Take Off Talk with Angel Flight East

Angel Flight passenger Heather shares her journey of traveling from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia for cancer treatment. She discusses the support and dedication of Angel Flight's volunteer pilots and flight coordinator David, highlighting the organization's impact on her life. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

Angel Flight East provides crucial support for patients like Olivia, who face long journeys to cancer treatment centers. Olivia shares her experience of discovering Angel Flight East through a partner organization, highlighting the relief from car sickness and the time saved by flying. She recounts memorable flights with volunteer pilots, her decision to forgo chemotherapy, and her faith in her recovery. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

Miranda and John discuss their experience with Angel Flight East. They share their journey of finding the organization through Facebook groups after a car accident left them without transportation, and how it has significantly impacted their son Jonathan's medical care and their family's life.  Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

This episode features a conversation with Amanda from Lifeline Pilots and passenger April, discussing the organization's role in providing free air transportation for medical and humanitarian needs. April shares her experiences and the impact of Lifeline Pilots on her life, highlighting the relationships formed with pilots and the ease of accessing medical care.  Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

This episode of Take Off Talk features Jackie, co-founder of the Madelyn James Foundation. She shares the organization's mission to support families dealing with pediatric cancer by providing financial and emotional assistance. This conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among nonprofits to better serve families in need, emphasizing the value of community support and small acts of kindness. Jackie also shares personal stories of families helped by the foundation and discusses upcoming fundraising events. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

Toni shares her experience with Angel Flight East, a charitable organization providing transportation for individuals with terminal illnesses. She discusses her journey with stage four metastatic breast cancer, the support she receives from her community, and the positive impact of Angel Flight East on her life. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

Angel Flight East provides crucial transportation for patients like Roxanne, who require frequent travel for medical treatments. Roxanne shares her journey with stage four gastrointestinal cancer and how Angel Flight East has been a lifesaver, offering free flights to New York City for her chemotherapy sessions, alleviating the stress of long commutes and allowing her to focus on her health. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

In this episode of "Take Off Talk," Laura shares her experience with Angel Flight East. After a foot surgery led to a series of medical complications, Laura found herself needing specialized care outside her local area. She praises Angel Flight East for helping her access out-of-state medical treatment, highlighting the kindness and dedication of the pilots and staff. Laura's story underscores the importance of patient advocacy and the challenges of navigating healthcare in major metropolitan areas. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

In this episode of "Take Off Talk," Patrick shares his journey. After undergoing life-changing brain surgery, Patrick sought assistance from Angel Flight to travel to the Cleveland Clinic for follow-up care. Although he ultimately found alternative transportation, Patrick's story highlights the importance of accessible travel options for patients and our organization's commitment to connecting individuals with the resources they need. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

In a recent episode of Take Off Talk, Jess interviews Niki, a cancer patient who shares her journey with Angel Flight East. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Niki discusses the challenges of finding specialized treatment; and how Angel Flight East has been instrumental in providing her with efficient and cost-effective travel to receive care. Niki highlights the supportive community and the positive experiences she has had with the pilots, and the importance of advocating for oneself in their medical journey. Visit our website at: https://angelflighteast.org/

In this episode of Take Off Talk, frequent flyer Beth shares her journey with Angel Flight East, a nonprofit organization providing free air transportation for medical treatment. Beth discusses her genetic condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the challenges of traveling to Boston for specialized care. She highlights the invaluable support and community she has found through Angel Flight, emphasizing the organization's role in her medical journey and the importance of their services for patients in need.

In a world where the news often highlights the challenges faced by veterans, there are stories of hope and resilience that deserve to be told. Luke's Wings is one such story—a beacon of support for wounded service members and their families. Founded in 2008, this organization steps in where government assistance ends, providing complimentary flights to reunite families during critical times of recovery.

