Angel Flight Central

We often get questions about "what happens next?" throughout the process of securing a free flight to medical treatment! ✈

A passenger has quickly went through the process of filling out a flight request, chatting logistics with our flight coordinators, returned a signed medical release, and now they received notification that a pilot has signed up to fly them - NOW WHAT?

Your flight coordinator will send you an itinerary of your flight via email complete with your volunteer pilot's contact info, aircraft, tail number, and departing airport. The volunteer pilot will reach out to you directly to coordinate when to meet based on weather and their availability.

Remember to alert your flight coordinator as soon as possible if plans change, you need to change companions, or a need to bring medical equipment along.

Thank you to volunteer pilot Scott (pictured) who helped Nancy get to her treatments!

Angel Flight Central is so blessed to have such a dedicated and involved board, many of whom volunteer their time as pilots in addition to their board duties.

Bill Keen's recent flight to help this passenger home from Mayo Clinic is just one example of unwavering commitment to our mission. We're incredibly grateful for the compassion and dedication Bill brings!

It's such a privilege to be able to walk alongside people as they navigate a difficult medical journey. We are solving the problem of long distance transportation to medical treatments, one free flight at a time!

And thank you to volunteer pilot Ken who donated his time, aircraft, and skill to get passenger Alyssa to Mayo Clinic safely and quickly.

Meet Jacob - a special kid who rides in style everywhere he goes! 🏍✈️

Jacob has been diagnosed with DIPG, an incredibly aggressive brain tumor. Volunteer pilots like Matt are here to make sure that Jacob and his dad make it to this clinical trial appointment for free, quickly and safely.

Please keep Jacob and his family in your thoughts as they navigate the difficult journey ahead!

Today, we remember and honor those who lost their lives and the countless heroes who stepped up in the country's great time of need. 🇺🇸

One of our volunteer pilots, Cynthia H. and co-pilot Steve S. flew to New York City on September 19th, 2001 carrying the sister of David Weiss, a missing New York City firefighter, and her family in hopes of finding their beloved family member. These are the photos Cynthia took during her time in New York City capturing the horrible aftermath. As Cynthia walked through the city, people wrote messages of patriotism and encouragement in the dust that settled on windows.

David Weiss, firefighter with elite Rescue 1 team, went in the World Trade Center on 9/11 and never came out. Unfortunately, his remains were never recovered. Read more about David here: http://www.heroportraits.org/Gallery/default.aspx?id=322

Teamwork makes the dreamwork! ✈️

Agustin is an Angel Flight South Central passenger who has scoliosis. His specialist is far away from his home and it would be expensive to travel frequently for his appointments.

Luckily, Angel Flight Central's partnership with Southwest Airlines provides free tickets through their medical grant program to allow passengers like Agustin and his mom who need to travel great distances that exceed what volunteer pilots may be able to do.

And when they needed a place to stay, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provided a warm meal and a place to lay their head.

The burden on families struggling with difficult diagnoses is great- emotionally, physically, and financially. Non profits and corporations needs to continue to work together to ensure that life is a little bit easier for families like Agustin's. We're proud to partner with these great organizations!

If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer, please know there is hope above the clouds!

Cancer is so limited... It cannot cripple love. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace. It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot shatter hope.

If you need a free flight to get to your treatment far away, please reach out. One of generous volunteer pilots is waiting - www.angelflightcentral.org

Thank you to volunteer pilot Tom for flying William from Kansas to Mayo Clinic for follow up after spinal surgery!✈️

Volunteer pilots like Tom donate their time, aircraft, and fuel to make sure that people like William can access the treatment they need, no matter how far away!

Yesterday was just plane fun at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City!

To celebrate National Aviation Day, Angel Flight Central volunteer pilot EJ and staff Jenna spent time with children and families building paper airplanes and learning what it takes to be a pilot!

Therapy dog Chief from Pets for Life, Inc. also joined in the fun!

Today is National Aviation Day! Because of aviation, our volunteer pilots are able to fly thousands of free flights for passengers in need every year!

If you know a pilot, wish them a happy National Aviation Day!

Thank you so much to Starlight and Come From Away for the opportunity to spread the word of free flights for those in need last week! ✈

Volunteers heard many touching stories of your loved ones that have been helped over the years and we hope we were able to reach many more who may be in need of assistance.

If you or someone you love needs transportation to far away medical care, please have them reach out to us. www.angelflightcentral.org

A huge THANK YOU to our devoted and enthusiastic volunteers who gave up their evening to us!

Join Angel Flight Central this Tuesday through Sunday as we partner with Starlight during the Broadway musical production of Come From Away!

Did you know that Angel Flight Central played a significant role in the aftermath after 9/11?

Angel Flight Central (then Angel Flight America) provided humanitarian flights to first responders, cargo flights of supplies such as water and booties for search and rescue dogs, and supplies for the Red Cross, along with Red Cross workers to the affected area.

