Dear Rick,

Everything has gone according to plan.. The best news is, that I actually feel the tumor on my neck getting smaller!!!!

I want you to know Rick how much it means to me to be blessed with such a generous man like yourself… You donated your time, fuel, and expenses to do this totally selfless act of kindness for someone like me who is fighting to stay alive and get me to my next chemotherapy session. I have faith in humanity again because of you!!!

Thank you so much, I let my two girls know that you are an angel on my back forever.

Best regards
Douglas

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Hi Rick,

Thank you for making my life so much easier and Relieving so much stress while going through cancer. You and your organization CAIRflight has truly helped me go into remission. I have had to go back and forth to the Moffitt Center for Surgery and Chemo treatments around 12 times so far and the trip is three hours each way. I have a car with over 100,000 miles and it needs a lot of work. I had to use it once before I knew about CAIRflight to travel to the Moffitt center and It kept stalling out. The stress is definitely not good when you have cancer. You have relieved that stress by flying me Back and forth in less than 45 minutes.

I just had my last treatment of Chemo on Friday, thank you for the Flight! I also had a ovarian cancer ca125 blood test taken which is a marker for the cancer, It was 2800 before treatment and know it is at 5!!!! Which is normal. My Doctor gave me a great prognosis. Thank you God, Rick and CAIRflight!!!!

Thanks again,
Heather

The post Trip to Moffitt Cancer Center – Update appeared first on Cair Flight.

Thank you Rick! I do not know what I would do without CAIRflight. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July and had to travel back and forth to the Moffitt center in Tampa 6 times so far. I have been fortunate to be able to get flights from generous volunteers such as you.

I live in so far away it is close to 3 hours each way to drive. The last time my Husband drove me to the Moffitt center my car which has over 100,000 miles on it kept stalling out. I also had lost my job, was in a car accident and received notice of foreclosure of my house all in the same week. The week after this I was diagnosed with cancer. I have 5 more treatments of chemo at the Moffitt center and without the charity of CAIRflight I would be lost. It is great to know that there are pilots like you out there willing to help people get to their Medical appointments when they are so far away.

Thank you,

Heather
11/22/13

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“I am writing to share my gratitude for your pilot, Rick Wachstein, who went ‘above and beyond’ when he agreed to fulfill a mission that was unable to be covered by another group. This form of transportation is absolutely necessary for me to travel between my hometown of Naples, FL and my treatment center at Moffitt Research Center, with a return flight on the same day.

His willingness to step in and cover these trips allowed me the ability to successfully receive another of my weekly chemotherapy infusions for a difficult cancer.

Volunteers and pilots such as Rick are truly the difference; keeping people like myself alive and make our “dream of hope” possible. Being a cancer survivor himself, Rick knows better than most how important these flights are to the typical cancer patient survival rate. To show my gratitude, I will reach out to my local community, starting with my Church for donations to hopefully supply aircraft fuel and other CAIR flight needs. We need to maintain these extremely beneficial missions that you all provide. Thanks again, Rick”

Sincerely,
Michael

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On December 21, 2012 I was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer. I was told to get my affairs in order and start working my bucket list. I refused chemo and radiation and opted for a clinical trail at Moffitt Cancer Center.

I started February 2013, and here it is 6 months later. Tumors have shrunk in half and in remission.

I could not make these bi-weekly treatments if it wasn’t for your CAIR and others.

Thank you again

Mary

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Alexi and Nic onboard a CAIR Flight.

Primary care physicians frequently offer referrals instead of treatment, and travel to distant facilities is now a commonplace occurrence. For those without the appropriate resources this can be a tremendous burden.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Tampa is fortunate to have the help of 13 Shrine Temples that transport our patients to and from the hospital, whether the trip is right around the corner or across the state line. It took Nic and his wife two days of travel from Panama City to the Tampa Shriners Hospital to have their six month old son, Jude, treated for Arthogryposis, a condition that dramatically stiffens joints and his ability to move.

