The mercy medical angels logo is blue and white

Child Stands Up To Multiple Rare Diseases

November 13, 2021

Colton's Challenges

Colton lives in Alaska with his parents and two siblings. His home state boasts a rich history, both natural and human. Unfortunately for Colton, he cannot enjoy the boreal forests and rocky beaches, or go to places where he can learn more about the cultural heritage. This is because he suffers from multiple rare diseases. 

 

But Colton isn’t the only one facing challenges. “All three of our children have complex medical needs,” said Colton’s parents, “and they are not treated in nearby areas.” His parents add, “Finances are tight.” 


Needing a Flight

“Where we live, we don't have access to very many pediatric medical specialties,” said Colton’s parents, “we have to travel.” Doctors were aware of this as well. They told Colton’s parents that his best chance at growing up healthy would come from visiting pediatric specialists in Seattle. 

 

There was just one problem: they didn’t have the funds to fly to Seattle. Driving wasn’t an option either. It would take more than two days, plus they would have to cross the Canadian border. How would Colton start living a better life? 


Ticket to Wellness

When hope starts to run out, some pray for angels to intercede with a miracle. For Colton and his family, angels did indeed work a miracle – Mercy Medical Angels, that is! Through a partnership with the Hogan Foundation and Alaska Airlines, Mercy Medical Angels helped Colton and his parents fly to and from Seattle - at no cost. 


While in Seattle, Colton went through evaluations for connective tissue disorders and growth problems.  After the evaluations, his parents had a better idea of how to proceed with future treatment. They will likely need to travel again, but they trust that Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Foundation will come through to help once more. 


"We Were Blessed..."

Colton’s parents said that their travel experience was great. “The team at Mercy Medical Angels was also great. We were blessed to find Mercy Medical Angels, and have them help us fly Colton to Washington where he could get medical help.” 

 

Better yet, Colton’s quality of life has improved. He recently participated in a youth sports day and won a medal! Thanks to Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Foundation, children like Colton can stand up to rare diseases. 


Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie Singer March 31, 2025
A memorial tribute to John Billings, by Stephanie Singer.
By Stephanie Singer March 28, 2025
She survived breast cancer, but the treatments affected her health and quality of life. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation helped her.
Brain surgery patient after receiving charitable flights to medical care
By Stephanie Singer March 27, 2025
Read how a brain surgery patient accessed a needed neurology follow-up, thanks to charitable flights from Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
Nevin Showman (left) and Capt. John Billings (right) in front of their plane, 49Bravo.
By Stephanie Singer March 7, 2025
Read a heartfelt letter from Nevin Showman, one of our volunteer pilots, about how he's continuing Capt. John Billings' legacy.
By Stephanie Singer February 27, 2025
InsightsCare.com recently published an interview with our President and CEO about Mercy Medical Angels.
Woman with rare stomach cancer after receiving care at MD Anderson and University of Miami
By Stephanie Singer February 19, 2025
She was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer that only a few doctors in the country could effectively treat. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped her access the care she needed.
Man with two cancers after receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston thanks to volunteer pilots
By Stephanie Singer February 17, 2025
Read the story of a man suffering from cancer, who received distant care thanks to volunteer pilots... in his own words.
Woman with cancer who received treatment at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 15, 2025
Her best shot at beating cancer was at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. But she couldn't afford the cost of driving there... until Mercy Medical Angels stepped in.
Cancer patient after receiving treatment at Cleveland Clinic, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 13, 2025
Read the story of a cancer patient who's winning her battles with help from charitable ground transportation... in her own words.
Man with multiple myeloma after receiving care, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 11, 2025
He was battling multiple myeloma, but couldn't afford the long drives to access treatment. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped him.
More Posts
Share by: