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 doctor in the Bay Area with a great track record of treating her condition. What made it even more special was that this wasn’t her first time meeting “Dr. Derek”—they’d been classmates in fourth grade. Since that first appointment, Julie says Dr. Derek figured everything out. “He goes the extra mile, researching things that will help with my care,” she says.
Dr. Derek also connected Julie with Angel Flight West (AFW).
Living in Chico, Calif., Julie’s drive to the clinic takes three hours one way. “After an hour of driving, I’d be in tears from pain and exhaustion,” says Julie. “I didn’t know what to do, but AFW made it bearable. AFW made me stronger.”
Today, after 16 angel flights, Julie is incredibly grateful for the support she’s received from AFW’s volunteer pilots. “I consider many of them my dear friends,” she says. “The fact that I can get home and back is great. It still hurts, but I’m getting better because of AFW. When I write thank-you notes to my pilots, I say, ‘You make it possible for me to enjoy my grandchildren.’”
“I tell them, ‘You put the angel in Angel Flight.’”
