansas farm, we had came down on Angel Flight and he needed to get back. They told me they couldn't fly him home unless thr patient was on the flight. They got him a commercial flight that night.

My family and I live in Atlanta. My husband and I were struggling with deciding to take our son to a much-needed medical appointment in Baltimore. We had thought we could do some of the appointment over telehealth , but then, about a week before the appointment we learned that the medical and therapy licensing wouldn't allow the providers to work across state lines. However, we were concerned that driving 20 hours, total, back and forth would take a toll on our son prior to the appointment, not to mention increase the risk of COVID with multiple stops. We had the same concerns regarding COVID with commercial flights, as our son has epilepsy as part of his condition and is at a higher risk of seizures if exposed. I also was very concerned about our stress and anxiety level on a flight where our 4 year old special needs son likely would not be willing to wear a mask the entire flight and would make a lot of noise. I happened to see a flyer for Angel Flight when I was at another non-profit that I participate in with my son. I called on a Thursday to see if they could help us get to our appointment, which we needed to leave for by Sunday, with less stress and more safely. Despite the last minute notice, Angel Flights worked to help us get all of our travel coordinated. I sobbed with relief when I found out that we could take private flights to and from our appointment. It was a shining bright spot in the middle of a lot of worry for our son's health. Not to mention that all of our flights were enjoyable - with the kindest and most generous pilots. I cannot even begin to express the amount of gratitude we have for this organization and the volunteer pilots and what wonderful things it is/they are doing to help lighten the load of so many people.

I have been flying missions for almost 20 years. Because I fly to CA each winter I fly missions on the west coast as well. I have met so many nice people and they are very grateful. Doing Angel Flight missions is truly a “double dip”. I’m helping someone and doing something I love.
John D KPDK KTRM

In a time where commercial air travel is dangerous for people like me with a low white blood count, Angel Flight Soars took a lot of stress away from my already stressful situation!! Angel Flight Soars and their incredibly selfless pilots have transported me to/from my chemo treatments at National Institute of Health in Maryland! Because of Angel Flight Soars, I am able to see one of the best surgical oncologists for stomach cancer!! I have been so blessed by this non-profit! They make the impossible possible!! Thankyou Angel Flight Soars!!!

We were speechless when we were told that the Angel flights will fly us from Mississippi to Augusta and back with no cost, but that wasn’t what has kept this organization in our hearts and prayers since 2015, the people and the 5different pilots that flew us more than once is what made your organization not just the best, but the most caring, compassionate group of people I’ve ever met.
Not only we were treated like customers that paid top money to fly in private jets but our daughter was gifted a lovely gift bag for Easter by one of our pilots. He saw our daughter when he picked us up from MS and on our return he brought her a gift bag. You are all are a blessing to this country. Love and appreciate you all.

My son Carter Irby has been flying through angel flight for about 15 years now... yes that is how long this amazing organization has been taking us back and forth to our appointment s in Norfolk Virginia. We live eight hours away in Asheville and if it wasn't for the amazing pilots that volunteer their time, planes, dedications, and even their own money there is no way we would be able to see the Dr and keep up with Carter's progress and his future surgeries. They are always so kind they offer us waters, snacks and we talk about our lives together over the headsets... May God Bless each snd every pilot... aldo I would like to say what a wonderful job the ladies at the office do in scheduling our pilots for us... they are constantly emailing us letting us know if they are still working on a pilot or if they have found us one.. suoer sweet to talk to over the phone... God Bless them as well.. THANK YOU SO MUCH ANGEL FLIGHT for all you have done for my son and I!!

Angel Flight Soars has been amazing every time they assist my daughter and I in getting to her medical appointments in another state at least once a year. If it wasn’t for them my daughter would’ve miss important appointments this year. Especially during this Covid19 pandemic when my 6yr old daughter can’t wear a mask due to medical so it’s not safe to fly commercial being immune compromised. They have been caring and supportive all while being professional and consistent on every mission.

I had the privilege of working with the great people at Angel Flight Soars for a number of years as a partner in the charitable aviation industry. They do an amazing job of f filling flights and staying mission focused. They are a small but might organization!

Don't know what my family would do without Angel Flight! I have been going to Augusta for laser surgery monthly for 2 years. My family took so much time off when I was burned on November 10th, 2016. I was hospitalized for 3 months and in a coma for 2 of those months. My family was called in 3 times to tell me goodbye. It would be such a hardship on my family to take off monthly for these laser surgeries on my skin grafts. Thanks to Angel Flight they can work their jobs!

I thank God for your services. My son and I was in the best care during our flight from Augusta, GA to Greenwood, MS when my son was released the J B Stills Burn Center. That was in May 2011 and I am still grateful.

From my husband and me, we would like to say thank you so much for the wonderful experience we had this past week with AngelFlight and the outstanding and kind pilots.

This was a truly once in a lifetime and amazing experience; a blessing to us both.

The team at AngelFliht was so kind and helpful with answering questions and getting everything organized. The pilots were courteous, professional, and truly caring and delightful. We had such pleasant conversations with each of them.

They made this trip possible for us, and understand that sharing some joy and providing trips like this really does make a difference in the lives of patient-clients. It was so nice to, for a time, to enjoy a trip not thinking about doctors appointments and medications and medical bills. They brought us a blessing and we thank God for them.

Due to the effects of End Stage Renal Disease, I am unable to drive the necessary distance from my home to the transplant center. Angel Flight Soars has been (and will continue to be) a lifesaver for me. They already have 2 local pilots available for me when I get THE CALL and time becomes critical.
Everyone, from the office to the pilots I've already used are just wonderful ANGELS.

Had the need to travel from East TN to Northern VA for continuing evaluation to qualify for a kidney transplant. The 6+ hour drive is no longer an option due to my condition. Angel flight has been wonderful - from the office staff to the volunteer pilots.

Unfortunately, I'll likely need them again and will be grateful for the assistance.

i would like to take a moment to thank Angel Flight for all they do. They helped me get to my dad in Atlanta JUST in time for his last minute major surgery. Its people like this that truly inspires others. It meant so much to me and my family as i had been out of work alot with going back and forth and his surgery was last minute so my funds was stretched.. I thank god for organizations such as Angel Flight. My dad passed away that same year but with yalls help i was able to get to be there for him in his time of need. Thank you again,
April A. Frazier

It's hard put into words how much Angel Flight means to my family, friends, and me. For many years, I have struggled to arrange transportation between Tifton and Emory for medical care. I have been legally blind for about ten years and after exhausting family and friends to assist with my needs, I heard about Angel Flight. For the last four years, I have been fortunate to have the support of Angel Flight as my condition declines. Everyone I have encountered with Angel Flight from the schedulers to the pilots have been loving and kind. The relationships developed through this experience have left footprints in my heart.

I have been volunteering since July of 2018. I truly believe that unlike other "non-profits" this is truly a hard working organization with a very small portion of donations going to overhead. This is really important to me.

Every day I see profiles of people from 2 months old to 90+ that Angel Flight helps. You would not believe the number of people with afflicting diseases that need help, from needing an organ transplant, burns, cancer and so many others that possibly would not get help without Angel Flight. The pilots that volunteer their aircraft, time, and fuel are the real Angels. The supporting staff facilitates these flights to get the medical treatments people desperately need. And all for a simple "Thank you!"

Every day that you wake up and feel good, you should be so happy because there are so many others in need. Angel flight has a direct positive impact on so many people. I am proud to be a volunteer and help.

My Aunt has cancer and was really struggling trying to get from North Carolina to her treatments in Georgia. As time went on, it was harder and harder for her because of the chemo. Once angel flight started taking her to her treatments it's been so much better for her. I don't think she'd still he with us without angel flights help.