In this episode of Take Off Talk, Jess interviews Tina from Kelsey's Dream, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. Founded in memory of Tina's daughter, Kelsey, the organization provides a play therapy toy called Hopper, the Cancer Crusher, to hospitals across the U.S. to help young patients understand their treatment. Tina shares heartwarming stories of how Hopper has become a comforting companion for many children, and discusses ways listeners can support Kelsey's Dream in its mission to bring hope and healing to families affected by cancer.

In this heartwarming episode of Take Off Talk, we meet Ben, a dedicated volunteer pilot with Angel Flight East, who shares his inspiring journey of combining his passion for flying with a purpose-driven mission. Ben, who has been flying out of Wings Airport in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania for over a decade, discovered Angel Flight East through fellow aviation enthusiasts and has been volunteering for three years. He recounts memorable flights, including one where he and his daughter helped transport a family in need to Boston for a critical medical procedure. Ben emphasizes the joy and fulfillment he finds in using his flying skills to assist others, highlighting the professionalism and community spirit of Angel Flight East. He encourages other pilots to join this rewarding experience and assures potential clients of the organization's commitment to safety and comfort. Ben's story is a testament to the power of giving back and the unique opportunities that public benefit flying offers to both pilots and passengers alike.

In this heartwarming episode of Take Off Talk, we meet Mitch, a dedicated volunteer pilot with Angel Flight East. Mitch shares his journey of flying compassion flights for over 20 years, touching lives with his selfless service. He recounts a memorable flight with a mother and her child battling cancer, where a simple act of letting her fly the plane brought laughter and relief. Mitch's passion for flying and helping others is evident as he discusses the camaraderie among pilots and the support from air traffic controllers and FBOs. His story highlights the incredible impact of Angel Flight organizations, offering free flights to those in need and creating lasting bonds between pilots and passengers. Mitch's message is clear: the joy of flying is amplified when it's for a cause, and he encourages more pilots to join this rewarding mission. Tune in to hear more about Mitch's inspiring experiences and the difference Angel Flight makes in people's lives.

In this heartfelt episode of Take Off Talk, we meet Ed, a former diagnostic radiologist whose life took an unexpected turn due to chronic health issues, including peripheral neuropathy. Despite facing numerous challenges and being told by conventional medicine that there was no hope, Ed embarked on a journey of self-advocacy and holistic healing. Through faith, prayer, and unconventional treatments, he defied the odds, running marathons and reclaiming his life. Angel Flight East played a pivotal role in his journey, providing crucial transportation to medical appointments when all seemed lost. Ed's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the importance of exploring all avenues of healing. His experience underscores the need for greater awareness of holistic practices and the invaluable support of organizations like Angel Flight East. Join us as we explore Ed's inspiring journey of resilience and hope.

In this heartwarming episode of Take Off Talk, we meet Debbie, a resilient passenger who shares her incredible journey with Angel Flight East. Diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy over a decade ago, Debbie's path has been challenging, marked by two heart transplants and countless trips to the Cleveland Clinic. Financial constraints and the long 12-hour drive from Virginia to Ohio made these trips daunting, until Angel Flight East stepped in. With the help of compassionate pilots like Kley, who went above and beyond to ensure her comfort, Debbie found a lifeline. Her story highlights the profound impact of Angel Flight East, not just in easing travel burdens, but in fostering a community of support and friendship. Debbie's experience underscores the importance of organizations like the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association in connecting patients with vital resources. Her gratitude and advocacy for these services shine through, reminding us of the power of kindness and community in times of need.

This week's episode of Take Off Talk features one of our newer passengers, Ken, who has stage four cancer.  Listen to his heartfelt story about all the different medical challenges he has overcome.  Despite these challenges, Ken still continues to stay positive, and shares his experiences working with Angel Flight East.

