Angel Flight Central: Soaring with Compassion to Connect Patients with Care
At KnowTheGlow, we’re constantly inspired by organizations making a difference in the lives of those facing serious medical challenges. Recently, our Co-Founder, Megan Webber, had the pleasure of connecting with Jenna Gerdes, a social worker from Angel Flight Central, while attending the National Rare Disease Conference in Kansas City. Angel Flight Central is a beacon of hope, providing free air transportation to individuals in need of medical care far from home. Whether it’s children, veterans, burn victims, or those with disabilities, they ensure patients get where they need to be—at no cost to them.
With a remarkable 330 volunteer pilots, Angel Flight Central completes around 3,000 missions each year! These volunteer pilots donate their time and skills to fly children and adults alike, helping them access critical medical care, attend specialized summer camps, or be united with trained service dogs. This year-round support is all thanks to their dedicated network of pilots and regional partnerships across the U.S., ensuring that even long-distance trips can be coordinated seamlessly.
For flights under 900 nautical miles, they work closely with other volunteer pilot organizations across the U.S., such as Angel Flight Northeast, West, Southeast, South Central, and Mid-Atlantic. For longer trips, they have a valuable partnership with Southwest Airlines, allowing them to secure commercial flight vouchers, particularly beneficial for children under 18 who can travel with two companions.
Jenna’s journey to Angel Flight Central began as a social worker, seeking a more stable role after starting a family. She’s now part of an incredible team that not only organizes each flight with care and diligence but also coordinates ground transportation where possible and works closely with healthcare providers to ensure every passenger’s safe travel.
As a nonprofit, Angel Flight Central relies heavily on fundraising to keep these missions airborne. With two major events each year—the “Pints for Passengers” in mid-March, and the formal ”Wine Flight” gala in November—these efforts fund 75% of their budget. This November marks their 30th-anniversary celebration, where a volunteer pilot will receive an award, and attendees will hear inspiring stories from one of the first passengers flown at 11 years old who is now in her 40s cancer free.
Megan was deeply moved by Angel Flight Central’s compassionate mission and wanted to share it with all of you. Organizations like Angel Flight Central remind us that there are countless ways to support those navigating medical challenges—and sometimes, it only takes a few wings and an open heart.
To learn more or lend your support, visit angelflightcentral.org