I was told of Angel Flights Soar and was signed up within a week of receiving my 4am call on April 10th.David Hesse was our pilot that donated his time,experience,plane and fuel to fly from Nashville To Knoxville to pick us up and take us to Vanderbilt for a heart transplant we had a four hour limit to get there with an hour to spare.I think Angel Flights and my new friend David Hesse for there caring and kindness for patients like me taking a big stress off us during these times.
Jon Anderson

Angel Flight Soars is so AMAZING! I'm so very thankful for them providing this important service. I have been suffering with a CSF leak and a spinal injury and needed to be transported to Duke University Hospital for proper treatment. The pilots were very accommodating and very gracious and kind. Angelina is absolutely the BEST! It's very difficult when you are in such severe pain and everyone involved brought light to a very dark time. MANY THANKS

The best Medical Transportation in this country! From the top down they all treat you like family and are part of my immediate support system!! I have had several opportunities to fly with some of the most brilliant pilots from Brad with Civil Air Patrol to Doug who has more flexibility then most people half his age, like literally! In doing this i developed a passion for flying and thus far has 8 flight hours only 12 more to go, then instrumental certification and the 250hrs required to fly for this NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION! Just that simple from Jeannie, Bernadette, Angelina, Clair and Lindsey to Landmark Aviation and Epps Aviation my mind is intent on starting this assignment for humanity sake! People are out here in this country with severe health issues, life or death situations but because of Angel Flight Soars we are able to get to treatment almost immediately without cost to me or my family as well a others privately!!! Can't ask for better than that at all, America has always been great but supporting a GREAT NON-PROFIT, now that makes America Greater than great!!
Respectfully Submitted,
Helen E. Lindsey

A check-up visit to my doctor in mid October changed my life in a huge way! Hi, my name is Maurice and on that day I was completely surprised to learn that I had Stomach Cancer. I knew that I had not been feeling as usual but had no idea of the challenge I was about to face. Deciding on a treatment Facility was my first challenge and after long consideration and a visit I choose The Cancer Treatment Center in Atlanta. This brought on another challenge in that I live in South Carolina about 400 miles from the treatment facility. This is about a 7hr drive and left me completely exhausted after treatment and the ride. I had to find another way given the long trip and the financial hardship of the trips. I searched the web for travel support and luckily I found Angel Flights and read about their support for people like me. From day one they have been a blessing in my life and have agreed to help me with my travels to and from Atlanta. Little did I know that there was such great people standing by too help me and others who needed their assistance. I will never forget their willingness to help me and look forward to thanking each and everyone of their staff for a Job well done! Thanks you all for helping me to save my life!

During the spring of 2015, our 16 year old, very healthy, son began coughing uncontrollably much of his days. The cough turned into uncontrollable asthma that had us us back and forth between the PCP and the E.R. all spring and summer. We were referred to UNC Children's Hospitals where extensive bloodwork revealed alarmingly high counts for his white blood, in particular, his Eosinophils were at the dangerous level of 3500 (normal range is below 100.) All white blood cells are designed to fight off "intruders" in the body except these guys were attacking his major organs: his heart, lungs, GI tract, and sinuses. Our son was failing fast. A bone marrow biopsy revealed a rare adult blood disorder called Hyper Eosinophilic Syndrome that 10 in one million adults have. There is no cure. Since his diagnosis, we have practically lived at UNC; he has a specialist for every organ that has been infiltrated, 8 to be exact! Unfortunately however, his body has rejected the customary treatments which brought us to the Cincinnati Clinic for Eosinophilic Disorders. They are very anxious to help us with our son's care. However, Medicaid will not pay for this treatment since it is out of state. We started a Gofundme account one month ago and watched God provide all $20,000 needed for the treatment at this clinic. We also needed to fly there since our son is too weak to endure a ten hour car ride. The medical debt we have accrued over the past couple of years prevented us from being able to afford two plane tickets AND his weakened immune system prevents us from being in crowded places like a commercial airline. I can't thank Angel Wings enough for helping us with providing the care our son desperately needs!! As his mom, I have had to fight doctors, pharmacists, Medicaid, and Disability for a 2 years now. THIS was effortless!!! I filled out the paperwork. You called me 2 days later and 2 days after that, we were approved!! Do you know what that meant to me?!! I am a weary mom and I feel like you have lifted me up on His wings. God has not only cared for every minute detail for my son through you guys, but He has also cared for his exhausted mom through the amazing Angel Wings staff!! Thank you hardly seems enough.

As a Dialysis patient who continually faces challenges associated with FSGS kidney disease there is nothing more important than meeting medical appointments. However this in itself presents various complications such as time-restraints, medical needs for travel and others that must be considered especially on long travel requirements. That’s when the great service of Angel Flight has come in to play accommodating these necessities with qualified pilots and staff personnel to ensure I made my appointment. Specifically Angel Flight it provided an invaluable service to accommodate every necessity in traveling to and from designated long-distant appointment. More impressive was the congeniality of my pilot and the staff members who set-up the arrangements. In considering the many challenges of battling this disease there is no doubt that the service of Angel Flight is key and offers a very accommodating service.

Sincerely,
Rodney Williams

August 17, I got my call for my transplant. Angel flight intercepted me and flew me straight to D.C.. great timing. Great people. Great pilots. My surgery went well. Am from Augusta Georgia, and staying in dc until released by surgeons. Hopefully will be a few more weeks. Thanks to angel flights kindness and generosity.

Words can not express the graditute I have for Angel Flight. I was diagnosed with 2 primary
Cancers Lung & breast, in April 2015' I had surgery in Aug 2015 for the lung. In Virginia, where I live. I decided in Oct. 2015 to go to Cancer Treatment Center in Georgia for the breast and follow up since My daughter lives in GeorgiA. If it was not for the dedicated staff and pilots I could not have ac hieved this. I would have a 10 hour drive vs 4 hour flight.
Everyone is real nice and helpful. Some of the pilots are also cancer survivors or have family members that are survivors. They want to give back by helping others like me. Thank you






I

We've used Angel Flight several times now, and are always very grateful for the help they provide to our family. We have two children with medical issues in our home, and both are treated out of state. This can create a lot of stress for our family. Angel Flight is always willing to help relieve that strain and keep us focused on our children's care. Thank you Angel Flight for all you do!

Angel Flight Soars has never said no to providing needed transportation to scheduled appointments. I have had last minute changes and they have always accommodated me. Out of every organization that helps wounded warriors, this one is at the top, and I have dealt with many. Thank you!!!'

Angel Flight is the most amazing organization I have ever seen. I have IPF and I’m on the lung transplant list and Angel Flight has made all the difference to me and my family. This disease can get you down at times and you can feel all alone even with family members are pulling for you. And then along comes an organization like Angel Flight and they help you with the burden of transportation by flying you to and from your doctor appointments. Not only do they help find flights to help with transportation but there are others who offer to drive you from the hospital to the airport. All these people volunteer their services free of charge. And I don’t want to forget the ladies who work for Angel Flight. They are truly professionals in their field. They not only find you transportation but they meet you at the airport and make you feel like a rock star. I will never able to thank them enough for what they do for me. I thank everyone associated with this group. You have changed my life. I love you guys.

Angel flights soars is amazing! they worked to get me up in the air as soon as I contacted them. They were very personable and eager to help. They were a bright light in a dark time. Currently still working with them and the volunteer pilots are awesome!! Thank you for what you do Angel Flights!

Our daughter Samantha has mild cerebral palsy, oral motor apraxia, seizures, static encephalopathy, asthma, autonomic disorders, anxiety & depression, a feeding tube due to several stomach & intestinal disorders, mitochondria, and some other health issues physical & emotional. We needed to take her to Atlanta Georgia to see a Mitochondria specialist. We live in NC. Angel flights was a blessing for us, and not just because of the cost of traveling. But as a mom I also have SLE Lupus and many other health issues. So traveling by car myself with my daughter would have took me days and been really hard on both of us. Samantha is a kind empathic young lady, she is always wanting to help others ,even with things she has to deal with. She loves to dance, write and listen to music. And making things. Her favorite colors are black, blue, and pink for the most part, but if it's clothing she loves all colors when it comes to fashion and makeup. ..lol. her favorite place to go out to eat is the steak houses, it's her favorite food. We don't get to do this often, so she loves it when we get to.
She had a lot of fear getting on a small plane, but our pilots were great. The first one even said a prayer before we flew. Both of them explained things to her and let her take pictures after. They both wanted her to be as comfortable as possible, gave her water, blankets for the flight. They were very nice pilots. This trip couldn't have been made with out them, we are truly grateful to them and the people at angel flights Atlantic for all the work they did to make this happen for us.

Great organization, not just for children but supplies transportation to anyone who needs to get to their treatment outside their local area. If they don't service that area they will hook you up with those that can. Love Angel Flight Soars.

We used Angel Flight in May of 2015 to fly my son to NY for surgery. The process was seamless and I would highly recommend using them. The pilots were very experienced. There is not enough thanks that we can give to them! Ryan

There are no appropriate accolades to describe the incredible follow-through, professionalism and the precision of the exceptional pilots associated with Angel Flight, that volunteer their time to care for the less fortunate. The synergy between mission dispatch, the patient and the pilot creates a unique harmony, one of comfort and trust. As compared to a traditional commercial flight there is no comparison when describing the stressless departure and smooth flights, time after time. I cannot emphasize the level of comfort and trust Angel Flight extends to their patients during the most difficult of times. I am enamored with the Angel Flight collective team. Morris

At the present time, I am a 64 year old widow since 1991 when my husband was hit by a log truck running a stop light and he was killed. At the time, my daughter was twelve and my son was five. At their request, I did not marry and both my children graduated from the University of NC in Chapel Hill. In August of 2008, I was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare disease where my blood was producing a protein that could not be broken down by my liver. Amyloidosis attacks the main organs of the body and there is no cure. My liver was enlarged and I had trouble with my breathing and mobility. I was given one to two years to live. My daughter at this time was a registered nurse working on her Nurse Anesthetist Degree and she worked diligently to get me into the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. From September 2008 through January 2011, she and I traveled by car from my home in Ash, NC to the Mayo Clinic every month at a distance of 960 miles round trip.
My cousin told me about Angel Flight and I called and got an application, got my doctor at the Mayo Clinic to fill out his part and I was accepted into the program at Angel Flight. For my appointment in February 2011 to the Mayo Clinic, I flew with a volunteer pilot the day before my appointment and my cousin who lives close by the Mayo Clinci picked me up. She then took me for my appointment the next day and the day after that, an Angel Flight volunteer pilot flew me back home. It was a truly wonderful experience to fly one way in a two hour time period compared to a seven or eight hour drive in a car one way.
Angel Flight has been and is still the most extraordinary experience of caring and giving that I know. I simply have to make a phone call to give the date of my medical appointment and Angel Flight takes care of me from there. Every volunteer pilot who I have flown with is very kind, nice, caring and friendly, and he has genuine concern for my well being. I praise Angel Flight highly for the service they provide for patients like me who desperately need financial help with the expenses of still fighting this disease I have.

May of this year 2015,Our lives changed forever as we brought home our son we adopted from China. He is our eighth child and we knew he had a blood disorder and would need blood transfusions( we thought monthly). What we didn't know is it would be every 6 days and he was so critically ill that we would only be able to get the care he needed in Atlanta 4 hours from where we live. Upon our arrival back to the States he was admitted to Children s Hospital in Atlanta for several weeks.Once discharged reality hit us hard that we would have to drive weekly to Atlanta. We did this over the next month. It was becoming extremely difficult for our family. We were becoming overwhelmed and exhausted. Time away from family (leaving @6am not getting home until 10 pm)and financially knowing how this could continue. This is when the Lord truly sent us Angels! Angel flight is a answer to Prayers! We truly had no idea how we could continue the care our son would require over the next year without them. Everyone at Angel flight from the staff in the office making all the arrangements to the pilots that are so gracious to take their time and finances to help complete strangers. Our first trip to Atlanta with Angel Flight we actually had to spend the night due to the weather. Our pilot offered for my son and I to stay the night with him and his wife at their house and fly us home the next morning. I cant say enough wonderful things about Angel Flight . They have made our life during this difficult time so much easier. We are able to focus on our sons medical care and not stressing about how we will get him to his appointments. God Bless You All!!

When I found out that my three-month-old son had to have surgery, I was terrified. I had an overwhelming amount of questions and worries. All of my biggest fears were literally playing out before me. One of my greatest concerns involved logistics... how would I manage traveling with a newborn from Brunswick, Georgia to Atlanta in order for him to see his pediatric specialist? That is when Angel Flight swooped in and made it possible! Because of their free medical flights, my baby can get to all of his appointments so his health issue can be resolved. I just have to say that the staff and pilots are true earth angels, and I cannot imagine what I would be going through if it weren't for them. They truly are making a difference in so many people's lives... and saving them too! Not having to worry about transportation issues allows me to focus on getting my Baby Thomas the best care possible. I couldn't handle this without the support of Angel Flight by my side.
Angel Flight Soars Inc. is an amazing organization to whom I will forever be grateful! I hope to be able to give back to them one day as much as they are giving to my family.

Truly a wonderful organization. They helped me out with little notice in getting me from NYC to Atlanta - with THREE volunteer pilots! That's a lot of coordination and a lot of caring individuals. A lovely woman, Nancy, actually greeted me at the airport when I arrived. I felt very well taken care of the entire time and was impressed with the enthusiasm and concern that everyone involved showed me. I not have a surgeon who is willing to take on a "challenging" case and I am hopeful I will be able to walk more normally. I am extremely grateful to Angel Flight Soars for helping me get to this amazing doctor. TRULY a wonderful, wonderful organization.... Thank you so much!

After returning from Iraq, I was diagnosed with a rare lung disease from chemical exposure. Because of the medications I was on, I could not fly commercially. Even though some appointments were made at the last minute, Angel Flight's volunteers came through. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have to this organization. Life savers, literally.

Angel flight soars has been helping our family since October of 2012. Without them I'm not sure how we would be able to get Dylan to all of his surgeries. Angel flight soars has always been there at a moments notice. The pilots are very professional and truly care about the services they are providing.... Thank you Angel flight soars for becoming a member of our family!

The greatest joy anyone can experience is working with this organization. I believe it's one of the unique non-profit organization whereby as a volunteer, you may receive more than you can possibly give. The thrill and satisfaction of being a small part in a potential life changing or life saving event is an incredible feeling.

My partner and I focus on transporting transplant patients because of the critical time factor and we are in a better position to meet those time constraints. Knowing that you contributed to the successful heart transplant of a 3-year old heart is an incredible feeling. Moreover, watching the emotions and stress of the parents and all that they are going through at the time, makes your heart bleed for them.

Ron S

The dedicated and untiring staff of Angel Flight Soars Inc., is the reason that 2531 patients, including 13 transplant patients, benefited from this organization last year. Their 24/7 commitment to the patients and parents is simply remarkable and they certainly do it because of their compassion for all. If there was ever a nonprofit organization worth volunteering for or donating to, it's definitely Angel Flight Soars Inc.

I am a pilot who has flown missions for Angel Flight Soars for over a dozen years. My story is about one of these missions several years ago, memorable -- at least to me -- because it was both touching and, in retrospect, funny.

My mission was to fly a young mother and her 4-year old son from Atlanta back to Savannah that afternoon, after he had been treated for neuroblastoma. The engines of several airplanes were running as we walked out onto the flight line that day, so his mother reached for his nearest hand. He yanked it away! So, I offered my forefinger, which he took with the other hand. He was a BIG BOY, too big to hold his mother's hand, but he would hold the pilot's hand!

We got everyone strapped into the airplane, received out clearance, taxied out, and took off. Just moments after we reached our cruising altitude, he pitched a fit! He was screaming, and his little arms and legs were thrashing about wildly in his car seat. Considering what was wrong with him, I thought that I had a genuine medical emergency on my hands. I was just about to call Atlanta Departure Control, declare an emergency, and ask for a priority return and an ambulance to meet us on arrival.

First, though, I asked his mother if she knew what was wrong with him. It's a good thing I did: He had just noticed that his mother, my copilot, and I were each wearing a headset, and he didn't have one! I told her to reach over her seat and get one out one out of my flight bag. When she put it on him, he immediately quieted down, went to sleep, and slept all of the way to Savannah.

Unexpected memories such as this are among the things which make flying Angel Flight missions so, so worthwhile!

Martin Harrell
Honored to be an Angel Flight pilot

The story of two of my grandsons has already been posted. Angel Flight Soars transported both children to get life-saving heart transplants. Our family received the calls in the middle of the night and Angel Flight Pilots dropped what they were doing to get my grandsons to Atlanta in time to receive the hearts donated by families that were very generous in their time of sorrow. The Angel Flight program is awesome! My entire extended family and I are extremely grateful to Angel Flight! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I have been working with Angel Flight Soars, Inc. for ten years, and nothing is of greater importance to Angel Flight Soars than getting people where they need to go and doing so as few hiccups as possible. Angel Flight Soars far exceeds other charitable aviation organizations when it comes to providing smooth and stress-free transportation for patients and families.

Angel flight soars saved both of my children's lives. At the age of three, my oldest son was diagnosed with restrictive cardio myopathy and needed a heart transplant. The hospital required us to get to there within 4 hours. The problem was, we live 5 1/2 hours from Children's healthcare of Atlanta, and this is where Angel Flight Soars stepped in to help us get to Atlanta Fast! We got the call at my wife's birthday dinner. We dropped everything and raced to the airport to meet our life saving flight. We ended up getting two heart transplants and were able to come home after a long stay in the ICU. Six years later our second son was also diagnosed with restrictive cardio myopathy also neediped a heart transplant. We received a call at the beginning of the summer around midnight and our pilots not only got us to Atlanta, one of them took us to the hospital. I will always be indebted to Charles, Ron and Bob, our "angels" that took their time and airplane to help save two three year old children. My oldest son is seven years post transplant and helping his four year old brother get used to life as a transplant patient. Thank you Angel Flight Soars!

in march of 2014 i received a phone call that would forever change my life.i was introduced to angel flight soars!this was nothing short of a miracle from god!with the help of angel flight i have been able to get to the hospital to get the medical care that i needed!i would like to thank each and everyone from angel flight soars for there kindness and support!this comes from the bottom of my heart!without angel flight none of this would be possible.again thank you all,nicholas flynn.god bless!

My son was born on Feb. 20th, 2013. He was diagnosed with Klippel Feil Syndrome on January 29th, 2014. It’s a rare syndrome since it occurs in 1 in 42,000 births worldwide. Chance’s condition requires that he visits the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, throughout the year, to evaluate and assess his syndrome. Angel Flights allows our family to concentrate on Chance’s medical issues without the added stress of worrying how we are going to pay for flights to and from Philadelphia.
The personnel and pilots at Angel Flights treat us with the utmost respect and they are without a doubt, our angels in the sky. Angel Flighe is truly Chance's Angel! They provide our family with hope because without hope, you have nothing. Chance is receiving top-notch medical care with doctors who are the best and brightest in their fields. Thank you, Angel Flights, for being there for our son!

Angel Flight has been such a blessing to our family. Our 87 year old uncle lives in Macon, GA, but has a couple of medical specialist in Atlanta, GA and Augusta, GA. It makes it so much easier on him to fly to these locations rather than a 2-3 hour car ride. Besides, he was in the Air Force during WWII and he LOVES the flying.

My husband and I try to help out his daughter by getting him to these appointments. Unfortunately, both of us have our own medical issues and having Angel Flight available has been so helpful. Anytime we have a need for a flight, the Angel Flight Staff is right on top of it. Even when the need is sometimes last minute. They are always pleasant and have treated our Uncle with such love and respect. The pilots have been unbelievably accommodating. One lives close to our Uncle and he picks him up and takes him to the airport. One actually drove from Atlanta picked him up in Macon and drove him back to Atlanta because weather would not permit a flight. That is just above and beyond.

God Bless Angel Flight, the staff and pilots!

A Special Thank You to our Angel Flight Family

Without a doubt, you are truly angels. My son Samuel was born with an extremely rare chromosomal anomaly so unique that his geneticist had never seen it before and could only find two other cases in all of the medical journals. As a result, he has a number of diagnosis, including cerebral palsy, which require ongoing medical treatment and therapies. When Samuel recently suffered extremely painful neurological complications following a routine surgery, he saw many local doctors and was treated with medicines that helped only minimally and had unbearable side effects. After much searching, we were blessed to find a doctor in Maryland who is pioneering a new procedure to treat similar neurological problems. I called him and talked with him, and he agreed to see Samuel. I knew I had to get my son to Maryland to see this doctor. We had a small local fundraiser and raised $304. We loaded up the van, took our $304 of gas money drove from Georgia to Maryland. It was an extremely long drive and we had to stop frequently for breaks along the way to allow Sam to get up and move around. We set up camp in a Maryland state park because it cost much less than a hotel room, and I knew that I would have to pay a minimum of $4800 up front for the Dr. to conduct the necessary tests and treat Samuel. The procedure, tests, brace, etc. were not covered at all by our insurance because the treatment is still in the experimental stage. And our $304 of gas money ran out long before we got to Maryland.
We thought that the procedure and bracing process would take about 5 days. We ended up having to spend ten days in Maryland before he was able to return home. Sam responded well to the procedure and began to show improvement. The drive home took a lot longer as we drove for two days through pouring rain. After getting home, Samuel continued to show improvement. While he was not 100% , he was definitely much better than he had been in months. After about four months, he began to regress some. I called the Dr, and he said that we needed to return to Maryland. Between the medical bills, gas money, camping fees, food, etc., I had depleted my savings and all resources. I had no idea how I was going to be able to get him back to Maryland and pay for a hotel. It was December and way too cold to camp with a sick child in Maryland. Knowing our plight, a coworker asked me if I had ever heard of Angel Flight. I had at some point heard of Angel Flight, but thought you only served in life or death situations. She said that it was worth a try. I contacted Angel Flight, and the staff made me feel so welcome, like they were truly excited to be able to help. It was short notice, but they worked tirelessly to get our flights scheduled. At the last minute, however, our flights had to be cancelled due to a strong snow storm moving in. Angel Flight did not abandon us. They helped us be able to arrange for Amtrak to transport us. It was a very cold 16 hour train ride, but it was an exciting experience to share with my son.
We had not been home but a couple of weeks when we had to rush back to Maryland. This time, even though it was New Years Day, Angel Flight pilots were able to fly us to Maryland on very short notice and between snow storms. When it came time for our scheduled return flights, there was a foot of snow on the ground, and it was about 6 degrees and still snowing. There was no way to fly in or out of the little airport in Maryland. Mr. Brian Wills, our first pilot on the trip up, called and offered to fly us the rest of the way home if we could rent a car and drive as far as North Carolina, where the weather was not as bad. I tried driving a little ways, but it was still snowing and the roads were treacherous. Mr. Wills worked with me for hours, calling back and forth trying to figure out how to get us home. He truly went above and beyond what would be expected. When he saw that the weather was supposed to improve the next day he decided that he would fly all the way to Maryland the next day and fly both legs of our flight home, even though it would take his entire Saturday. Late that night, Mr. Taylor, an Angel Flight East pilot, called and volunteered to fly the first leg home. He and Mr. Lindy Kirkland landed very skillfully on an icy runway, and soon we were on our way home. I was just so amazed and humbled that these men would spent a cold, snowy Saturday going out of their way to help us. It just absolutely meant the world to us.
After making a couple of driving trips in the spring, we had the pleasure of flying with Angel Flight again in August When we had to return again unexpectedly. Mr. Al Langerstrom flew our first leg up and Mr. Rapp, who also flew us into Maryland in January, flew our last leg in again. They were so kind and answered all of Sam's questions and even gave him little flying lessons. He loved it. Our pilot on the first leg home, Mr. John Wells took time off work to fly us. We found out late the evening before we were to fly out that Sam would need to see the Dr. again that morning. That put us behind, but Mr. Wells adjusted his schedule for us, even though it meant that he had to rush to work as soon as we landed. Our final flight was with Mr. Jason Prince. This time I got to be "copilot" and he very graciously answered my questions and taught me some things about flying.
Samuel will likely have to make many more trips to his Dr. in Maryland. It is very comforting to know that Angel Flight is there for us if we need them again.
Everyone at Angel Flight, Ms. Jett, Ms. Burnadette and all of the pilots have gone out of their way to make us feel cared for and important. By the time a flight ends, we feel like a part of the family. You are such a blessing to us and a true answer to prayers.

