Anna: Learning to Fly

September 17, 2020

Fly-By Introduction

Anna is twelve years old. She lives in Chesapeake with her parents, Beth Ann and Jeremy. Her hometown is famous for nature in all its tranquility, from forest trails to waterways.  

But despite this serenity surrounding her, Anna faces an ongoing challenge. Last year, she was about to go into the fifth grade. But this milestone was cruelly interrupted. Anna was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder. 

Now What?

The seizure disorder was declared untreatable by Anna’s doctor. However, there was a medication trial at Massachusetts General Hospital. Only ten children could participate. Anna was selected - one out of countless other children.   

 

“We wanted to do all we could to give her this opportunity,” said Beth Ann. However, there was a big problem. Jeremy was working overtime at his job almost every day. Even with those efforts, medical bills came at a high cost. The round trip was 1,000 miles total, and there wasn’t enough money to pay for a flight. Anna’s parents had one question in their minds: now what? 


Volunteer Pilots to the Rescue!

At these critical moments, angels can fly in on cloud-white wings. In this case, the angels were two volunteer pilots from Mercy Medical Angels! Beth Ann said, “We were comfortable, and truly enjoyed the company.” Anna was able to fly to Boston with her parents. Once at the hospital, she received the clinical trial. Then she flew back home to Chesapeake. Anna was ready to begin the next stage of her life. 


"We're So Thankful..."

Anna is now preparing to graduate fifth grade and move up to middle school. The trial is helping her manage the seizures. Her parents feel a deep gratitude for the volunteer pilots: “We’re so thankful for what they do!” 

 

When rare conditions hold children like Anna down, Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic helps them learn to fly. 

Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie Singer June 22, 2025
Read how a Stage IV cancer patient flew to the care she needed... in her own words.
By Stephanie Singer June 20, 2025
He had beat cancer once already, but it came back. His survival now depended on whether he could access distant care - find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped.
By Stephanie Singer June 19, 2025
Read how a man with multiple health problems is accessing the care he needs through charitable flights... in his own words.
By Stephanie Singer June 18, 2025
A basic surgery left her with multiple complications that impacted her life. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels is helping her.
Read how a cancer patient made it to a crucial doctor's app
By Stephanie Singer June 17, 2025
Read how a cancer patient made it to a crucial doctor's appointment, thanks to Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
By Stephanie Singer June 16, 2025
She had a difficult time accessing the distant care she needed... until Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation stepped in.
By Stephanie Singer June 14, 2025
Read how a Veteran with PTSD accessed a healing retreat, thanks to charitable flights... in her own words.
By Stephanie Singer June 13, 2025
Read a thank-you letter from a patient Mercy Medical Angels helped.
By Stephanie Singer June 12, 2025
He had a rare form of skin cancer, but couldn't afford distant treatment. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped him.
By Stephanie Singer June 11, 2025
Read how a child with an autoimmune disorder is receiving care thanks to volunteer pilots... in his family's words.
More Posts