A Journey Many of Us Cannot Avoid
By Bob Stangarone, CAN President & CEO
One Of the mOst striking aspects Of cancer tOday is its pervasive reach. Alarmingly, nearly 40 percent of Americans will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. In the past year alone, the U.S. reported over two million new cancer cases and more than 600,000 cancer deaths, making cancer the second leading cause of death in the U.S., trailing only heart disease.
These staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for effective cancer treatment strategies. Access to treatment is a critical component of care. Unfortunately, cancer patients encounter numerous obstacles in reaching their treatment centers, which can significantly affect their overall care, quality of life and even survival.
For individuals in rural areas or regions with limited public transportation, accessing treatment can be particularly challenging. Patients often face financial burdens associated with travel. Moreover, the fatigue induced by cancer and its treatments can render travel physically exhausting. High medical expenses can strain budgets, making it difficult for patients to allocate funds for transportation.
For those in the aviation community, we encourage you to spread the word. We urgently need business aircraft and airline flights to meet the growing demand from patients in need.
Compounding these challenges, some patients may find their insurance does not cover travel expenses, or they might need to seek out-of-network treatment options, further complicating their situation. The emotional toll of cancer can also lead to anxiety and depression, which impede the ability to travel. Additionally, cancer treatments typically require multiple visits, resulting in complicated scheduling and heightened travel demands. For many, the absence of a support network makes it difficult to obtain rides to essential appointments.
At CAN, we strive to alleviate these challenges by providing free air transportation for cancer patients, helping them reach treatment centers while reducing the physical, emotional and financial strain they face. Since our founding in 1981, we have successfully facilitated more than 70,000 patient flights, allowing individuals to focus on their health and recovery.
However, we cannot accomplish this mission alone; we need your assistance. If you know someone who requires transportation to treatment, please tell them about our services. For those in the aviation community, we encourage you to spread the word. We urgently need business aircraft and airline flights to meet the growing demand from patients in need.
If you have been touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one, consider advocating for the importance of accessible treatment. Let others know that CAN is here to help lighten the burden for those facing this harrowing journey.
107 Mill Plain Road, Suite 204
Danbury, CT 06811
Tel: (914) 328-1313
www.corpangelnetwork.org
TEAM
Robert Stangarone, President & CEO
Courtney Easton, VP of Development
Rebecca Fre-Hiwet, Operations Manager
Kelly Scanlon, Patient Services Manager
Courtney Ward, Patient Services Flight Scheduler
Judy Fredette, Volunteer
Susan Hartman, Volunteer
Suzanne Rossi, Volunteer
BoArd of dirEcTors
John G. Rosanvallon (Chairman), Formerly Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation
Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets
W. W. (Bill) Boisture, Jr., AE Industrial Partners LLC
Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation
Scott Donnelly, Textron Inc.
Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines
Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications
Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument, LLC
Dawne S. Hickton, Cumberland Additive, Inc.
David C. Hurley, Aviation Partners Boeing, Inc. & ALOFT Aero Architects
Adam M. Johnson, NetJets Inc. Ève Laurier, Bombardier Inc.
Wilson S. Leach, Aviation International News
Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare
AMBAssAdors
Larry Anglisano
Eric Blinderman
Bob Blouin
Kathleen Blouin
Cassandra Bosco
Rick Cleary
Susan Cotten
Ericka Essington
John Gabriel
Bill Garvey
Stephanie Goetz
Bill Hampton
Rob Hancock
Dick Koenig
Jamail Larkins
Jim Lewis
Steve Markham
Bob Scott
Bob Searles
Bob Showalter
Pat Sullivan
LIFELINE
Bob Searles, Editor
Al Struna, Creative Director
Cover (left to right): 70,000th flight Pilots Dominick Hanson, Bruce Hanson, patient Michael Newton, and Courtney Easton, CAN’s VP of Development.
Soaring to 70,000 Cancer Patient Flights
This summer, Corporate angel network (Can) celebrated its 70,000th patient flight since 1981, when the organization first began arranging free air travel on corporate aircraft for cancer patients traveling to distant treatment centers.
on the milestone flight, Hanson Communications, a family-owned Midwest telecommunications company, flew cancer patient Michaelnewton from Minnesota tonew York City for treatment.
The 70,000th flight was truly a family affair. Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick piloted the company’slearjet 40Xrfrom Minnesota’srochester Municipalairport towestchester County airport inwhiteplains,nY on July 29 and made the return trip on July 31.
