Jonathan: Holding On To Hope

May 1, 2019

Unexpected Crisis

“Our life was going along smoothly. We never thought that we would have a crisis come up that would turn our lives upside down.”

This was Joanne’s reaction when she found out that her son, Jonathan, had a serious illness. Jonathan’s illness required surgery. Very few doctors are qualified to perform the procedure he needed. The doctors that could best help him were in Florida – a long way from home.

Joanne couldn’t afford plane tickets. That meant she’d have to drive Jonathan to Florida. The drive would last 15 hours. Traveling such a long distance would be a strain on both of them. “Large medical and dental expenses, missing work and being away from our support system became a reality,” said Joanne.

Smooth Flight

As the date of Jonathan’s surgery came closer, the struggles were only getting worse. Joanne requested aid from Mercy Medical Angels. They stayed in contact all the way, relieving Joanne’s worries.

“I was kept informed during the entire process,” said Joanne. “I had no problems getting my questions answered in a timely manner.”

Mercy Medical Angels coordinated flights with Southwest. Joanne is grateful for the travel assistance: “I wanted to thank Southwest for being so generous with the airplane ticket.”

The return flight occurred shortly after the surgery. By that time, Jonathan’s mouth was wired shut. A commercial flight ensured he would make it home much more quickly. It also made it easier for Joanne to take care of him on the way back.

Life-Changing Support

Mercy Medical Angels and Southwest Airlines gave Jonathan the assistance he needed. Joanne is grateful. “Knowing that we had the support of Mercy Medical Angels and Southwest helped us get through the tough times.”

Sometimes an unexpected crisis, like Jonathan’s illness and surgery, turns a family’s life upside down. Mercy Medical Angels provides life-changing support. And with their help, even the worst problems in life can turn right side up.

Jonathan outside, taking it easy after surgery
Jonathan is enjoying the outdoors after surgery.
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