By The Numbers… 

Faces of Our Mission

The numbers are certainly impressive. But they don’t paint a complete picture of the work that you help us to accomplish. Your support is changing and saving lives every day. The patients you enable us to help are the faces of our mission, and the reason behind it. Here are eight stories that illustrate the true impact of your donations… 



Cancer Patients: Soledad and Judith 

Soledad was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2019. “My family was so shocked,” she said. Because of the cancer and side effects from treatment, Soledad can’t work. She drives more than 140 miles every week to receive the care she needs. With no job, affording the gas for so many long trips became a struggle. Thankfully for Soledad and her family, Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards to cover the cost of travel. Now, she can focus on healing – and hopefully, going into remission someday. When asked about how Mercy Medical Angels helped her, Soledad chokes up. “I can’t find the words to explain how much I’d like to thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to make it to my treatment. Thank you so much for helping me.” 

You can read Soledad’s full story here. 

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Judith was diagnosed with breast cancer. She drives to her appointments – which include scans, treatments, and check-ups with her oncologists – but doesn’t have the resources to pay for gas. Many times, she is forced to reschedule or even cancel the care she needs, because she can’t afford to get there. But all hope was not lost. Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards so she could pay for the costs of travel. Now, Judith is on the road to remission. And she doesn’t have to travel that long road alone. Judith says, “I just want to take the time out to thank Mercy Medical Angels. They listened to me and helped me in my time of need. I humbly say thanks!” 

You can read Judith’s full story here. 

Veterans: Tony and Kevin

Tony is a Navy Veteran who struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). His doctor said he would benefit from a service dog. However, the service dog facility was in Texas, more than 1,500 miles from his home in Virginia. Tony couldn't afford the airfare for a long distance round trip. Traveling with an animal comes with its own set of challenges. He didn’t know what to do. Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans, Angel Wings for Veterans, coordinated with the airlines and TSA so that Tony could obtain his service dog and not run into any stress at the airport. Tony is now doing much better with the help of his service dog. “From the moment Angel Wings for Veterans contacted me,” said Tony, “they were outstanding. Having a service dog is like the military, or the closest friendship possible – someone always has your back. Everyone came out a winner.” 

You can read Tony’s full story here. 

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Kevin lives in California with his wife and two daughters. His eldest daughter deals with mental illness and behavioral challenges. The best treatment she could receive was a residential program at the Barry Robinson Center. Her mental health improved over three months, and she was able to spend a few days with her family. There was just one problem: Kevin couldn’t afford airfare from his home in California to the Barry Robinson Center in Virginia. Angel Wings for Veterans, a program of Mercy Medical Angels, helped arrange and pay for Kevin’s travel so that he could celebrate the milestone with his family. “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 for your help in this time of extreme need.” 

You can read Kevin’s full story here. 

Individuals with Rare Diseases: Sammy and Dorisa 

Sammy was diagnosed with severe food allergies as an infant. If he consumes food that has his allergens as ingredients, the reactions are life-threatening. As he got older, the food allergies continued to negatively affect his quality of life. An experimental treatment showed promise, but it was in California - almost 2,500 miles away from his home in New York. His parents couldn’t afford the airline tickets on top of all the other expenses. Then they found out about Mercy Medical Angels. Mercy Medical Angels provided round-trip flights to and from the experimental treatment. Now, the frequency and severity of Sammy’s allergic reactions have drastically decreased. Sammy’s mother said, “We are beyond grateful and truly inspired by the generosity of Mercy Medical Angels. They’ve taken care of us and provided peace of mind in a way I never thought possible." 

You can read Sammy’s full story here. 

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Dorisa suffers from chronic pain and other health problems. There is no known cure for her rare condition. Because of this, she has missed out on many childhood experiences, such as summer camp. Her family researched how to improve her quality of life and give her a chance at having a fun summer. They found Morgan’s Wonderland, which has an inclusive summer camp, designed for all levels of physical or mental ability. However, the camp was almost 1,200 miles away from their home.  Her parents couldn’t afford the airfare, and a long drive would worsen her pain. That was when Mercy Medical Angels stepped in, donating a flight to Dorisa and her family so they could go to the summer camp in Texas! The experience was unforgettable and increased Dorisa’s quality of life. “We are forever grateful for the opportunities that we were able to have,” said Dorisa’s parents, “all thanks to your generosity. We will never be able to thank you enough!” 

You can read Dorisa’s full story here. 

Patients Needing Specialized Operations: Eliana and Rebel-Jade 

Eliana was born with clubfoot. At three weeks old, she needed surgery on the back of her ankles. Most of her infancy was spent in the hospital for further operations. When she was nine months old, Eliana needed a tenotomy. This specialized operation on her tendons would help her heal faster. A tenotomy specialist was located at Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute... almost 650 miles from her home. That was when Eliana’s mother found out about Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, a program of Mercy Medical Angels. From the end of 2021 to the start of 2022, Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilots flew Eliana and her mother to and from Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute. When asked how to describe Mercy Medical Angels, Eliana’s mother answers with sheer joy and thankfulness. “You are friendly, kind, caring, and professional. The pilots made us feel comfortable and safe. Eliana wouldn’t have been able to get the surgery if it weren’t for you. Thank you!” 

You can read Eliana’s full story here. 

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Rebel-Jade suffered severe burns when she was just a baby. The burns caused her a lot of pain. However, the best burn specialists were in Nashville, five hours away by car. Her mother couldn’t afford the cost of gas. Being buckled into a car seat would cause Rebel-Jade even more pain. Then, her mother found out about Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program, Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. What would have taken five hours on the road only took one hour with the volunteer pilots. Rebel-Jade received the care she needed for her burn injuries and has since healed. If someone asked why they should donate to Mercy Medical Angels, Rebel-Jade's mother gives a direct and true answer: “Do it. Do it because you never know who you’re going to help, or how bad that person needs help. Mercy Medical Angels is passionate, generous, and amazing – I don’t know how we could have done it without them.” 

You can read Rebel-Jade's full story here. 



This Is Just the Beginning 

As the sun sets on our 50th year of service, we’d like to thank you again for your generosity. Please continue to support Mercy Medical Angels in 2023. Your donation will help us accomplish our mission of “removing the barrier to medical care with transportation on the ground and in the air.”  

When you give to Mercy Medical Angels, you give priceless gifts to those in need. Those gifts are hope, healing, and a better life. And to the individuals you enable us to help, those are the best gifts of all. You can help even more patients write their new stories in the new year.  

This is just the beginning. So, here’s to the next 50 years – and continuing to ‘Deliver HOPE Daily’ to those who need it the most!