God Bless You,
Julie and Samuel

For with God All Things are possible.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Super-Heroes-For-Sam/647802091960303

My son assisted as a co-pilot on flight missions and was so enthused at being able to help people in need. When he died unexpectedly and suddenly in a vehicle accident in the Atlanta area in 2007, Angel Flight comforted me in my mourning and I have to say I love all of the people I met on the staff. They never dropped the proverbial ball with anything we worked on together and are truly a compassionate and caring staff. While I wish I could donate 100% of my income to them for their program and their selfless activities in service to others, I continue to support them as I can financially and wholeheartedly support their programs and activities. Before committing to charities, I always check details on Guidestar.org and their reviews & ratings & information are excellent and fit my personal criteria for organizations worthy of contribution. They are an A-1 group.

I began as a pilot with Angel Flight to help people in need, fly with a purpose, and get a tax deduction. It turned out to be much more than expected. The staff at Angel Flight Soars are dedicated to saving lives by making medical treatment accessible. Their dedication and hard work get thousands of patients to life saving treatment. Their leadership makes pilots like myself want to do more. I am now blessed with many wonderful memories.

My son was dx with anaplasticmedulloblastoma april 30, 2013. We were immediately sent to Atlanta CHOA by EMS from Valdosta. after surgery and recovery his treatment options were discussed with us. We opted to stay with CHOA for 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House which put many miles between us and our Family. Our social worker told us about Angel Flight and I was immediately put in contact with the staff. The staff are amazing!!! They care so much about the needs of others going through pediatric cancer and other diseases. They know how difficult it is to be separated from your family and your child being so sick from treatment that driving any distance is to much especially when all you have is the weekend. With Angel Flight we were given the opportunity to fly home and fly back which put round trip travel time to 2 hours vs. 8 hrs. It was so rewarding to my son and I in many ways. One being that the two of us had never flown. It meant so much to have that opportunity to share with my son. I can never thank Angel Flight and their staff and Pilots that flew us safely to our family and back to treatment enough for your selfless act. My son is still in treatment once a month for 3 days as an impatient. Two more months left. Hes doing really good. We are forever grateful to Angel Flight and evertyone who we have shared a piece of our life with. Thank you for making it a little easier. God bless, Leslie & Brody

To the Compassionate Staff, and Pilots of Angel Flight Soars,
Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and your help during a time in my life, when I needed someone's help more than any other time. Compassion is defined as, an internal feeling of sorrow for someone's situation that, is followed by the desire to actively help. This feeling of sorrow is put into motion in an external manner. Compassion requires physical action. The word Compassion appears a total of forty times in the King James Holy Bible. Knowing this, we can conclude that having compassion was, and still is, an important attribute of the people of God. Psalms 86:15 "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth". A God so full of compassion would expect that His people to be of the same likeness, 1st Peter 3:8 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous".
I do struggle to put into words, the humbling gtatitude that I felt with your acts of compassion and help, during a time of need and darkness in my life. God Bless you the staff, and God Bless you the pilots, for showing love and compassion towards a man, who was certainly that of a stranger. The story of the Good Samaritan is what came to mind, when I learned of your willingness to help me. Luke 11:33 "But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him". Your slogan of, "Where Hope Soars" seems to be certainly inspired, from a God of love. Just as the man who the Good Samaritan helped was given hope, I felt the weight of the world taken off of my shoulders when, I learned of your plans to fly me from Tennessee to Minnesota. I had prayed that God's will be done but, I knew that only a miracle could provide me with the answers to the problems that I faced. I can not thank you guys, in what seems to be an appropriate way, for being that of a servant of God. We do worship and serve a God of love, and a God who thru you, is still in the business of performing miracles. God Bless all of you, who make up the Staff of Angel Flight Soars. And, God Bless you, the Pilots of Angel Flight Soars.
Forever Touched by your Compassion,
Barry D. Arnold
10-24-2013

My family and I have had multiple experiences with Angel Flight Organizations, from Volunteering, arranging for missions for my patients, but on December 9, 2012, I became the patient. December 9, 2012, I awoke in the worst pain in my life, which having had kidney stones since age 7 is a lot of pain. I was admitted to the local hospital and diagnosed with Pancreatitis. After 13 long days I was finally able to eat a very bland and soft diet, and keep the 5-10 bites I can eat down, so they sent me home. I was told I would continue to get better. Unfortunately, that never happened. Since the day I was sent home I never got better. I was hospitalized two more times by April and received not one but two diagnoses. The hope was that they were able to stop the recurring Pancreatitis. But unfortunately, it didn’t work. On September 26, 2012, I was admitted to the hospital in Atlanta with another bought of Pancreatitis. My GI attempted for the second time to get into my Pancreas and was unsuccessful. So he wanted me to see the World Renowned Physician that my GI trained under. The only problem, this doctor is in Orlando and I am 1-2 north of Atlanta. Due to the extreme pain and nausea there is just no way I could drive that long. Also, having been unable to work since December I had no money to purchase a airline ticket and a Hotel room. Dr H’s, GI in Orlando, called on Wednesday night and wanted me in Orlando on Monday. That night I pulled up Angel Flight on Google, and found Angel Flight Soars. On Thursday, morning I gave them a call really thinking that it would be way to quick for them to be able to arrange flights by Sunday, It only gave them a day and a half business days to arrange things! But they didn’t even Blink, she said sure let me get you approved and you get the doctors from filled out and we won’t have a problem. I got a call back in a hour saying that I was approved and that they would be getting
back to me with who my pilots would be. She explained that of course things can happen, weather or whatever, so to have back up plain. On Friday I got a call from Angel Flight and on Saturday spoke with my first pilot.
All four of my pilots were top notched, caring, and very talented. I had originally hoped to be able to fly back home on Wednesday but due to complications I was not able to be released from the hospital. Again Angel Flight worked a miracle, they were able to postpone my flights and work with me not really even knowing when I would be released from the hospital.
Angel Flight Soars is a fantastic group of men and women that are working diligently, to help others like myself that desperately need medical treatment but doesn’t have the financial means to get there. Angel Flight Soars has allowed me to have a procedure that could have very well have saved my life. If you are a patient that needs a helping hand this is the place for you. Also, if you own a business or a airplane and are looking for a group to support and to serve others in a truly amazing way, Angel Flight Soars is the place for you!
Thank you Angel Flight for all you have done for our family.
Client: Anitra L Duke, LPN; Client: Son Deric Duke; Client parents Linda and Frank Duke

We always tell individuals that there are over a million charities in the US -- a big question is what makes an individual chose a charity to embrace and be a part of? Angel Flight Soars captured our hearts for a few key reasons:

1. Flying With A Purpose-- the satisfaction of knowing that a child / adult ,who lack the means, can receive life saving medical attention and needs through free air transportation,. Helping families focus on getting better instead of worrying about how to get to their treatments has personally changed our lives forever. The stories and words that are shared in the sky that may help a family find hope and even a little laughter before they face some of their hardest times in their lives can be essential on many different levels.