“when I found out we were possibly going to do the 70,000th Corporate angelnetwork flight, I took the ‘possibly’ out of it and said, ‘Yeah, we’re doing it.’” Dominick recalled.
as always, aviation support companies were involved, too. Michael newton met the Hansons inrochester at the Signatureaviation FBo Upon arrival inwhiteplains,newton was greeted at the Millionair FBoand was then transported, free of charge, by Drivania Chauffeurs tonew York City, where Michael had scans performed at Memorial Sloankettering (MSk).
Michael’s Story
In early 2022, when Michael was diagnosed with colon cancer, he decided to go to MSkfor a second opinion.
“at the time I got diagnosed, I had a newborn, so leaving my two kids was really hard, and I didn’t know how long I was going to be out,” he said.
“Can’s flights have allowed me to get there in a shorter amount of time and spend more time at home with my loved ones.”
Business aviation, by its nature, enables people to travel quickly, comfortably and efficiently, minimizing the stresses and strains of long-distance travel and often eliminating the need to spend nights away from home.
Being able to get back home after a full business day is important to the Hansons, too, as they use their aircraft to travel and conduct business and still be home at night with their family. “That is the main reason I’m in aviation,” said Bruce.
after his initial surgery, Michael had post-op scans every six weeks.now he is being scanned at MSkevery couple of months for the next two years.
“The Canflights allow me to go to a top-level cancer center and get some of the best care that I could ask for,” he said. “Meeting the Hansons was very cool,” he added. “They were very welcoming and so friendly, wanting to know about me and my story.”
Hansons Happy to Help
The Hanson family likes to give back and has had a long relationship with Can “From our perspective, it just feels right that Hanson Communications should be involved with an organization like Can,” said Bruce.
Dominick added, “Flying together with my dad and being a part of Corporateangelnetwork… has brought us closer just because I get to spend a lot more time with him now. Sharing these Canflights with my father personally and professionally is very rewarding [and] it’s rewarding to know we are flying a Canpatient.”
“If I had to tell another flight department about [participating with] Can, I would say ‘If you have an aircraft, it’s a no-brainer,’” Dominick declared, “because it provides an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Bruce says when he meets other pilots he tells them about the benefits of performing Canflights. “You’re going to be part of an experience where the people you get to interact with are humble and so appreciative.”
each year, 200,000 cancer patients travel 40 or more miles for treatment, and that number is growing. Corporateangelnetwork is proud to have completed 70,000 cancer patient flights, but more patients need help, so consider supporting Canby becoming a partner, making a donation and spreading the word about the group’s life-saving mission.
n Michael Newton, Bruce Hanson, and Dominick Hanson at the Signature Aviation FBO in Rochester, MN.
Fund an Angel Returns October 15
Fund an angel, the Only annual fundraiser for Corporate Angel Network (CAN), will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in conjunction with the 2025 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
can make a monetary donation or purchase Fund an Angel tickets as a way to show their support, even if they don’t attend the event.
Corporate sponsors can select from one of the four levels of financial support, or companies may work with CAN to create a customized sponsor package that fits their budget.
Fund an Angel Sponsors
CAN would like to thank the sponsors of 2025 Fund an Angel. As of September 24, the following companies had committed to sponsor the event:
Presenting Sponsor
n Signature Aviation
Platinum Sponsors
n Atlantic Aviation
n Bombardier
n Corporate Aircraft Association (CAA)
n Gulfstream
n Loar Group, Inc.
n National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
n Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Gold Sponsors
n AIN Media Group
n CAE
n Dassault Aviation
n FlightSafety International
n NetJets
n Textron Aviation
n Williams International
Silver Sponsors
n Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
The two-hour reception will include refreshments, a live and silent auction, and the chance for business aviation colleagues to network. This edition of Fund an Angel comes as CAN is celebrating the milestone 70,000th flight performed since the organization was founded in 1981.
Fund an Angel raises funds for CAN’s mission of flying cancer patients to treatment centers free of charge. Participants can donate items to the auctions, bid on auction items, help sponsor the event, or simply purchase tickets for the evening reception.
All types of auction donations are welcome, but high-end experiences — i.e. luxury travel packages and tickets to top sporting events — attract the most interest and garner the highest bids. Bids on silent auction items will be accepted until 7:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Alternatively, CAN supporters also
All proceeds from Fund an Angel make a direct impact on the lives of the cancer patients that CAN assists, giving them access to the lifesaving care they need.
The Angels Behind Fund an Angel
This year’s Fund an Angel Committee includes 10 outstanding individuals who represent virtually all segments of the business aviation community:
Anthony Banome
Andrew Broom
Richard Cleary
Erin Croop
Staci Jelley
Michelle Koblenz
Jamail Larkins
Joseph Radosky
Michael Szczechowski
Elizabeth Zlitni
CAN salutes them for donating their time and efforts to making the 2025 Fund an Angel event a success.
n Business & Commercial Aviation Magazine
n Directional Aviation
n Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
Bronze Sponsors
n Airbus Corporate Jets
n ConocoPhillips
n Daher
n Duncan Aviation
n Freestream Aircraft Limited
n Guardian Jet
n Jetcraft
n JSSI
n MedAire
n Pentastar Aviation
n Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd.
n Rolls-Royce
n RTX RTFlight
n Solairus
n Stoneworth Financial
n World Fuel Services
Debut Sponsor
n Castle & Cooke Aviation
n VanAllen
For JoJo the Champion, the Battle Continues
One thing that many cancer patients have in common is that they don’t want their disease to define them. That’s why Joseph Vizel, a high school freshman and avid chess player, has the Instagram handle of @jojothechampion — he’s fighting hard to win his battle with cancer.
JoJo was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a form of Sarcoma, in 2023 and he has been through many rounds of chemo and targeted therapies, multiple surgeries, radiation, as well as hospitalizations, throughout his two-year cancer journey, which has taken him across the country for treatment.
JoJo’s mother Aviva, a single mom, remembers their first CAN flights, a transcontinental roundtrip from NJ to CA. “It was such an amazing experience! The pilot introduced himself to us and escorted us to the plane. JoJo kept saying,
‘This is so cool’ as we were walking up the [aircraft] steps, and he especially loved the tour that the pilot gave us of the plane. The crew was so unbelievably nice and welcoming. They really made JoJo so comfortable that he was able to rest on the flight. We really appreciated it!”
Aviva, who learned about CAN’s services from her cancer support group, said the flights have enabled JoJo and her to travel “knowing that we are flying comfortably on a clean, safe airplane that will help us get to our destination. Easing the financial burden of travel is also very valuable.”
Today, JoJo is loving life and embracing new opportunities, such as trying out for his school’s floor hockey team. However, he still faces challenges. The medication that he had been taking for the past year is no longer effective for him, and approval for him to take a possible alternative drug was declined.
Nevertheless, Aviva and JoJo are optimistic that a different course of treatment, administered through a new clinical trial, may be in his future.
JoJo’s story reflects what so many cancer patients face — long journeys in search of the best treatment. No matter where a patient is in their cancer journey — seeking treatment, a second opinion or access to a clinical trial — CAN is committed to being there every step of the way.
Keep on fighting, JoJo. We are rooting for you. Follow his journey on Instagram @jojothechampion.
Cancer Fighter Gives Back to CAN in a Big Way
Jennaleigh Vial, a cancer fighter who has flown with Canmultiple times, is so thankful for the support she has received from the nonprofit that she organized a fundraiser this past May that raised $19,000 for Can
Diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2024, she first flew from her home near Batonrouge,lato Houston’s MDanderson Cancer Center to have surgery, which was followed by six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Because glioblastoma has a tendency to reoccur, she returns to MDanderson every other month to see her doctors.
“During such a challenging time in my life, Can’s support allowed me to focus on healing and spending time with my loved ones, rather than stressing over how I’d get to my care,” explained Jenna. “travel costs can eat you up. Can is my lifeline.afundraiser was my way of giving back to help ensure others can experience that same comfort, support and hope.
“I talked to my parents and family about what kind of fundraiser we could do,” said Jenna.relying on the expertise
ofnorth Shore Community Foundation in Covington,la, she created theglow walk/run, a nighttime race held at a park in her hometown of Hammond,la.
“This wasn’t a timed race it was a go-at-your-own-pace walk/run designed to bring the community together,” she explained. “we kicked off at 7:30 p.m. and wrapped up by 9 p.m. Before the walk/run, we hosted a silent auction and awarded door prizes, creating a fun, uplifting atmosphere.”
approximately 250 people participated in this year’s event, including more than 30 kids. Jenna plans to conduct the walk/run annually.
Jenna noted that she has faced two very difficult events in her life: a professional setback and cancer.
