With the state of rural healthcare, many patients are having to travel farther afield for appointments and procedures. In addition to the financial burden that places on families, some patients simply can’t tolerate the physical strain of a long car ride.

One area organization serves as a lifeline to patients who have few options. Angel Flight East (AFE) serves patients in Elk, Cameron, McKean and Potter counties offering free medical transport for patients who must travel long distances for treatment.

In addition, the organization also offers “compassion flights” — free flights for caregivers and family members to join patients during treatment. This unique service offers vital emotional support and relief for families going through tough times.

“People in Western Pennsylvania might not know that these services are available to them,” said Ellen Williams, executive director at AFE. “Whether you’re a patient in need, a caregiver looking for support or a pilot looking to make a difference, Angel Flight East is here for you.”

AFE is staffed by volunteer pilots who donate their time, aircraft and fuel to transport patients to life-saving procedures far from home. They work closely with local hospitals, social workers and other pilot organizations to ensure patients and caregivers can access the care and support they need.

AFE also delivers emergency supplies to disaster-stricken areas and reunites families during critical times. The organization has more than 400 volunteer pilots and coordinates approximately 1,000 flights annually across 14 northeastern states.

“For me, it’s one of the most important things I do in life besides my family and business,” said John Greco, volunteer pilot.

Greco, a Westmoreland County resident, has been flying for AFE since 2015.

“I love to fly, and I love to help people,” said Greco. “Angel Flight gives me the opportunity to do both.”

One of his most memorable missions was flying a Western Pennsylvania couple home from North Carolina in time for Thanksgiving dinner. The wife, who had advanced brain cancer, simply wanted to spend the holiday at home.

“I rearranged all my plans that day,” Greco recalled. “That flight has stayed with me ever since.”

Recently, he has been transporting a Philadelphia resident to Pittsburgh so that he can visit his son. The son was severely injured in a car accident in December. Without these flights, father and son would have a difficult time staying connected throughout his long road to recovery.

Greco keeps in touch with many of the people he has flown for AFE. One passenger calls him every holiday simply to tell him one message — thank you.

“He always says, ‘I wouldn’t be here without you,’” said Greco. “That kind of impact is hard to put into words.”