2. Money With A Purpose-- charities depend on donations from individuals and businesses. Every gift is important and makes a difference -- the requests for Angel Flight Missions continue to grow and to support the growth of the requests is huge. The resources needed to support this worthy and tangible cause is dependent on financial support, volunteers, and other acts of giving that can have an lasting impact on people's lives.

We are proud to be a part of Angel Flight. Skip and Victoria Moore

Until I began working with Angel Flight Soars I really had no appreciation of the amazing work they do. They save lives and change lives. I spoke with one pilot the other day. He had gotten a call while in the air that there was an emergency flight needed. He immediately rerouted. The massive coordination needed to pull off all of these flights and serve so many people in desperate need of healthcare assistance is staggering. And the pilots do all of it on their own. No one is paid to fly these missions. Everyone connected to this organization is truly an angel.

In my role as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight Soars, I have seen lives literally changed through the efforts of this organization, usually at a time when a family is particularly vulnerable because of illness, timing of medical care, financial issues, and other family pressures. A blind veteran helped into and out of a small plane near his destination rather than running the gamut of airline check-in, sprints through the terminal, and baggage check on the other side of the city... A baby burned in a Thanksgiving barbeque accident having to travel across the state for weekly specialty reconstructive care... A woman with cancer at the end of her life trying to come home from the hospital but stranded halfway, picked up by Angel Flight and delivered in hours to her family two states away... A man who, on very short notice, had to cross a state to be with his wife as their son underwent emergency heart surgery. These are just a few examples of the people who are helped by Angel Flight day in and day out, weekends and holidays included. For my part, I cannot conceive of a better way to spend my time than in helping provide these services.

On Oct. 21, 2012 my son Cohl tripped and fell in a fire, he was air lifted to Augusta that night and our journey began. We went for check ups in Valdosta but had to go back to Augusta several times and of course was dreading the 5 hour ride and then I found out about Angel Flight which was a life saver, we had the pleasure of flying with several of your pilots and it was an awesome experience all the pilots were great. In such a difficult time Angel Flight made it so much easier on us, I am grateful for the pilots that take time out of their lives to help others. God bless them and Angel Flight for making it all happen. I can't thank all of you enough.

Thank you, Amy Williams

I cannot begin to describe how grateful and thankful my family and I are to have such a rewarding experience during the flights that were provided to us by Angel Flight for doctor follow ups in Georgia Burnt Center. I have to say that this is in all trueness that God is in the midst of this organization due the unselfishness, kindness, and self-denial of all the pilots and the personnel involved to make this happen. Jet Staff member, Jerry Black (Pilot), David Snyder(Pilot), and Cindy's Cab. For those who don't realize what this folks are doing here is a fact: this people use their own money, plane and resources and charge nothing. In my case it was a 3 hrs round trip. Eagle Med (the Greeneville, TN hospital flight crew) charged me 34,000 dollars just to flight me one way trip to the Georgia Burnt Center. Therefore I have to say that this Angel Flight ministry is a True God given gift to those in need. Unfortunately this folks Will not take anything you try to give them, you can see in their faces and tone of voice the joy and satisfaction they get for doing what they do. Last but not least, on our first trip from the hospital to our home in Chuckey, TN we were surprised as to how fast they work. Jet Stovall had sent us an email asking if we had any appointment setup so that they can schedule a flight for us. That is what I call true service no more no less. And in fact we schedule two more flights with one last one on November 1st 2013. Again our prayers and support to Angel Flight.

The Paisan Family in Chuckey, TN

When the going gets tough...the tough get going...that's what our beloved Angel Flight Soars family has been doing for our family for eleven years!!! It seems like yesterday, but it was 11 years ago that we discovered our newborn daughter needed a double lung transplant to survive. As if that medical bomb didn't "rock our world" enough, we were told the specialists for this rare procedure were 700 miles away from home. That's where Angel Flight Soars, with just one phone call, came to our rescue. As the mom, I was barely keeping my head above water with the terrifying and complex medical burdens/challenges facing my baby daughter...Angel Flight Soars stepped in, graciously and wonderfully handled the logistical and financial nightmare of coordinating 11 years worth of medical trips to the transplant center and got my daughter, husband and myself back and forth to critical follow-up appointments and procedures for eleven solid years! They are the most giving group of people I have ever met and we thank the good Lord for them each and every day! God Bless Angle Flight Soars forever and always!!!!

Angel Flight coordinated and assisted our son to get the medically necessary therapies he needed in Michigan. Had it not been for their help, there is no way that he and I could have afforded the flights to and from the intensive treatment. We sincerely appreciate the staff at AF and all of the precious angels who donate their time, energy, love and planes to make miracles such as ours happen. Bless them!

My company was a sponsor of there Golf Tournament a few years ago. The last few years have been financially difficult for our company and wanted to help in some way! After seeing the dedication and the sparkle in the eyes of those providing services for Angel Flight, I realized there strive to help all those in need! Seeing this in the staff of this organization made me want to help out as well. It is a powerful thing to see pilots donate there time, planes, and other resources. Sponsors donating funds to help with the operational cost and the behind the scenes people that work hard because we all know that helping others puts a smile on their faces and makes all of us happy. Thanks! Angel Fight for all you do!!! L. Jay Ertley

It has been a real privilege to be an Angel Flight pilot. Although I have only flown a handful of missions it has already been a real blessing to get to know both the volunteers and staff of Angel Flight Soars but also to get to know some very interesting people going through some very difficult times.

I hope to be able to provide many more Angel Flights and I would encourage anyone familiar with this program to tell others about it.

Angel Flights is an amazing service. My 6 month old was burned in a restaurant accident and we had to return weekly to the Doctors Hospital in Augusta for check ups for 6 weeks after our discharge. It was overwhelming, caring for an injured child and trying to arrange to go out of town with an injured baby. The flight meant the baby could ride in my lap and his bandages ( the burns were on the inside of his thighs and his abdomen) were not pressed by the carseat. Fortunately, my child is recovering well and we only have to return every 3 months for check ups. During those crucial weeks of after care I am certain that Angel Flight played a pivotal role in making certain my baby could heal. The pilots have always been scrupulously professional and wonderfully caring. They have done everything in their power to put an anxious mother at ease. Angel Flights is wonderful and I honestly do not know how we would have progressed without the assistance.

We have 6 kids and 2 are medically fragile. Both have rare diseases and need to be treated by doctors far away from home. The toll on our family life and finances is immense. AngelFlight comes to the rescue by getting us to our doctors quickly (instead of us driving many hours) and without cost to us. This charity is a PRICELESS resource for us...not to mention fantastic to work with!

Our son was 7mo old, just diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and we took the long 5 hour drive to Augusta, GA from South GA. We were told about Angel Flight at one for our appointments later on. All it took was one phone call and they were ready to assist us in getting us to and from our appointments! We are so blessed to have become clients with Angel Flight! It has helped us greatly by saving us hotel and gas cost. We make this trip every 3 months! We have been honored to meet the awesome pilots that use their time and planes to help families! We appreciate everyone at Angle Flight are thankful for all you do!

Over the past 7+ years, our company has organized events to benefit Angel Flight Soars. We originally chose this organization due to a good friendship with one of the pilots. After the first event, we grew to appreciate the organization and what they stand for. Each member of the team demonstrates appreciation, dedication, flexibility and a passion for their joint mission. We have learned so much about the families and the assistance Angel flights soars have been able to provide. It has been truly rewarding to raise and donate funds to such a well-known nonprofit with great group of people dedicated to a common goal to help such a good cause.

My family and I have been associated with Angel Flight for the past 7+ years. We've assisted with volunteer events, fund raiser events, and have had the opportunity to be with families as Angel Flight pilots take people to and from their doctor appointments. This organization is truly amazing when you consider the coordination required to match a pilot, plane, and a person in need with hospital or doctor office schedules. 'Life Changing' is what I think of when I consider the service Angel Flight provides.