Pictured is one of our founders, Tom Holcom, with President George W. Bush at the Kansas City airport in 2003 being recognized for our efforts.

Use code "ANGELFLIGHT" for 20% off tickets - https://tickets.kcstarlight.com/come-from-away

Lifting spirits one flight at a time! ✈️

Thank you to volunteer pilot Tammy who used her time and talent to make sure that Wayne and his wife reached his appointment for treatment of his incredibly rare condition!

Things to bring with you as an Angel Flight Central passenger - a smile, a thumbs up, and your favorite stuffie!

Thank you volunteer pilot Aaron for making sure Baelyn and her mom could get to her appointment quickly, safely, and always for free!✈️

Our founder, Jim Stevens, stands alongside our current Executive Director, Brendan Sneegas, in inspiring the community with Angel Flight Central's mission after a heartwarming community presentation.

Together, they represent an organization that is 29 years strong and continuing to connect patients with free flights to far away healthcare. Neither of them would be where they are without their incredible wives by their side!

In honor of Gliobastoma Awareness Day being this past Wednesday, we wanted to highlight the brave journey our passenger Terry is on.

Considered the most aggressive type of brain cancer, glioblastoma grows rapidly, destroying healthy tissue and many have short lives after diagnosis. Terry was accepted in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center for a potential ground breaking treatment.

The excitement of getting such an incredible opportunity of hope in this clinical trial, was hampered by the fact he would have to travel monthly. It would take him over 10 hours one way by car without stops and take a toll on him financially and physically. With the help of Angel Flight South Central, volunteer pilots have flown Terry and his wife 49 times, always for free.

We are happy to report that the clinical trial seems to be showing incredible signs of hope for Terry. He recently received his 11th dose of treatment!

"Terry is a walking miracle!" says his wife Deanna. Please keep Terry and his family in your thoughts as they continue to battle hard against this terrible cancer. We're rooting for you, Terry!

Do you want to turn being a pilot into a super power?💪🦸‍♂️✈️

Join our team of Midwest pilots who volunteer their time and aircraft to help get people to their far away medical appointments.

Listen to our volunteer pilot Chris on Just Plane Radio talk about his experience.

If you are pilot, consider changing lives today by learning more about what it takes to be a volunteer pilot.

Just Plane Radio 7-13-24 This week the JPR crew get a preview of AirVenture 2024. Plus a very cool way to us your pilot super power for the greater good.

Jim recently completed his 200th flight for those in need! Placing him near the top of our most frequent fliers!

Jim has not only been a dedicated volunteer pilot for Angel Flight Central since 2009, but he has worked to grow the organization in the sky and on the ground.

Jim is a current board member and sits on the Pilot Connection Committee making sure the volunteer pilots have opportunities to meet and connect.

He has also made volunteer flying a family affair, often bringing along his wife Rose for flights as mission assistant and to volunteer events. Congrats Jim! We are so grateful for all you've done to help Angel Flight Central and our passengers!

When our passengers are diagnosed with a rare disease, sometimes basic care and specialty providers can be hundreds of miles from their home and cost of transportation can be a huge barrier to accessing treatment.

Consider supporting us so we can continue to provide free flights to passengers like Wayne. www.angelflightcentral.org/donate

One of our beloved pilots and friends, Chris Hope, was honored at a recent Kansas City Royals baseball game in the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat.

Chris Hope has been a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Central since 2003 and has flown over 150 missions to help those in need. Chris has donated his time, treasure, and talent to ensure that those who need it most get to their treatment.

In addition to this work in the air, you can often find him on the ground with his wife Stephanie volunteering at our special events.

Chris is pictured with his wife Stephanie and Angel Flight Central Executive Director Brendan Sneegas. Congrats Chris and thank you for everything you have done to help those in need!

🕶 + ✈️ = Another successful Angel Flight Central mission!

Thanks to volunteer pilot Jim for making sure Tammy and her husband make it safely and quickly to her far away medical appointment!

We are looking for more volunteer pilots like Jim to help get passengers to their scheduled medical appointment far from their homes. If you know a pilot, please tag them and encourage them to visit our website for more details on how they can help!

https://www.angelflightcentral.org/pilots

🌟 Did you know we welcome milk donations from far and wide? Even if you're far from a depot, fear not! 🚀 Angel Flight Central is here to lend a hand! 🙌 We're incredibly grateful for their tireless efforts in the sky, flying countless miles to collect donations and deliver them to us for processing. Thanks to these amazing pilots, we can provide vital nourishment to vulnerable babies. 🍼 Cheers to these true heroes soaring high above! 🌈 🌟

A huge thank you to volunteer pilot Harvey who helped ensure that Benji and his dad got home from their most recent trip to Cincinnati Children's. ✈️

Benji has monthly appointments far from his home and dad is providing for 6 kids! Angel Flight Central pilots make sure dad doesn't miss work and Benji can enjoy his summer as a kid!