Thrilled with the care their son received at the Tampa Shriners Hospital, the family was desperate to find a way to alleviate the 7.5 hour drive every week to SHC for Jude’s serial casting. Tampa Shriners Hospital put the Gibson’s in touch with CAIR Flight, a local charitable corporation formed to offer community-based airlift to those in need.

“We left home at 7:30am and were home by 3:00pm on the same day! My wife and I were not exhausted. Jude did a lot better – the plane’s vibrations put him to sleep. We actually slept some on the plane too. I missed one day less of work, we missed one day less with our young daughters, and we had a wonderful flight instead of a difficult 2 day travel ordeal,” he said with a sigh of relief.

Their primary reason for coming to Shriners for Jude’s treatment was that experts treating his condition are relatively rare; especially those who will take the time and effort to perform non-surgical treatments. “We went with Jude to another very well respected teaching hospital and they were only willing to do multiple surgeries. So far with Shriners, Jude has not needed surgery in his foot treatments while he would have had two by now outside of Shriners. The patient approach to treating these kinds of problems has been a great benefit to us and to Jude, and most importantly we are seeing great results.”

Shriners states that:

Coordinating transportation for our patients is a complex operation. Fortunately with the assistance of the Temple drivers and charitable groups such as CAIR Flight, our Shriners Hospital in Tampa is able to continue helping patients defy the odds. Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone involved in the safe transportation of our patients and their families.

The post Pilots Lending a Hand and Shrinking the Drive appeared first on Cair Flight.

Tabby, a single mom of 43, had been brought to Moffitt Cancer Center for surgery; however, the operating room was unavailable at the last minute. CAIR Flight had, through the courtesy of volunteer pilot Larry Marlewski, brought Tabby to Tampa on the 30th. Being most grateful for the ride, she had many kind words for our pilot and services.

What an emotional let down to have made all the plans, then to have details prevent this significant surgery. This left, however, yet another obstacle—how to get back home to share the day and important evening with her 9 year old son, who was now looking forward to having Mom there for “trick or treats.”

Normally, we advise at least 5 working days following receipt of the medical release to coordinate our missions. We started down the list in a desperate search for a “last minute” pilot to carry Tabby home.

Enjoying his second cup of coffee, while viewing the gray clouds and swaying branches, Rick Wachstein hadn’t planned to fly when he answered the phone at 9:30 AM. However, following an explanation of the situation and understanding that Tabby does not drive; she had no other way to return home. Rick agreed to reschedule his own activities and take the trip. Tabby was thrilled, and in fact, was back on her local airport ramp at 11:54 AM.

Once again CAIR Flight accomplished what it does best; serving those without options while taking seriously its role in keeping families together and in the best possible health. While we cannot always promise to react so swiftly, this is another demonstration of our compassion and the flexibility of our aircraft to reach 90% of our Florida’s citizens.

There are many memorable stories such as this one, and we hope that you will share them with others who may not know about CAIR Flight. We are committed to helping everyone we can. Please help us accomplish our goal by sharing our charitable airlift stories and our website with family and friends.

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Anna, wife and mother of three boys ages 9, 11, and 13, is still undergoing daily radiation treatments after her surgery in late July. Numerous times she said, “I really, really need this.” She added, “I feel so blessed by the people who have been in my life to help me through this journey. This weekend is an opportunity to put the treatment and pressures behind me for a few days.”

When asked what the weekend meant to her Anna said, “It has been life changing. I now know that as I continue my PhD, I want to focus on health and nutrition. I have learned so much from my own experience and I want to be able to help others. I want to make a mark that cannot be erased . . .”

The weekend was jam packed with diverse activities. Carolyn said, “We had fun and laughed, we danced, we decorated flip flops, and we were silly. We got to relax from the stress of our current challenges.”

Anna and Carolyn both commented on the beautiful women that they met and were awed by their strength and courage. “We all felt like sisters—no matter the race or creed. We have a common denominator. Women share from their experience, offer support, and encouragement. There is no pretence or shame. I have taken a more holistic and naturopathic approach than many. I love sharing what has been so helpful to me,” Anna said.
(L) Anna and Carolyn—ready for their flight home.

