Written by Cheri Cimmarrusti
I first met Pamela in late 2021 when she reached out to us to set up a flight to get from her home in Palmdale, California, to Scripps in the San Diego area. She was going to receive treatment there, and the long drive would have been taxing; she was really looking forward to the flights. In December she called to say she couldn’t fly because her insurance had not yet approved the treatments. In early 2022, her insurance was approved and Pamela quickly became one of Angel Flight West’s frequent fliers. The pilots who flew her loved her and she instantly bonded with our staff. Everyone wanted to chat with Pamela. Her delightful lilt was uplifting to hear and her enthusiasm for life was infectious. Pamela flew with us 94 times with 36 different pilots. Sadly, Pamela passed away on May 28 of this year and will be missed.
While Pamela’s journey didn’t end as we all wanted it to, we take comfort in knowing that the pilots who flew her turned what would’ve been nearly 300 hours on the road into less than 100 hours in the air. Their generosity and heart gave her more time at home with her family and the ability to enjoy life.
Pamela was gracious, vivacious, and sometimes a little boisterous. She was even a little bodacious at times, but most of all, she was loving. Her care for others was abundantly clear. In her lifetime, Pamela was a police officer and a nurse, both careers of service. She promoted AFW whenever she could — she gave back as much as she received.
I spoke with her just about 10 days before she passed away and one would not have known during that conversation how sick she truly was. She had just returned from Houston and while the news there wasn’t good, she told me, “You know Cheri, I think I’m going to try UCLA, maybe they can help me.” I don’t know whether that was true or not, but I suspect she was trying to make me feel better. We exchanged some pleasantries, said we’d keep in touch, she told me she loved me and I said I loved her, and we said goodbye.
I had no idea at that moment it would be the last time I would speak to her, but she reminded me of what a blessing Angel Flight had been to her. Pamela experienced that blessing because of volunteers like you — flying or driving her to the care she so desperately needed. Please know the difference you make with that generosity and heart of yours. I too am blessed to know you. Thanks for all you do.
Ciao and Blue Skies,
Cheri