I have been a volunteer pilot for Angel flight Soars for 7 years. The effect this organization has on the lives of families is amazing. I have flown numerous families for medical care that would never have been afford the transportation to get to medical facilities. Moreover, if they had to drive to the medical facility, they feared losing their job because of the added time off work. The organization works passionately to make sure every request for service can be filled. Matching patients to pilots is a challenging process because of short notice or changes in doctor appointments. For pilots, it is very satisfying to use your aircraft to help people in need that can have such an enormous effect on their lives.

Angel Flight Soars is a very professionally run organization. For the year ended December 31,2011, 81.97% of the expenses were used for Program Services, 5.79% for General & Administrative and 7.71% for Fundraising. Angel Flight Soars focuses on helping people. Local people contribute flight services, time and goods.

This is the most compassionate group of volunteers helping others in dire need I have ever known. Bernadette has spent a good part of her life saving lives and getting burn victims and terminally ill patients for new treatments. Having flown patients missions over the past 10 years I can tell you this is much more than a job for them. Their hearts are determined to do everything they can to get patients to the best treatment centers, whatever it takes. It may be an 8 hour job but they work 24/7 to assure these patients get what they need. Thanks, Keith Kilgallen

Our child was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder the summer of 2010 called P.A.N.D.A.S (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropscychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptoccocous). So rare that there are only a handful of Doctors that treat for this disorder. Leaving us are only option to travel from GA where we live to New Haven, CONN. every two months for his treatments. Angel Flight Soars has helped us with every flight except two only because the weather was to bad for flight. We have been so blessed to have such a wonderful organization to help keep our son's life saving treatments up. Saved us so much money as well as travel expenses are crazy expensive. God Bless all who serve at this wonderful organization. We will be forever greatfull. The Youngbloods

Imagine that you are a young mother with a seriously ill child, living in a rural area of the state far from the medical facility that provides your child special treatment. Often it is a day's drive to get there, a motel room, another day for treatment, another night in the motel room, and yet another day's drive to get home. Imagine the toll that this takes from both mother and child. But fortunately, through Angel Flight Soars, the mother and child are picked up that morning at their local airport and flown directly to the medical center. The child is treated and they are flown home...all in the same day. Angel Flight Soars has a number of pilot/aircraft owners that provide their personal airplane, free of charge, so that this senario can be carried out hundreds of times throughout the year. Their only payment is the grateful look on a tired mother's face at the end of the day, or the smile from a young patient who is glad to be back home. Angel Flight Soars maintains an office and a professional staff that coordinates these flights and schedules. What a blessing to have such an organization and the people who support it!

I have been volunteering at Angel Flight Soars since 2002. Over that time period, I have met countless individuals whose lives have been touched by Angel Flight's mission. By combining the natural passion that pilot's have for their hobby with the dynamic leadership of Jeanine Chambers and Bernadette Darnell, Angel Flight Soars efficiently leverages the widespread compassion found in the aviation community to fill the logistical needs of thousands of medical patients. Also, Angel Flight was instrumental in establishing Georgia's first aviation park at PDK, which has become a irresistible hang out spot for local families with children. The park will certainly ensure that Angel Flight's pilot ranks will be filled for many generations to come!

I am a member of the Auxiliary of Fraternal Order of Eagles 714 in Atlanta, GA. As a volunteer for many years for Angel Flight I saw all the wonderful work Angel Flight does in the community and around the Southeast for lots and lots of children and people of all ages who need medical care. There was never any charge to any of these folks - just Angels right here in our community helping others. The motto of FOE 714 - Auxiliary is "people helping people." We have given donations to Angel Flight for several years and will continue to do so. Angel Flight is a wonderful organization that operates on donations and volunteer pilots and their airplanes. Angel Flight needs the help of organizations like Auxiliary FOE 714 to continue helping children and families get the medical help they need. If you are looking for a worthy cause - Angel Flight Soars could be that cause! Check them out!

Angel Flight Soars is an organization run by Earth Angels, coordinated by Office Angels, and flown by pilots whose wings spread out over the Southeast and beyond. They carry precious cargo ranging in age from babies to seniors -- all of whom need help that they cannot find near their homes. There are many who are frequent fliers whose illnesses may require years and thankfully those that require fewer treatments. The pilots who fly them are a blessing for their strength, their courage, their perseverance, and their faith. These patients put their trust in strangers who volunteer their time, their talent and their money in service to others. My husband and son have flown many families and children whom we have grown to love. Some have been wonderfully healed, yet some continue their battles with disease. It is a ministry of love and caring overseen by Jeanine Chambers, with flights coordinated by Bernadette Darnell and aided by Patti, Pat, and Paul. They all have made their corner of the world a brighter place. Through each of them hope and help have been offered and received. Hebrews 13: 2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Gail G. Entrekin

I never thought I would ever need the services of Angel Flight, however, when a treatment became available to me for my breast cancer that was only available at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville I didn't know what to do. How would I make the travel to Nashville and so often! With the assistance of Angel Flight in Atlanta I have been able to make all my treatments in Nashville without a problem. The staff who help coordinate the flihts have been so kind and courteous and the pilots, just life savers (angels with wings)!!! I would not be able to do this without the services of Angel Flight!! Thank You so Much. Angela Davern-Nelson

Angel Flight is a great group of staff and volunteers who show the utmost in compassion and care for the patients they transport. Often, their flights are the best link these patients and their families have to quality care. It saves them time, as well as harsh car rides. They are truly a blessing for patients, especially those we see at Joseph M. Still Burn Centers, Inc.!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be in need of an Angel Flight mission. My husband’s emergency carotid artery surgery in a city 300 miles from home gave me concerns for our return . Was my husband strong enough to withstand a seven-hour road trip? What would I do if he experienced stroke-like symptoms on an out of the way state highway? What would I do if we had car trouble? What if I had no cell phone service? The questions continued to haunt me.
They haunted me until our friend and Angel Flight pilot, Herb Entrekin, offered his help. Not only did he make the flight to get us home, he brought with him someone to drive our vehicle back. Herb strategically filed his flight plan with airports close to hospitals to take care of some of my “what ifs.”
I can’t begin to even explain the relief that came over me when my husband and I were greeted by our pilot and driver at the airport that morning. After being in charge of my husband’s care for a long ten days, I was SO GRATEFUL to turn everything over to two very caring men. When our flight landed, we were met by Herb's wife with bags of groceries, a chicken pot pie and flowers. She provided the last leg of our trip and delivered us safely to our home and our anxiously awaiting little dog.
Thank you Herb and Gail Entrekin. Thank you Butch Thurman. And thank you, Angel Flight Soars.

I work for JMS Burn Centers, Inc in Augusta GA. and have been blessed to have been connected with Angel Flight about 5 years ago. We started out with 1 mission and last year was up to over 300 flights. A 3-5 hour car ride would be very painful for our patients to endure. Thanks to these "Angels" we get to see and treat patients that otherwise would not have the funding or transportation for on going surgery and follow up appointments. These volunteer pilots go out of their way to help our patients - "Angels" is the perfect name for them. .

Recently my wife and I took a trip to Pennsylvania so she could see her family for the last time. She had been battling breast cancer for some time and she had a short period of time left . On the way back to our home in Alabama she took a turn for the worst and could not tolerate road travel anymore and could not have handled commercial airport travel. Within 24 hours of our relatives contacting Angel Flight we were on our way home and my wife never had to walk over 100 feet at any time. The pilots spent much of their time checking on my wife and the flights were coordinated better than I have ever seen in air travel. She is in a much better place now and one of her last wishes was for her loved ones to not buy flowers but to donate to Angel Flight. Thanks, from me and my wife.

Angel Flight Sores Inc. is a fantastic origination that is run incredibly efficiently and allows transportation to those that can not afford to otherwise make the trip. The funding that Angel Flight receives is solely for the logistics and out reach of the organization and does not fund a bunch of rich guys and their jets. as Angel Flight pilots- we volunteer our services and expertise. We are happy to be able to serve the Military with compassion missions or bringing a sick child in for cancer treatment. I believe that we make a difference in the lives we touch and the community’s we have served especially after 9/11 and hurricane Katrina.

