The mercy medical angels logo is blue and white

Healing From Behavioral Crisis Together, Thanks to Charitable Transportation

May 6, 2022

A Child’s Behavioral Crisis

Kevin is a Veteran who lives in San Jose, California with his wife and two daughters. Sadly, his oldest daughter was struggling with the effects of mental illness. The challenges came to a head when she had a behavioral crisis. Kevin and his wife consulted with doctors on how to best help their oldest daughter.  


Across The Country For Care

"She was admitted to the best treatment center for her situation,” said Kevin, “across the U.S., in Norfolk, Virginia.” This was the Barry Robinson Center, a residential treatment center for children and adolescents with mental health struggles. It was a good fit, because the Barry Robinson Center helps many military-affiliated families.  


“My wife and youngest daughter are staying with a friend near the Barry Robinson Center,” said Kevin, “while I stay back to work.”  


Time For A Reunion

The treatment plan for Kevin’s oldest daughter allowed families to visit on the weekends. In addition, she could earn short periods of leave. Three months after Kevin’s oldest daughter was admitted, she had earned one such period of leave.  



Kevin didn’t want to miss visiting his oldest daughter so he could celebrate this milestone in her treatment. However, Kevin didn’t have the funds to fly to Norfolk to see her. How would he be able to reunite with the family? 


Charitable Transportation Helped Them Heal Together 

That was when Kevin found out about Angel Wings for Veterans, a program of Mercy Medical Angels. Angel Wings for Veterans arranged a round-trip flight on Southwest Airlines so that Kevin could see his oldest daughter.  


“It was an absolute blessing to see the smile on her face, hug her, and to physically be with her for this accomplishment in her treatment program,” said Kevin. 


"You Have No Idea How Thankful We Are..."

“Our family is so grateful for the Angel Wings for Veterans organization,” said Kevin, “and how they work together with the Barry Robinson Center to support our family.” 



“You have no idea how thankful we are for your help in this time of extreme need.” 


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: