To the Wonderful Angels of Angel Flight West
A Letter from Charlene, mother of AFW passenger Asher
Words seem inadequate to express the profound gratitude I feel for the incredible service you provide. My son Asher was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 lb 14 oz, and to date has spent over 640 days in and out of the hospital. Over 11 years and 3 different states, it’s been a long, difficult journey we navigate daily and will continue to navigate for many more years. A journey made immeasurably lighter by the unwavering support of Angel Flight West.
Just since October of 2024, my son underwent a series of five critical surgeries in Stanford, after Utah deemed him too complex for their specialties. It was a period filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and an overwhelming focus on his health and well-being. The emotional toll was immense, but the logistical and financial burdens threatened to crush me under their weight. Traveling back and forth for appointments, consultations, hotels and the surgeries themselves would have been an insurmountable obstacle without your selfless assistance.
Your service is nothing short of heroic. You are the silent guardians who step in when families are most vulnerable, offering an invaluable form of support. You alleviate the financial strain that can compound the already devastating emotional burden of a child’s serious illness. You remove the logistical nightmares, allowing parents like me to focus entirely on what truly matters: the health and healing of my child.
Because of Angel Flight West, I was able to be by my son’s side for every crucial moment. Even his brother was able to be there, which aided in a quicker recovery with their special bond. I was there to hold his hand before each surgery, to offer comfort during recovery, and to witness his strength and resilience firsthand. These are moments that are priceless, moments that would have been jeopardized, perhaps even impossible, without your generosity.
It is more than just a flight; it is a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. It is the reassurance that despite the miles separating my son from vital medical care, there are compassionate individuals willing to bridge that gap. It’s a lifeline when you are already struggling with so much.
The financial burden you lifted from my shoulders is inexplicable. It allowed me to allocate my resources towards my son’s care and recovery, rather than worrying about the ever- mounting costs of travel. This single act of kindness had a ripple effect, reducing stress and allowing me to create a more stable and supportive environment for my son during his healing process.
You are more than just pilots and organizers; you are angels in the truest sense of the word. You embody compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need.
From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my two sons, thank you. Thank you for your selfless service, for your unwavering support, and for the immeasurable difference you made during a time of such hardship. We will forever be grateful.
With deepest appreciation, Charlene, Landon and Asher
