“The cancer metastasized to my liver and lungs,” said Christian, “and I needed a second opinion.” Christian’s doctor told him that Mayo Clinic in Minnesota would be able to help him. Without many other options, Christian made the long trip to Mayo Clinic. The drive spanned thirteen hours, and by the time he got to the renowned hospital, his energy was low.
“After getting the second opinion,” said Christian, “it became clear that I would need to split my care and treatment between Tennessee and Minnesota.” He had to make multiple trips for treatments, surgery, and follow-up appointments.
However, driving more than half a day to treatment was expensive and exhausting. On top of this, Christian had lost his job because of the coronavirus pandemic. The financial burdens of traveling long-distance, on top of doctors’ bills, was almost too much to carry. With a limited income and mounting medical expenses, he was running out of financial resources. Worse, he was running out of time.
Luckily for Christian, all hope was not lost. A family friend, who was a pilot, told Christian about Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program. “This changed everything for me,” said Christian. “It was a godsend!”
The volunteer pilots flew Christian and his wife from their home in Tennessee to Mayo Clinic. While there, Christian was able to receive the care he needed. After that, he flew back home.
Christian is now back in Tennessee. The cancer is under control and he’s feeling much better. He thanks the volunteer pilot program of Mercy Medical Angels for their role in changing – and saving – his life. “They have enabled treatment options for me,” said Christian, “that otherwise would have been vastly more difficult, especially during COVID-19.” The logistics were complex. The distances were vast. But the volunteer pilot program of Mercy Medical Angels was with him all the way.
“Traveling with the volunteer pilots has been an amazing experience all around,” said Christian. “I am so thankful for this organization!”
Cancer has a way of turning lives upside-down. When financial difficulties and a pandemic are thrown into the mix, trying to get back in the fight seems almost impossible. However, the volunteer pilot program of Mercy Medical Angels is there to help. With this life-saving assistance, cancer patients’ lives are lifted back up. And with that, they can win the fight by flight.
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