Cancer Survivor Restores Hope

September 15, 2021

A Trail of Troubles

Melanie is a breast cancer survivor who lives in Virginia. Even though she won her battle against cancer, the victory came at a cost: her breasts had to be removed. This negatively impacted her self-esteem and overall mental health. She decided to get breast reconstruction surgery. Unfortunately, she suffered from multiple botched operations.

"I had five failed breast reconstructions in nine months," said Melanie. Discouraged but not defeated, she began to look for other options. After extensive research, Melanie found out about The Center for Restorative Breast Reconstruction. This was located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and specialized in the operation Melanie needed. 

Melanie had hope, but was also worried. "Due to the previous failed reconstructions, The Center was my last hope for success. It was the last opportunity to make me whole again."

Broken Hopes...

Due to the multiple unsuccessful surgeries, Melanie was running out of resources. "I'm employed full time," she said, "but the financial burden still makes it difficult."


Melanie couldn't afford a round-trip flight to and from New Orleans for the life-changing operation. Needless to say, her hopes were beginning to break. How could she restore her body - and her confidence?


...Now Restored

That was when Melanie found out about Mercy Medical Angels' volunteer pilot program. Two volunteer pilots, Ary and Lionel, flew Melanie to New Orleans. There, she received a successful reconstructive surgery. Because of post-op restrictions, she couldn't handle her own luggage. Luckily, employees from the airport stepped in to help.


"Ary and Lionel were able to transport me to a stress-free place," said Melanie. "They were friendly, compassionate, and caring - the experience was wonderful!"


After receiving the surgery, Melanie flew back home.



"I Send My Appreciation..."

Thanks to the assistance from Mercy Medical Angels' volunteer pilot program, Melanie's confidence took off. Her mental health and self-esteem improved. Melanie credits the pilots and airport employees with helping change her life. She adds that she would not have been able to receive the care she needed if it weren't for Mercy Medical Angels' volunteer pilot program.


"The enormous stress I was carrying was lifted," said Melanie. "I send my appreciation to the pilots Ary and Lionel, the airport employees, and all those behind the scenes I'm not aware of."


"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!"

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