Meet Mounyroth, a graduate student in Philadelphia, who was facing a difficult choice: continue his studies and career path or prioritize the travel needed for essential medical treatments far from home. The long, costly trips were becoming unmanageable alongside his studies and mounting expenses. Then, Mounyroth found Angel Flight East. With free flights from our dedicated volunteer pilots, he can reach the specialized care he needs without sacrificing his future. Now, Mounyroth can pursue his degree with peace of mind, knowing he has access to critical treatments.

Family Reach is the only national nonprofit focused solely on helping people with cancer access food, housing, utilities, and transportation.  Angel Flight East partners with Family Reach to ensure our patients not only have access to care, but other resources as well. 

On this week's episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Gina Frost and hearing her heartfelt testimonial on how Angel Flight East has impacted her life. 

This week's episode of Take Off Talk features our very own Flight Coordinator, David Dailey!  You may have heard us talk about David on multiple occasions and we couldn't think of a better week to bring him into the mix.  You will hear how David came to Angel Flight, as well as what we are all most excited about this holiday season.

When you take to the skies, real impact is measured in lives changed. In this episode, we meet Kley Parkhurst, Angel Flight East's Pilot of the Year, whose volunteer flying has touched countless lives. Kley shares his journey from becoming a pilot in midlife to flying patients, pets, and supplies for causes like Hurricane Helene relief. Through heartfelt stories, he reveals how combining his love of aviation with service has brought him purpose, joy, and the chance to make a difference. From flying life-saving missions to coordinating pet rescues, Kley's dedication exemplifies how passion can turn into meaningful impact.

Jess Ames and Maddy Beck chat with Derek Ray, an AFE passenger, who looks back on how Angel Flight saved his life. He shares how taking the flight cut his travel time by a huge chunk, allowing him to get to his heart transplant surgery on time. Derek also expresses his desire to volunteer for Angel Flight after their services drastically transformed his overall outlook in life.

Jess Ames and Maddy Beck chat with Elizabeth Ameling, CEO and Founder of one of Angel Flight's partner organizations, Latisha's House. She shares how they provide safe housing and restorative care for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation, guiding them down the path of healing and recovery. Elizabeth presents the various methods they are using to help women deal with trauma and manage negative thoughts. She also shares some success stories of victims who refused to be held back by their traumatic experiences, spreading inspiration and awareness to all.

Jess Ames and Maddy Beck sit down with Michael Henricks, a husband and father who once tried Angel Flight's Compassion Flight. He recounts how they flew her daughter to Boston for a medical operation, significantly reducing their trip to just an hour and 45 minutes. Michael shares how Angel Flight saved them not just time but even the life of her beloved girl. He also celebrates the strength and resilience of his wife and older daughter throughout this challenging journey.

Traveling with a sick child can be daunting, but for Taylor Conner, mom to Kendall battling a rare disease, it was nearly impossible. Taylor joins Jess Ames and Maddy Beck to share her heartfelt appreciation for the Angel Flight experience. She discusses how this vital service helped Kendall, who battles mitochondrial disease, travel safely to receive necessary medical care without the stress and burden of a long drive. This episode dives into the immense challenges Taylor faces when traveling long distances with Kendall for specialist appointments. Kendall's fight is ongoing, and research is critical. Learn more about this disease and donate to Kendall's research fund at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. 

Have you ever considered opening your home to someone in need? In today's episode on Take Off Talk, Maddy and Jess chat with Cathy Davis, the heart and soul behind Host for Hospitals, a local non-profit providing a lifeline for patients and families facing medical challenges. Listen and discover how Host for Hospitals offers a unique alternative to traditional hospital housing, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families traveling for specialized care. Cathy explains why becoming a host is an enriching experience, fostering connections and offering comfort during difficult times. She also shares inspiring stories about the program's impact on hosts and guests. You will also discover how YOU can get involved, open your home, and be part of something exceptional. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation that will inspire you to make a difference in others' lives.

