Charitable Flights Help Child with Rare Conditions Access Care

September 15, 2023

Child with rare conditions after accessing care thanks to charitable flights

Rare Conditions and Complications

Bella was diagnosed with Chiari malformation when she was younger. Chiari malformation is where the skull is either too small or misshapen. This leads to parts of the brain being pushed down into the spinal cord. Chiari malformation can cause balance problems, poor coordination, dizziness, and more.

As she got older, doctors also found a fluid-filled cyst in her spinal cord, which led to a diagnosis of syringomyelia. Syringomyelia is a complication associated with Chiari malformation. Combined, these two conditions can lead to weakness, pain, and stiffness throughout the body.

Surgery Gone Wrong

Doctors told Bella’s mother, Jennifer, that surgery was necessary to get Bella's conditions under control. “Her case is complicated,” said Jennifer. She was concerned that the surgery would go wrong.

Unfortunately, that concern ended up being valid. The surgery was unsuccessful. Doctors told Jennifer that it would need to be corrected.

Specialists at Weill Cornell

Jennifer didn’t want to risk anything else, so she began to look for specialists that could do a better job. She found specialists at Weill Cornell in New York.

“Bella needed to see these specialists,” said Jennifer, “so she could have the correct surgery done.”

From Falling Apart...

Unfortunately, Weill Cornell is more than 1,555 miles away from Bella’s home in Amarillo, Texas. Bella would have to fly halfway across the United States to see the specialists. Jennifer couldn’t afford round-trip airfare – but a long drive wasn’t possible either.

It felt like the world was falling apart around Bella. How would she see the specialists and receive life-changing care?

...To Flying Above

At a critical point, Jennifer found out about Mercy Medical Angels. Mercy Medical Angels arranged for Jennifer and Bella to fly on American Airlines and United Airlines. The Hogan Foundation helped cover travel costs.

With transportation assistance from the charitable flights, Bella was able to fly above her problems. She traveled to see the specialist at Weill Cornell. Once there, she received the necessary surgery.

Bella was on her way to a better life.

"You Have Been Amazing!"

After seeing the specialists, Bella flew back home. She may need follow-up appointments at Weill Cornell in the future. But she and Jennifer now have hope. They trust that Mercy Medical Angels, United Airlines, American Airlines, and The Hogan Foundation will continue to help.

“If it weren’t for Mercy Medical Angels providing charitable flights,” said Jennifer, “Bella would not have been able to receive the care she needed.”

“You have been amazing!”