If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Every year, millions of Americans face the challenge of traveling long distances for medical care—and the caregivers who support them often carry the heaviest burden of making it happen.

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The good news: help exists. And it's often easier to access than you might think.

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The Hidden Burden of Medical Travel

When we talk about cancer treatment, rare disease care or specialized surgery, we focus on the medical side—as we should. But there's another challenge that rarely gets discussed: the simple act of getting to care.

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For patients in rural areas or those whose condition requires specialists only found at major medical centers, travel becomes a significant part of treatment. And for caregivers, that travel often means:

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• Taking time off work — sometimes weeks at a time
• Covering travel costs — gas, flights, hotels, meals
• Managing logistics — while already managing medications, appointments and emotional support
• Putting your own needs last — including your health, relationships and peace of mind

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One caregiver we spoke with, Autumn, described her situation: her husband had to take two months off work to drive her to daily cancer treatment at Cleveland Clinic—200 miles from their home. "I've cashed in and used all my savings and retirement funds," she told us.

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This isn't an unusual story. It's an everyday reality for thousands of families.

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Why Distance Shouldn't Determine Care

Here's what we believe at Mercy Medical Angels: no one should have to choose between getting the best medical care and being able to afford the trip to get there.

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Since 1972, we've been helping patients reach treatment when distance and finances would otherwise make it impossible. We've seen firsthand how transportation barriers can delay treatment, increase stress and even change outcomes.

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We've also seen what happens when those barriers are removed.

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Martha, whose husband Henry was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive skin cancer, described the difference: "The trauma of having cancer is devastating, but having the help of Mercy Medical Angels to be able to travel to the best treatment center for a chance to beat cancer helps make it a lot less stressful."

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What Kind of Help Is Available?

Transportation assistance comes in several forms, depending on distance, medical needs and availability:

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Gas Cards

For patients who can drive but struggle with fuel costs, gas cards can make the difference between making it to treatment and having to skip appointments. This is especially valuable for patients with recurring treatment like chemotherapy, radiation or dialysis.

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Nicole, who was diagnosed with a rare heart tumor, told us: "The gas cards take financial strain off my family and myself. Battling cancer is already rough, but Mercy Medical Angels is helping to relieve the stress."

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Volunteer Pilot Flights

Through Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, volunteer pilots donate their time, aircraft and fuel to fly patients to treatment. These flights are free for patients and are often the only way families can afford to travel 200-500 miles for specialized care.

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Ron, father of six including a son with autoimmune encephalitis, shared: "One time when weather grounded us in Cincinnati, the pilots rented us a car so we could complete the trip. Mercy Medical Angels and their volunteer pilot program have repeatedly been an incredible blessing to our family."

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Commercial Airline Tickets

For longer distances, we work with airline partners including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United MileagePlus to provide commercial tickets for patients traveling to treatment.

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How to Know If You Qualify

Many caregivers don't realize help is available—or assume they won't qualify. Here's the truth: eligibility is broader than you might think.

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Generally, to qualify for transportation assistance through Mercy Medical Angels:

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• The patient must be traveling to a legitimate medical appointment
• The patient must be ambulatory (able to walk or use mobility aids without requiring medical assistance during travel)
• The patient must meet financial eligibility guidelines
• The request must be submitted with enough lead time (varies by transportation type)

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You don't need to figure out which type of assistance is right. When you submit a request, our team reviews the details and determines the best option based on distance, timing and availability.

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The First Step Is Often the Hardest

As a caregiver, you're probably used to putting everyone else first. Asking for help can feel uncomfortable—even when you desperately need it.

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But here's what we've learned from the thousands of families we've helped: accepting support isn't a sign of weakness. It's a way to ensure you have the energy and resources to keep showing up for the person who needs you most.

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Natisha, who cares for her daughter Sage while managing her own chronic health conditions, put it simply: "Mercy Medical Angels helped us start up Sage's therapies and treatments again. Thanks to them, my daughter is thriving and getting better every day."

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That's what we're here for. Not just to provide transportation—but to remove one more barrier so you can focus on what matters most.

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