Flights of Hope: Meet AFW Passenger Mark April 14, 2025 Mark was living in Orange County, Calif., helping run art galleries and operating a business as a benefit auctioneer. In 2021, his career came to a halt when Mark moved to Reno to become a full-time caregiver for his 92-year-old father. Less than two years later, Mark received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma, a rare cancer in the body’s soft tissues. His battle began in May 2023. For years, Mark ha… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
Join Us: The 2025 Endeavor Awards March 25, 2025 For Immediate Release:3/25/25 Contact: Jessica Hayes jessicah@angelflightwest.orgSr. Communications ManagerAngel Flight West Angel Flight West is proud to announce the highly anticipated 2025 Endeavor Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteer pilots and other aviation heroes who use the power of flight to change lives. The 11th annual event will take place on May 9, 2025, at th… Jessica Hayes Read More »
A Message from AFW’s New Executive Director, Mary Hunter March 24, 2025 Dear Angel Flight West Community, I am honored and humbled to step into the role of Executive Director of Angel Flight West. The past eight years serving as AFW’s Development Director has been a true blessing. The experience has been a prime launching point where I’ve had the opportunity to build close relationships that support and fuel this incredible mission forward. As I take on this elevated responsibil… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Spotlight: Volunteer Pilot Pete Miller of Hawai’i Wing March 18, 2025 Pete Miller flies a mission for AFW passenger Arceli Angel Flight West’s volunteer pilots carry out acts of generosity each day by donating their time, talent, and resources to help others. Each time a mission is flown, a patient accesses the healthcare resources they need while being uplifted with hope. Meet the volunteers who make it all possible in this monthly newsletter and, if you’re a pilot in th… Jessica Hayes Read More »
A Letter to Supporters of the Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund March 17, 2025 When weather or location keeps our volunteer pilots from flying, or when someone needs help with ground transportation between airports and medical facilities, our Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund allows AFW to purchase airline tickets, bus tickets, and even rideshare services to make travel possible for people in need. Our passenger Tia recently shared an open letter to supporters of the Dr. Randy Sh… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
AFW Passenger Julie: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome March 12, 2025 Even as a child, Julie always felt weak. She walked late, didn’t learn to ride a bike, and eventually had to undergo five foot surgeries. But it wasn’t until 18 months ago that she received an answer: a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, an incurable genetic condition that affects the joints, muscles, and other physical functions. In her search for the best treatment, Julie found a doct… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Jet Center Event Benefitting AFW March 10, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jet Center Foundation Announces 2025 Arizona Jet Center Hangar Party Benefiting Angel Flight West Scottsdale, AZ – February 21, 2025 – The Jet Center Foundation is thrilled to announce the Angel Flight Benefit AZ Jet Center hangar party, an exclusive event dedicated to supporting Angel Flight West. Scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the event will take place at th… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Spotlight: Volunteer Pilot Mark Oveson of Utah February 28, 2025 Mark Oveson flies a mission for AFW passenger Stetson Angel Flight West’s volunteer pilots carry out acts of generosity each day by donating their time, talent, and resources to help others. Each time a mission is flown, a patient accesses the healthcare resources they need while being uplifted with hope. Meet the volunteers who make it all possible in this monthly newsletter and, if you’re a pilot in the West, get in… Jessica Hayes Read More »
A Fond Farewell: Cheri Reflects on Josh Olson’s Time at AFW February 25, 2025 From AFW Associate Executive Director Cheri Cimmarrusti Josh and I have had an incredible journey over the past twenty years! From sitting at the auditorium table in the corner of my office and working for me for nine years, to becoming my boss for the last 11 years – it has been quite the ride. I could talk about his many accomplishments, but those speak for themselves. Here is a little bit abo… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
AFW Announces New Board Chair and Board Members February 19, 2025 New Board Chair Emily Deaton Emily Deaton is the Chief Executive Officer of jetAVIVA, one of the world’s largest private jet sales organizations by total annual transaction volume. Since joining jetAVIVA in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, first as Vice President of Sales and then as Chief Operating Officer before assuming the role of CEO. Deaton began her aviation career with Emb… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
Meet the New Leaders of AFW’s Wyoming Wing! February 19, 2025 JT Grainger Bob Meyers Meet AFW’s new Wyoming Wing Leader, J.T. Grainger and Deputy Wing Leader, Bob Meyers! J.T. Grainger J.T. Grainger, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, joined AFW in 2018. Growing up in Saratoga, WY, he developed a passion for flying at an early age, inspired by his family’s aviation background. Though an initial medical restriction prevented him from flying solo, he remain… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
February Safety Update: Is It Really a Mission? February 10, 2025 Angel Flight West has the “mission” of arranging transportation for patients and family members who need to travel long distances for care. AFW volunteer Pilots sign up for “missions” to provide flights for these folks. But should we call these volunteer flights “missions”? As a volunteer Pilot and Safety Officer, I get to experience the joy of flying AFW missions and also see feedback from pilots and passengers.… Safety Officers Read More »
Executive Director Succession Announcement January 21, 2025 Dear Angel Flight West Family, After more than 20 incredible years with Angel Flight West, and 11 deeply rewarding years serving as your Executive Director, I’m writing to share the news that I will be transitioning out of this role in March 2025 to pursue an exciting new opportunity at the national level in public benefit flying. This decision comes with a full heart, immense gratitude, and unwavering confidence in… Jessica Hayes Read More »
New Partner Spotlight | Press Release: Dogs for Better Lives January 20, 2025 CENTRAL POINT, OR (January 16, 2025) – A groundbreaking partnership between Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) and Angel Flight West is streamlining the journey for puppies and future Service Dogs, bringing efficiency and compassion to every step of their path toward service. This collaboration ensures that transportation is not just practical but also safe and timely, allowing DBL to focus more resources on tr… Jessica Hayes Read More »
A Lifeline in the Skies for Our Passenger Evalyn December 19, 2024 For Susie, a mother from a small town without traffic lights, Angel Flight West has become a lifeline. Her daughter Evalyn was born with numerous medical challenges, including non-verbal autism, a cleft foot , and a condition that required a feeding tube, and she needs regular trips to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Recently, Evalyn was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which has added more complexity to her car… Jessica Theis Read More »
