Volunteer Pilots to the Rescue

After learning of Zeq’s diagnosis, Kristine went to some internet forums that she had regularly participated in and asked if there was anyone who could help get them back and forth to Baltimore. She got an answer: Mercy Medical Angels' volunteer pilot program. 

Mercy Medical Angels' volunteer pilot program has provided free flights for Kristine and Zeq for many years. Many of the missions have been flown by Richard Linsenbach. Richard served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the nonprofit as a volunteer pilot. “I expected Zeq to be weak and sickly,” Richard said. Instead, the boy was curious, energetic, and observant – as if illness had no hold on him. 

Richard had to deal with one unexpected complication before the trip. News companies tried to pressure him into letting reporters come, but he adamantly refused. Having non-medical passengers on the plane would be unsafe, and it would put unnecessary pressure on a family that was already undergoing a lot of stress.

On the flight to Baltimore, they encountered some turbulence. Kristine clutched her seat, but Zeq appeared unfazed, cheering “Clouds, clouds, clouds!” Then, when Zeq and his family arrived at their home airport in Norfolk, the airport employees literally rolled out a red carpet. 

Kristine is grateful to the volunteer pilots. “They’re another part of the family.” 

Bright Future

Zeq is now a healthy young boy. He enjoys basketball, soccer, and riding bikes. When a classmate has a birthday and brings cupcakes, he is no longer left out. Twice a year, he sees a doctor for a check-up. The medical community has some of his DNA to research cures for EoE. His journey demonstrates power in an unexpected way – some may even call him a superhero!