Traveling for Mesothelioma Care: How Angel Flight And Other Services Can Help
A mesothelioma diagnosis often means traveling long distances to receive specialized care. Treatment centers with the most experienced mesothelioma specialists are often located in major cities, which can make getting to appointments stressful and costly. For many patients and their families, arranging reliable transportation becomes an overwhelming challenge.
The good news? There are mesothelioma resources available to help. One of the most impactful services is Angel Flight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free air transportation for patients in need of medical treatment. This guide will walk you through what Angel Flight offers, how it works, and where you can find additional travel assistance.
What Is Angel Flight?
Angel Flight is a network of volunteer pilots who use their own aircraft to help patients and families get to treatment centers. These flights are provided at no cost to patients. Angel Flight is open individuals facing medical challenges and has been especially valuable for those with rare conditions like mesothelioma, where access to top specialists may require long-distance travel.
Each Angel Flight region operates independently but collaborates nationally to ensure broad coverage across the U.S. Depending on your location, you’ll work with your regional chapter to arrange flights that bring you closer to your care.
Regional Angel Flight Chapters
Here’s a quick overview of how Angel Flight services are divided by region:
Angel Flight West – Covers western states like California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and more. www.angelflightwest.org
Angel Flight South Central – Supports patients in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. www.angelflightsc.org
Angel Flight Central – Serves the Midwest including Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and surrounding states. www.angelflightcentral.org
Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic – Covers states such as Virginia, Maryland, and Michigan. www.angelflightmidatlantic.org
Angel Flight Northeast – Assists patients in New England and parts of New York and New Jersey. www.angelflightne.org
Angel Flight Southeast (Mercy Flight Southeast) – Serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and surrounding states. www.angelflightse.org
Airlift Hope – Focused on patients in North Carolina and Tennessee. www.airlifthope.org
– Angel Flight Oklahoma – Helps patients in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. www.angelflight.com
For travel needs beyond regional coverage, Mercy Medical Angels provides nationwide help with free commercial airline tickets and discounted medical air transport. www.mercymedical.org
Why It Matters for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma treatment often requires access to high-volume cancer centers, many of which are hundreds of miles away. Driving long distances or paying for flights adds stress during an already difficult time. Angel Flight and Mercy Medical Angels ease this burden by offering mesothelioma assistance that makes care more accessible.
These services not only save money but also reduce travel fatigue, helping patients arrive at appointments less stressed and more focused on their health. Families, too, benefit by knowing their loved one can travel safely without additional financial strain.
How to Get Started
If you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma and need help with travel to medical appointments:
1. Find your regional Angel Flight chapter (see the list above).
2. Apply online or by phone – Each chapter has a simple request process.
3. Coordinate with your care team – Many hospitals and social workers are familiar with these programs and can assist with scheduling.
Final Thoughts
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is challenging, but no one should have to skip or delay treatment because of transportation barriers. Organizations like Angel Flight and Mercy Medical Angels are vital mesothelioma resources that provide hope and support by removing one of the biggest obstacles—getting to care.
At Unbreakable Journeys, we believe in connecting patients with the tools and encouragement they need. If travel has been holding you back, know that help is available. Contact us if you have questions or need additional information.
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