Ready to soar beyond the clouds? In this episode, Maddy Beck and Jess Ames welcome Volunteer Pilot Luis Quinones, an aviator with a heartwarming story and a love for the skies. With nearly a decade of flying under his belt, Luis shares his unique journey from helicopter beginnings to his current adventures in his upgraded Mooney M20J. But it's not just about the flying; it's about the lives he touches through his volunteer work with Angel Flight East. From the poignant stories of those he's flown to the personal trials that shaped his resilience—including his kidney transplant story—Luis exemplifies the spirit of giving and adventure. This episode is sure to inspire and uplift. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a little bit of turbulence!

Have you ever been dismissed by a doctor and ended up having a serious medical condition? Erika Liess' story is all too common. She shares her experience with Chiari malformation, the frustrating journey to get diagnosed, and the amazing support she found online and with Angel Flight East. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt unheard by the medical establishment. Erika's story is a powerful reminder that you are your own best advocate for your health, and there is hope and support out there for those facing chronic illness.

Facing end-of-life care can be a daunting experience, but Jess Ames and Maddy Beck are here to shed light on the support available. Joining them today is Jonathan, a Mission Support Coordinator from Grace Healthcare Services, to discuss the comforting embrace of hospice care. Jonathan recounts the challenges of navigating the healthcare system to find a solution for the patient's transportation needs and how Angel Flight East provided a lifeline in their time of need. Overall, the message of Jonathan's story is that there is support available for people who are going through end-of-life care. Angel Flight East and hospice care can provide comfort and support to patients and families during a difficult time.

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) is a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The organization has served the HCM Spectrum Disorder Community since 1996. In this episode, Lisa Salberg, the Founder and CEO of HCMA, talks about the steps she takes to reach patients with misdiagnosis. She also shares how HCMA partnered with Angel Flight East. Tune in for more!

In times of adversity, the strength of community emerges as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the significance of reaching out for help. In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound impact of Angel Flight with guest Shannon Sinico, who shares her personal journey battling a brain tumor and the invaluable support she received from the organization. Shannon recounts her experiences flying to and from medical appointments, highlighting the compassion and care of the pilots. Amidst her health struggles, Shannon's resilience shines through as she navigates misdiagnoses, surgeries, and the challenges of advocating for herself. Through it all, Angel Flight not only provides transportation but also a supportive ear. Join us as Shannon's story reminds us of the power of community and the importance of reaching out for help in times of need.

In this heartwarming episode, hosts Jess Ames and Maddy Beck welcome Ashlyn Dugan, the founder of Love from Liam Foundation—the partner organization of Angel Flight East. Ashlyn shares her inspiring journey of creating the foundation when her son Liam was born with spina bifida. The conversation touches on the challenges these families face, the importance of community support, and Love from Liam's impactful events. As Ashlyn opens up about her daily life, running a coffee shop, and juggling motherhood, we get a glimpse into the strength and passion that drives her commitment to making a difference. Hear Ashlyn's powerful message of hope and encouragement for families facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of embracing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Joining Jess Ames and Maddy Beck in this episode is volunteer pilot Doug Edenburn, who flies with Angel Flight Soars. He shares how he started flying in late 2022 and works in a primary care office when not on his wings. Doug talks about his very first Angel Flight trip and the one time he took a four-week-old baby from Atlanta to Greensboro.

When caring for a loved one with a medical condition, the last thing you want to worry about is figuring out how to get to where you need to be. Angel Flight lifts this burden from families. In this heartwarming episode, join Maddy Beck and Jess Ames as they share an inspiring conversation with Beth Leduc, a dedicated mom navigating the complexities of her son's medical condition. Christian, diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, requires specialized care in distant cities, making travel a significant challenge. Enter Angel Flight – a group of dedicated pilots providing free flights for medical patients in need. Beth recounts her transformative experiences flying with Angel Flight, detailing the support, care, and community they've found in the process. Tune in to discover the profound impact of Angel Flight on families navigating the complexities of medical care.