Peggy Sherry, Faces of Courage founder, shows her passion and love to each attendee. Her dedicated team of volunteers managed a multitude of details including food, activities, gift bags, and a safe haven of love.

Many thanks to the CAIR Flight pilots who made these missions a reality—Gray Sample and co-pilot Greg DeNome; Arnie Glauser and new co-pilot Marty Brink.

Faces of Courage staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing free programs emphasizing practical education; life coping strategies; and improved self esteem; through non-threatening, engaging recreation. The primary goal is to help the cancer patient navigate their way through the treatment process and to thrive as a survivor.

Programs are made possible through the generous support of corporate sponsors, individual donors, grants, fundraisers, and bequests. Visit www.facesofcourage.org, call (813) 877-CAMP (2267), or email psherry@facesofcourage.org for more information on upcoming events.
Charitable

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Summer vacation for sixteen year old Amber began with a flight bound for Birmingham’s prestigious facility. Mom was excited to fly in CAIR Flight pilot Chuck Norris’s Piper aircraft; however, Amber was apprehensive about flying. The skies looked beautiful from the ground, but as luck would have it the higher altitudes were not quite as calm. They connected with GivingFlite’s pilot at Tallahassee Regional Airport to continue the journey to Birmingham, Alabama. Doctor’s reports were optimistic with no additional visits required for a full year. That works for Amber! “Amber’s goal is to get her drivers license. She told us she wants to travel by land and leave the flying to the birds and the pilots!” her dad chuckled.

Thirteen year old Harley arrived at Vandenberg Airport with her parents the day after Labor Day. In contrast to Amber, she was all smiles and excited about her journey. CAIR Flight pilot Larry Marlewski gave Harley and mom the tour of his Mooney and reviewed safety information. Harley was thrilled to ride in the co-pilots seat—mom warned that she’s one for lots of questions. Larry didn’t seem to mind and mom reported back that Harley had the time of her life during the first leg of the mission.

Harley’s visit at the Center for Pediatric-Onset Demyelinating Disease (CPODD) also went well although she will be returning in six months for a follow-up examination. Harley aspires to attend the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. You would never know that this enthusiastic youth has had three lengthy and debilitating bouts with MS in the past 14 months. Her dad said that she has remained courageous even after rehabilitation twice to learn to walk and write again.

Terry Copeland, CAIR Flight’s pilot for the return mission, was also touched by Harley’s positive attitude. “MS has long been one of my charities as my best friend from high school contracted the disease many years ago. So today’s flight really had special meaning for me.”
Comprehensive care, education, and research done at CPODD will ensure that children like Amber and Harley will continue to have dreams and lead healthy lives. We thank all of the pilots from CAIR Flight and GivingFlite who made these missions a reality!

CAIR Flight’s pilots: Chuck Norris, Larry Marlewski, and Terry Copeland
GivingFlite’s pilots: Stan Fory, Russ Buchanan, and B.J. Moore

The post CAIR Flight and GivingFlite Partner for Teenagers appeared first on Cair Flight.

As a volunteer pilot for CAIR Flight, I’m always looking for opportunities to fly a mission. I’m a father of two and a full time sales representative in the medical industry, so finding a mission that fits within my limited free time can be challenging to say the least.
I also tend to shy away from flights covering too great a distance due to my airplane’s speed limitations. Due to these factors, I had yet to fly a CAIR Flight mission. That is until I learned about Trudy.

I was preparing for a flight from Tampa, where I live, to the panhandle of Florida when I received an email from CAIR Flight regarding a mission. A patient was in need of transportation from Pensacola to Tampa on a Saturday. It was a perfect fit, as I would be up there visiting my brother (that I hadn’t seen in five years) and my parents. I felt that this one was a sign from God, so I had to do it.
The morning pick up was beautiful and clear. This was a pleasant change from the day before in which I had spent much of my flight getting up to the panhandle in cold, wet clouds. However, the visibility must have 100 miles and not a cloud in sight! I can only recall about three days, over the last four years of flying that were as clear as this one. This would prove to be only a taste of things to come.