“I could have easily given up, but no matter how many difficulties you face, you need to keep moving forward.”
Humble Heroes Helps Lift the Spirits of Kids With Cancer
Cancer is scary for adults and even more so for children. That’s why Humble Heroes, a nonprofit created by new York City firefighters and their family members, has been working with Corporateangelnetwork (Can) since 2019 to lift the spirits of kids traveling to and from cancer treatment centers.
Dressed as comic book superheroes, the Humble Heroes not only meet pediatric patients; they also visit hospitals, special-needs schools and community centers, bringing hope and joy to kids facing medical and emotional challenges.
It all started in 2015, when firefighter robert Banome and some friends dressed aspowerrangers for a Halloween party, where they talked with a woman whose son had cancer. She said a visit from the powerrangers might brighten his day. Visits to a camp for kids and a hospital pediatric unit proved that volunteers dressed as superheroes could make ailing children smile.
national Businessaviationassociation at the time, including Samantha Thresher, who later joined Can.
The first Canflight that featured a Humble Heroes visit took place onapril 3, 2019, when a young boy traveling from Florida to new York for treatment got a chance to meet Spider-Man. today, several pediatric cancer patients each year get to meet their superheroes, with the most popular being Deadpool, the Marvel Comics character who beat cancer.
The Humble Heroes and Canconnection can be traced back to relationships formed betweenrobert Banome’s brotheranthony, who is Chiefrevenueofficer at Unique IIworldwide, anJ-based chauffeur service, and several people who were working at the
anthony Banome said: “watching a child step off a plane and spot one of us dressed as their favorite superhero it’s a spark of pure joy that stays with you. Thanks to our partnership with Can, we get to turn a challenging travel day into an extraordinary moment.together, we’re lifting spirits when it matters most.”
Courtneyeaston, Can’s Vicepresident of Development, is grateful for Humble Heroes’ assistance. “I’ve seen them in action, and the sheer happiness they bring to pediatric patients going through the toughest time in their lives is truly incredible. For a few moments, they get to forget about hospitals and treatments and light up at the sight of their favorite superhero walking up to them. It’s pure magic.”
Stephanie Goetz Named CAN Spokesperson and Ambassador
Stephaniegoetz a corporate aviator known throughout the aviation industry as one of the pilots of “The pink Jet,” anaero Vodochodyl-39 albatros military jet trainer painted to promote breast cancer awareness has been named spokesperson and ambassador for Can goetz who is president of The pink Jet non-profit, as well as a flight instructor, executive coach,teDx speaker andemmy-nominated news anchor will speak at aviation industry and other events on behalf of Canand appear in videos that promote Can’s mission. She also will collaborate with
Canleadership to identify meaningful ways to strengthen and expand the partnership.
“we’re delighted to have Stephanie help elevate Can’s public profile,” said president and Ceorobert Stangarone. “Her powerful voice and aviation expertise make her an ideal advocate to connect the cancer patients in need of life-saving treatment with the companies that help make those journeys possible.”
“I’m excited to explore what synergies Canand Thepink Jet can create to help promote breast cancer awareness, support survivors and raise
money for a cure,” saidgoetz. “I expect this partnership to be another important step forward in the fight against cancer.”
Covington Offering Discounts to CAN Turboprop Operators
To support the decision by Corporateangel network (Can) to use turboprop aircraft, as well as jets, to provide free transportation to cancer patients flying to treatment centers,oklahoma-based Covington aircraftengines is offering discounted pricing on engine maintenance, service and parts for operators of qualifiedpt6apowered aircraft that perform Canflights.
Canrelies on the generosity of flight departments and other aircraft operators that offer unused seats on their business aircraft to transport cancer patients to care.last year, Canflew more than 1,700 patient flights all on jets.
The addition of two-pilot, pressurized-cabin turboprops is expected to increase Can’s lift capacity substantially. This caught the attention of Covington, the well-knownpratt &whitney Canada overhaul facility that provides factoryauthorizedpt6amaintenance.
“we’re a company that believes strongly in the importance of meaningfully supporting aviation-based humanitarian efforts worldwide,” saidaaronabbott, president of Covingtonaircraft engines. “Corporateangelnetwork’s work in matching cancer patients in need of transportation with aircraft owners willing to provide an available seat, is simply outstanding.and, if we can
encourage turboprop operators to volunteer this lift capacity when it’s available, it is absolutely something we want to do.”
any operator of a qualifiedpt6a-powered aircraft that has been registered and approved by Canand has flown a minimum number of Canmissions during a calendar period will be eligible for a “humanitarian services discount.” The discount can be applied to maintenance, service, rental engines and parts for the engine(s) on that aircraft for work performed by, or parts purchased through, Covington. The discount will be available for 36 months following the date of completion of the aircraft’s Canmissions.
