Below is a letter from Angie, the mother of AFW passengers Charlize and Jarrett. In it she expresses the family’s gratitude for the flights they’ve received from Angel Flight West and Alaska Airlines — our premier commercial airline partner.
We have been flying with Angel Flight West since 2018 for our daughter Charlize’s medical care. Then last year, we found out our son, Jarrett, needed lifesaving open-heart surgery, and that began a whole new medical journey for our family.
Angel Flight West has been a true blessing. We honestly couldn’t do this without you. Like so many families facing serious medical challenges, we have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on medical care, surgeries, travel, equipment, and other expenses. There comes a point where there simply isn’t a savings account left to fall back on.
Angel Flight West helps bridge the gap between financial hardship and access to necessary medical care. In our son’s case, it helped make lifesaving care possible. There really are no words that can fully express our gratitude for what you do.
When volunteer pilots haven’t been available, Alaska Airlines has been our saving grace as well. From the check-in staff to the flight attendants and pilots, every person we’ve encountered has been incredibly kind and compassionate. We always make a point to thank the pilots and let them know we’re traveling for an Angel Flight West mission. Time and time again, they’ve gone above and beyond to make the experience special — whether it’s a visit to the cockpit, a pair of wings, chocolates, or simply a few extra words of encouragement.
Those small gestures may seem simple, but when you’re traveling for medical care and carrying the weight of uncertainty and stress, they mean more than you can imagine. They bring a little light into a difficult journey.
To every Angel Flight West volunteer pilot, coordinator, donor, and supporter, and everyone at Alaska Airlines — thank you. You don’t just provide transportation — you provide hope, relief, and the opportunity for families like ours to access the care our children need. We will never be able to thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Todd, Angie (Angela), Jarrett, and Charlize