Not wanting to be late for my first mission, I arrived about an hour early to Pensacola Regional Airport. Arriving early would give me time to put together my flight plan back to Tampa and relax a little. Weather was to remain clear the entire day, so I filed the most efficient course possible. Our flight would take us over what the locals call the “Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches.” I had never flown over them and was excited about the prospect. With my flight plan filed and a preflight inspection performed, I was ready to sit back relax and wait for Trudy’s arrival.
Right on time, a couple came in the front door of the terminal where I was waiting. I knew it was Trudy. She looked weak, walked with a cane and was accompanied by her husband. I could tell he cared very much for Trudy. He was very careful and deliberate in assuring that she was well cared for. After a short introduction it was time to go out to the plane.

We helped Trudy up and into the plane. I gave her husband some information that would allow him to track our flight on the internet. He seemed to appreciate the ability to follow our progress to Tampa. He was very protective and wanted to make sure that Trudy was comfortable. She told me later in our flight that he didn’t really like small planes, which explained his concern. Trudy, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have any problem with flying whatsoever. It was now time to go.

Taking off, I tried to warn Trudy that it was probably going to be bumpy during the climb, but would improve as we got higher. She told me that it was no problem and not to worry. We were cleared to 5,000 feet where the air proved to be glassy smooth and crystal clear. Trudy and I both marveled at the scenery, with both of us constantly point out things of interest. It was truly as beautiful a day as I’ve seen as a pilot. The aqua blue water and the sugar white beaches gave each of us reason to be grateful. We were both enjoying this unusually perfect day.

As we flew past Panama City and over the Apalachicola National Forest, we continued to talk about ourselves, and our families. I understand how Trudy became such a fighter as she spoke in some depth about her remarkable family. She told me about her father, brother, and her kids. We laughed about how badly the paper mills in North Florida smell. I got the feeling that Trudy was always a direct, strong, and independent individual. At least those qualities seemed to bubble up during our trip. She took a small nap over the Northeast corner of the gulf. When she woke up, she had a granola snack and some water. She was very alert and talked and asked questions. She followed our path on the map that she held in her lap. She even looked at the altitude indicator, and on her own, noticed that we had not even changed altitude during our flight. Now this may not seem like much, but I’ve flown many, many hours with my wife and I don’t think that she could tell you where the altitude indicator is on the panel.

As I look back over our little trip together, it becomes apparent to me that this wasn’t just a routine medical airlift cross country with pilot and patient. It was me and Trudy, just a pilot and passenger, both enjoying the day together. As I recall looking over at Trudy, I don’t remember seeing a sick patient in the fight of her life. I remember seeing Trudy, just Trudy. She didn’t look sick and didn’t act it either. I remember promising her that while we hadn’t experienced any bumpy air yet, we were sure to have some on our decent into Tampa. She told me to not worry, and that she was fine. During our long decent, she asked me if there was anything interesting to do in Tampa. Not being the imaginative type, I told her that she was already doing the greatest thing possible. She seemed to understand. Oh yes, my concern over the expected bumpy air was unjustified as it would remain smooth all the way to a rare but perfect touchdown. This was after all, a flight planned by God.
That lone CAIR Flight mission with Trudy has, to date, remained my one and only. I will always remember it fondly. It was the perfect flight. Trudy was the perfect passenger to share it with. It was my honor to be with her on this trip. I learned so much from her during our few hours together. For anyone that denies God’s plan, I wish you could have been with us.

I hope to fly many more missions for CAIR Flight, but my first with Trudy will always be the most special to me. I signed up with CAIR Flight to give something back. I never expected to be the beneficiary. My most sincere best wishes and prayers go out to her family and friends.

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