For Paul, living in the small, tranquil community of Eastsound, Washington on Orcas Island with his wife Mollie and dog brings him an unparalleled sense of peace. “It’s one of the most beautiful places on the West Coast,” he says. “We can see the boats down below and all of the other islands.”
And while it’s the perfect place to heal and rest, it’s also an exhausting three-and-a-half hours away from Paul’s pancreatic cancer care in Seattle.
For the first six months, Paul drove to and from his treatment at Virginia Mason Medical Center. “Living on an island, it’s an hour-and-a-half journey by ferry to the mainland,” says Paul. “Then, it’s another two hours to the city before I even start any treatment. It’s an exhausting day, physically and emotionally.” Compounded by the anxiety brought on by scans and exams, Paul is extra grateful to have discovered Angel Flight West.
Since his first angel flight in 2023, Paul has flown 17 times to access his critical health care, and he’s grateful for the pilots who relieve some of his burden. “It feels like you’re being lifted up,” he says. “My wife and I are doing so much on our own, but when a community like Angel Flight West can help you, it feels good. There are people out there supporting us.” For Paul, that also means getting to know some of AFW’s volunteer pilots, some who have flown him multiple times. “It’s like an old friend picking you up,” he says.
Paul recalls a particularly bad day when he received some heartbreaking test results. “I was faced with having to stay overnight, but I called Angel Flight West, and they arranged a flight home for me in less than an hour. That made a huge difference,” he says. “It’s such a relief to know you’ll be home, safe in bed, and starting to heal and get better.”
While Paul’s diagnosis isn’t currently curable, he knows that could change in the future. For now, he’s grateful to be able to fly back to Eastsound after his tiring treatments. “To end the day with a beautiful, magical flight to the place I call home? It’s awesome,” he says.
“I have to have gratitude.”
This Giving Tuesday, we’re on a mission to raise $40,000 to arrange 200 flights, and we need your help. Your generosity empowers us to continue our mission and brings hope to families during their most difficult times. Together, we can lift lives — support AFW this Giving Tuesday and keep hope in flight! Visit angelflightwest.org/giving-tuesday to make your gift today!