I had a tumor in my skull and jaw. It caused many symptoms over many many years. I had seen several doctors but no one could give me a diagnosis or treatment options for this rare condition. Finally, I was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I needed to travel there multiple times for treatment. If it wasn't for Angel Flight Soars, I would not have been able to receive the treatment I needed. The staff at Angel Flight Soars worked so hard to coordinate my missions and accommodate changes in my treatment schedule. The pilots are selfless, comforting and understanding. Thank you to everyone who gave me hope during a most difficult time.

I can not emphasize what a difference this organization has made in our lives as well as other families. My daughter was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer at age 14. She needed to see the best drs in the country and without Angel Flight, that would not have been possible. She has been to the best and because of them getting us to all these wonderful drs in CT, NY and TX she is still with us after 6 1/2 yrs of fighting. I know if she ever needs to get to the best medical care available, Angel Flight will get us there. God bless these wonderful people for all they do for those in need, fighting for their lives. Their are no words to express our gratitude to them yet they thank us for allowing them to provide their services. Truly amazing people and organization. Should you choose to see what they have done for my daughter log onto carepages.com and enter Kennedysplace. Also check the pictures.

This organization is full of wonderful, dedicated, and compassionate individuals who go above and beyond to make the lives of those who are sick and less fortunate much more comfortable. The service they provide for people all over the southeast seeking medical treatments at facilities they would otherwise have no or very limited access to, is above and beyond what you could imagine. The people I have had the pleasure to get to know, both in the office and otherwise, because of my involvement with Angel Flight, have given me such a depth of understanding of just what can be accomplished if you can organize the right people. Angel Flight Soars is an organization that I can be proud to be a part of and the individuals they help are lucky to have them as a resource during their times of need. Kudos to Angel Flight!!!!!

I have been a pilot for Angel Flight Soars for over 10 years. It is a great organization because of the quality of people in it. The staff are always extremely appreciative and helpful with every mission which makes me want to conduct more.

I bought my airplane in 1993. Took a friend for a ride about a month later. He suggested I join a group of volunteer pilots known back then as Angel Flight of Ga., now Angel Flight Soars. My first mission assigned was to take a little two year old and his father to Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. I was hooked!! I've done 89 missions to date. We, the volunteer pilots of AngelFlightSoars, transport patients of all ages to and from medical facilities who, for whatever reason, can't fly commercially. The gratitude shown by our passengers fills my heart with joy every time I climb into my airplane ready to take them wherever they need to go. It is my pleasure to be part of such a REMARKABLE organization being run so well.

I have been with the administration of DeKalb Peachtree Airport, the home of Angel Flight Soars, for 10 years and can attest that Angel Flight is a remarkable organization. Observing Angel Flight’s daily transportation of people in need of medical care is impressive; watching their response to Hurricane Katrina was awe-inspiring. Once the true devastation of Katrina was realized Angel Flight quickly, and with their usual efficiency moved into action. They acquired additional hangar space, bought, and collected tens of thousands of dollars of medical supplies and other necessities, and arraigned hundreds of delivery flights to rural areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. It was an incredible well choreographed display of a group volunteer effort that did immeasurable good during a time of national need.

After flying my first mission in 1999 for Angel Flight Soars, I realized just how vital this organization is for people needing this service. People were able to reach their medical treatments in distant cities by me flying them. And that is when I decided I wanted to get much more involved in the organization, which eventually led to being chairman. I am honored to have been part of this wonderful organization for all these years. Angel Flight Soars gives people hope.

My perspective is somewhat of an anomoly since I serve as a Board Member, but also oversee the operation that services the bulk of the flights in and out of the greater Atlanta area. I have never been witness to an organization that is so efficently sound and so well organized as Angel Flight Soars. The superior attention to detail is primarily attributed to the efforts of the Executive Director, Jeanine Chambers. Jeanine and her amazing staff tirelessly organize every aspect of the operation, while providing a true '' human touch '' element that has positively changed the lives of countless patients and their respective family members. It is a sincere and humble privilege to be associated with this organization.

I have been flying missions for Angel Flight Soars since summer 2002. Over that time, I have met many remarkable people, and I have been able to offer them some help in whatever condition they are battling. I have been able to fly with everyone from infants to WWII veterans. My passengers have been uniformly gracious and thankful for the opportunity flying for treatment has provided.

WOW!!! What can I possibly say other than THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart . Without your organization my aunt would not have made it back home to live out her last few days. I heard about you guys from a story on the local news well over a year ago. I called your Alabama branch to see IF the need should arise that my aunt cannot make it back from seeing her elderly parents for the last time could Angel Flight help or could they recommend anyone. The first words were "YES, that is what we are here for". After explaining the situation more, Lauren in Alabama suggested I call Atlanta if it becomes clear my aunt simply cannot make it there or back. My aunt is not just a relative but one of my best friends. She had suffered for 17 months, first breast cancer then it metastasized to her liver. She was not given much time and her tumor was growing literally overnight. She was determined to see her family and who could blame her. Her oncologist at UAB told her not to fly commercial but to make the trip even if it took a week so she could rest along the way. It took her and my uncle 4 days to make it there, spend almost a week and she was ready to come home. She was feeling worse by the day. Fortunately they were aware I had made that call prior to them leaving for Pennsylvania. I was on my way to work in Alabama and received a call from my uncle saying "Pam, we are in the middle of GOD'S country and we need you to work a miracle...Diane can go no further and we need a way home" I told him I was 98% sure we could get him help, his response broke my heart, he said "Pam, for 17 months when there was only a 2% chance Diane had the worst possible diagnosis, she always fell in that 2%, please tell me you can 100% make this happen for her, she can't fall in to that 2% again". My heart sank but I immediately called Atlanta and much to my amazement they had talked to Lauren in Alabama the week before and were aware of the possibility of a call from our family. I told them she could make it no further and desperately wanted to be home. Commercial flights were not an option, She was in excruciating pain.My uncle drove to the nearest airport in Bristol, TN and got a hotel room to let her rest and the work began. The folks in Atlanta were even kind enough to converse with UAB to help me get a doctor's authorization for her to fly. We faxed the information to them, and myself and my husband headed out for the 6 hour trip to be with them and drive their car home. We gathered all the information Angel Flight and UAB needed and that very afternoon I received a call from Angel Flight saying "It is handled,100% she will be able to fly home tomorrow morning". Let me just say we pulled to the shoulder of the road for a good cry of happiness, my husband and I could not believe not only did they pull off a miracle but asked for NO money for their services. AMAZING!!! Who hears of that in this day and age? We knew then as did those who knew the urgent situation, that Angel Flight would become one of our "causes" for donations. I have never spoke to anyone for such a short period of time and felt so at ease and comforted as when I dealt with everyone I talked to at Angel Flight Soars in Atlanta. We made it to Bristol, spent time with my aunt and uncle and delivered them to the airport to meet the first pilot on the tarmac who was taking her on the first leg of her journey home. He was the most compassionate and kind man and treated my aunt with kindness and gentle care as she boarded her flight to Atlanta where she would switch to another pilot on the tarmac to make the final leg of her trip. The first pilot even called me the evening before to introduce himself and make us feel at ease that she would be in good hands. I have told everyone I know our story and how yes, angels do exist, they live in Atlanta, I spoke to them personally. I want to thank them for granting my aunt this wish and helping her home where she could pass away. What is so incredible is this is what they do daily, they make miracles happen and that's what they did for our family. We appreciate each of you so very much and want to tell you that our entire, huge family wants to thank all who had a part in making this happen. As we say in the south.."Love you guys"

This organization truly makes a difference for the community. This is a grass-roots organization that serves thousands of people every year across several states in the Southeast. The impact that Angel Flight Soars has is clear - - they get people to life saving medical treatment. As importantly, through their volunteer pilots and "Earth Angels" they are able to lift the spirits of the patients that they fly. This organization makes a difference!