What better episode to have in this month of love than with a person we love so much? Join us today as we celebrate Valentine's Day and our very own Maddy Beck's birthday week with the incredible Linda Pizzi, our office mom. Linda, the driving force behind many of our projects, shares her journey with Angel Flight East—from her initial exposure at a gala to becoming an indispensable part of our team. She sheds light on her current project, reaching out to fire departments and rural communities to spread awareness about Angel Flight's vital services. Tune in to discover the heartwarming stories and laughter that fill our office, and learn how Linda's dedication and positivity make Angel Flight East soar even higher.

A different music takes flight into the silent corridors of hospitals where long shadows of illnesses are cast into the hall. The children's fight against cancer caused so much fear and uncertainty towards the kids and their loved ones, but the symphony of support will help them dance through the battle. In this episode, Rachel Krieger, the Co-founder of Ollie's Orchestra, talks about how the organization spreads solace to kids and their families as they fight the horrors of pediatric cancer. Ollie's Orchestra will not let you go through this battle alone. Let's join Rachel as she hands musical backpacks to families to receive the gift of music that transformed Rachel and Ollie's lives. Because in the face of unimaginable fight, music takes flight into the world of healing. So, don't miss this episode where music meets healing. 

In this heartfelt episode of Takeoff Talk with Angel Flight East, hosts Maddie and Jess welcome Mya Hostutler, a remarkable cancer survivor, to share her inspiring journey. Mya recounts her childhood battle with spinal cancer, detailing surgeries, radiation therapy, and the resilient spirit that kept her going. She expresses deep gratitude for Angel Flight East, which made her treatment more accessible and allowed her to savor life as a normal kid. Mya's infectious positivity and strength shine through as she reflects on her cancer-free life post-treatment. The hosts, Maddie and Jess, add their signature humor to the mix in what promises to be an engaging and uplifting episode. Tune in!

It's often very hard for many people to wrap their heads around the fact that organizations like Angel Flight East do exist. A lot of times, they are wary and skeptical. After all, who in their right minds would fly medical passengers for absolutely no cost at all? But you'd be surprised just how much volunteer pilots love what they do. Stephanie Ramos as been through this experience as she navigates her journey through sickle cell disease, and she has nothing but good things to say about the organization, the flying experience, and especially the heroic volunteer pilots. Tune in to hear her testimony!

Jess Ames and Maddy Beck are back after the holiday break! Today, they welcome the rookie of the year. In this episode, Jide Olusanya, a Volunteer Pilot, shares his flight journey and picks his favorite flight. He also explains what it's like to be a pilot and shares advice on becoming a volunteer pilot. Buckle your seatbelts because we will fly high with the rookie of the year today! Be an inspired volunteer pilot with Jide in this episode.

Sometimes, life offers us an entirely new pathway to utilize even our dormant skills to help others. For Volunteer Pilot Rob Newman, Angel Flight became an amazing excuse to go fly again. From the Air Force to graduate school to volunteering at Angel Flight, Rob shares with us his amazing journey of helping others. He talks about what Angel Flight means to him and introduces us to public benefit flying, assisting patients across skies and time zones. Rob then shares with us his favorite passenger story, taking us behind the scenes of the service they provide to those in need. Join us in discovering the heartfelt stories and profound impact each flight carries, along with the volunteer pilots who dedicate their skills to making a difference in people's lives.

When you volunteer, you get more than you give. In this episode, Jess Ames and Maddy Beck welcome Rich Cohen, one of their dedicated volunteers at Angel Flight. Rich shares his journey into volunteering, explaining how he stumbled upon Angel Flight years ago and instantly felt connected to its mission. He then takes us inside the Wings & Wheels event, highlighting its growth and the positive impact on fundraising for Angel Flight. What is more, Rich shares his life outside of volunteering, touching on his passion for music, management roles in various businesses, and frequent travels. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation with a dedicated volunteer making a difference in his community.

