Cancer Patient Finds Healing and Hope, Thanks to Volunteer Pilots
Story of Struggles
“At the age of 16, I was given the news that nobody ever wants to hear – ‘you have cancer.’ I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma.”
So begins Amanda’s story of struggles. Her doctor decided on surgery to remove the tumor, but cancer struck back. After a second surgery, it became clear that regular treatments weren’t working.
The Odds Stacked Against Her
Amanda said that her education was “derailed.” This prevented her from finding a job. Finally, she got a position at the front desk of a dental office. “I would take a second job,” said Amanda, “but I battle chronic fatigue.”
The odds were stacked against Amanda. She was having a hard time paying for basic living expenses, and that was without the high cost of constant medical bills. It got to the point where she had to move back in with her mother, who was struggling financially as well.
Healing and Hope... Almost 1,000 Miles Away
“My endocrinologist advised if at all possible,” said Amanda, “I should go to MD Anderson in Houston for the best treatment.” But there was yet another roadblock Amanda and her mother were forced to face. With extremely limited funds, Amanda was unable to pay for transportation to MD Anderson. Driving would span almost 1,000 miles and take 14 hours. Flying would mean a shorter distance and more efficient travel time, but was too expensive.
Neither of her options were feasible. But if Amanda couldn’t get to MD Anderson, things would only get worse. “I had been battling cancer for 7 years,” said Amanda. The cost of travel to essential medical care was high. But the cost of not being able to access it was much, much higher – Amanda's life.
Amanda was beginning to run out of hope, and her chances of healing were getting smaller and smaller.
Assistance from Volunteer Pilots
When people run out of hope, sometimes they pray for the intercession of angels. Amanda’s prayers were answered by a different group of angels – Mercy Medical Angels!
Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilots flew Amanda and her mother from their home in Tennessee to MD Anderson in Houston. “They provided us with flights, free of charge, to transport us to my cancer treatment.”
After many rounds of treatments, scans, and testing, it was time to head back home. The volunteer pilots came through yet again, flying Amanda and her mother back home safely.
“We are so grateful for this organization,” said Amanda, “and the volunteer pilots who donate their planes, fuel, and time.”
“From The Bottom of My Heart...”
Now, Amanda is back home. Her fight against cancer isn’t over yet. But she trusts that Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilots will continue to help her – until she wins the battle.
“You provided me with the transportation I needed,” said Amanda, “and helped me on my journey to healing.”
She added: “From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all involved at Mercy Medical Angels.”
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