Free Medical Flights for Child with Severe Food Allergies
Diagnosed with Life-Threatening Food Allergies as an Infant
“Sammy was a very happy baby for his first five months,” said Allison, Sammy’s mother. “At about six months, he tried a baby spoon of yogurt and went into full-blown anaphylaxis.”
At the hospital, the doctors managed to stabilize Sammy’s condition. Unfortunately, there was bad news: Sammy had severe food allergies to dairy, egg, and peanuts. If he consumed anything that had these ingredients, the resulting allergic reaction could be life-threatening.
Life-Saving Treatment Available
As the years went on, Sammy continued to suffer from the effects of severe food allergies. A program at SoCal Food Allergy Treatment Center held promise.
They would administer micro-doses of different allergens. The micro-doses work similarly to a vaccine for a viral infection. Sammy’s immune system could get used to the presence of certain ingredients, without causing a severe immune response (in this case, anaphylaxis). Over time, it would reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions.
Health and Hope Found ... 2,500 Miles Away
However, this program required that Sammy and his mother Allison had to travel to California every nine to ten weeks. They lived in New York – almost 2,500 miles away from the care Sammy needed.
“We couldn’t afford the airline tickets,” said Allison, “in addition to all the other expenses of Sammy’s treatment.”
Accessing treatment looked like a long shot.
Free Medical Flights Arranged by Mercy Medical Angels & United Airlines
When a goal seems too far away, that’s when prayer comes into play. Sammy’s prayer was answered by a team of angels – Mercy Medical Angels, that is! The nonprofit worked together with United Airlines to pay for Sammy’s round trip flights; Allison was able to come with him.
“Mercy Medical Angels are heaven-sent,” said Allison. “We have been comfortable and assured each time they have helped us make this journey.”
What had looked like a hopeless case was replaced with hope – and healing.
"We Are Beyond Grateful..."
Sammy will continue flying to and from SoCal Food Allergy Institute for more treatment. But there’s no more uncertainty about how to afford the flights, thanks to Mercy Medical Angels and United Airlines.
“He couldn’t have received the care he needed if it weren’t for Mercy Medical Angels,” said Allison.
When asked how Mercy Medical Angels helped Sammy, Allison’s response springs forward with relief and hope.
“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."
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