At 44 years old, Christie Neeld was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in September 2021. Because of Angel Flight, her medical journey was made possible, and her healing process progressed. She shares how the process of getting well from cancer is full-time work. Her attitude towards facing cancer is remarkably amazing because she finds the flip side of it. Be inspired by Christie Neeld as she takes off with Angel Flight today. www.angelflighteast.org

With Angel Flight, not only do you get the convenience of flying across states for your medical treatments, but you also build strong bonds with the staff who take you there. In this special episode, we witness that bond between the Founder of Angel Flight Northeast, Larry Camerlin, and passenger, Tim Kavanagh. Jess Ames and Maddy Beck speak with Larry and Tim about what Angel Flight means to them, celebrating milestones and furthering the mission to provide services that touch so many lives. Tune in to this inspiring conversation to share in on the amazing experience of selfless acts of service and the transformative journeys passengers take through the skies with Angel Flight by them.

Today's guest loves anything with engines, one of the reasons he wants to become a pilot. Volunteer Pilot Tom Mellett sits with Jess and Maddy for an Angel Flight talk. He shared his challenging experience and how it pushed him to continue to fly. Tom urges everyone who wants to join Angel Flight because it is fulfilling as a pilot. Join Tom Mellett in this wonderful conversation. www.angelflighteast.org

Angel Flight: where compassion takes flight, and small planes create big miracles. In this episode, we soar through a heartfelt journey with special guest Bill Brown from Casa Volunteers, who shares his incredible experience with Angel Flight. Bill opens up about the practical aspects of flying in small planes, addressing the common fears and uncertainties that some passengers may have. Hosts Jess Ames and Maddy Beck also discuss their own adventures in aviation, expressing their preference for general aviation over commercial flying. All together, they discuss the importance of pre-planning your Angel Flight journey, the importance of giving back, a wish list that includes some high-flying destinations, and more. Tune in now.

Volunteer flying: where every mile we fly becomes a bridge of hope for those in need, reminding us that the skies hold the power to change lives and heal hearts. Join us as we soar through the skies of compassion, dedication, and collaboration with a remarkable guest, Mark Hanson, a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight East. He shares his 'why' in providing essential flights for those who are in medical deserts. With over 400 volunteer flights under his belt, Mark shares memorable moments and the incredible impact of his missions, including a touching story about a young girl named Katie who embodies resilience and courage. Buckle up and get ready to embark on an uplifting journey of giving back.

Life's most extraordinary stories are born from the courage to defy the odds and the strength to embrace every moment. Today, we have the privilege of hearing Angel Flight passenger Christine's survival journey. Ten years ago, Christine received a life-altering diagnosis of a rare form of brain cancer, and the doctors gave her just two to three years to live. Against all expectations, Christine not only surpassed her prognosis but also found renewed hope and support in her battle against the disease. Christine shows her unwavering faith, determination, and the incredible support she received from Angel Flight East helped her navigate the complex world of medical treatments and care. Listen closely as Christine shares her favorite flight experiences with the dedicated pilots who went the extra mile, including a touching detour over a cherished landmark. Christine's story is a reminder that every day is a chance to celebrate life. Tune in now.

Where the stage meets the sky, we find our wings of compassion – reminding us that in our darkest hours, the light of humanity shines the brightest. In this episode, we take off with David Turner, a Broadway and television actor who takes his passion for flying to new heights by volunteering his time with Angel Flight East. David shares how he finds solace in the cockpit, where he discovers the magic of helping others in their times of need. His incredible eight-year journey as a volunteer pilot shows the powerful connection between acting and flying, both centered around making a difference and touching lives. Through the lens of his unique experiences, we explore the deep impact pilots like David have on the people they fly, shining a light on the resilience and love for life that often hides behind medical diagnoses. Tune in to this episode and embrace the beautiful reminder that, as David puts it, "things this great are on earth, people care."