“we cannot thank Covington enough for their thoughtfulness and generosity in creating this program” said Canpresident and Ceorobert Stangarone. “The financial savings it represents to turboprop operators that participate with Canis significant. But the additional lift capacity it will incentivize and the number of patients who will benefit from that lift – is even more gratifying.”
operators of two-pilot, pressurized-cabin,pt6a-powered aircraft that would like to participate in this discount program should contact Covington Sales Managerericrojek at ericr@ covingtonaircraft.com.
CAN’s Legacy Giving Program Ensures Lasting Impact
Corporateangelnetwork’s legacygivingprogram will enable donors to make a lasting impact on Can’s mission through planned gifts, ensuring that it continues to serve those in need for generations to come.
What is Legacy Giving?
legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a philanthropic initiative that enables donors to make significant charitable contributions through their estate plans. These gifts can be arranged through wills, trusts, retirement plans or life insurance policies. By including Can in their estate plans, donors can leave a legacy of hope and support for cancer patients well into the future.
Types of Legacy Gifts
legacy giving offers several options for donors to contribute to Can’s mission:
Bequests
abequest is a gift made through a donor’s will or living trust. It can be a specific amount of money, a percentage of the estate, or a particular asset. Bequests are straightforward and flexible, allowing donors to adjust their plans as needed.
Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts, such as charitable remainder trusts (Crts) and charitable lead trusts (Clts), provide financial benefits to both the donor and Can Crts provide income to the donor or their designated beneficiaries for a specified period, after which the remaining assets are transferred to Can Clts, conversely, provide income to Canfor a set period before the remaining assets revert to the donor’s beneficiaries.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations
Donors can designate Canas a beneficiary of their retirement plans,
such as Iras, DaFs or 401(k)s. This type of gift can help reduce estate taxes while ensuring that their support for Can’s mission continues.
Life Insurance Policies
Donors can name the Corporateangel network as a beneficiary of their life insurance policies. This can be an effective way to make a larger gift than might be possible during their lifetime.
Benefits of Legacy Giving
legacy giving provides multiple benefits to both the donor and Can:
nenduring Impact: Donors ensure that their support for Can’s mission continues beyond their lifetime.
n Financial Flexibility:planned gifts can be adjusted to accommodate changes in the donor’s life circumstances.
ntaxadvantages:legacy gifts may offer potential tax benefits, reducing estate and income taxes.
How to Get Started
Creating a legacy gift is a thoughtful process that involves careful planning. Here are the steps to get started:
Consult with Professionals
Donors should consult with financial advisors, estate planners and attorneys to explore their options and ensure that their plans align with their financial goals and philanthropic values.
Identify the Type of Gift
Donors should consider which type of legacy gift best suits their circumstances. Can’s development team can provide guidance and answer any questions.
Include CAN in Estate Plans
once donors have decided on the type of gift they prefer, they should include specific language in their wills, trusts or beneficiary designations. Donors are encouraged to notify Canof their planned gift. This allows Canto express gratitude and recognize their generosity.
Can’slegacygivingprogram is a vital initiative that ensures the longevity and sustainability of its mission. By making planned gifts, donors can leave a legacy that continues to provide hope and support to cancer patients for years to come.
Canis grateful for the generosity and foresight of its legacy donors, whose contributions make a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
For additional information on CAN’s Legacy Giving Program, please contact Corporate Angel Network Ambassador Rick Cleary at (914) 328-1313, rcleary@ corpangelnetwork.org.
Matching Gift Programs Amplify Giving
Many companies recognize the importance of philanthropy and community engagement by offering matching gift programs that encourage their employees to support charitable causes. These programs typically allow employees to contribute to their chosen nonprofit organizations, with the company matching a portion or even the entirety of the employee’s donation. This initiative not only doubles the impact of employee contributions, but also fosters a culture of giving within the workplace, enhancing employee morale and demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
How Corporate Angel Network Took Flight
In 1981, twO cancer survivOrs – pat Blum, a pilOt living in the New York City metro area, and Jay N. Weinberg, then owner of a Mt. Vernon, NY car rental franchise — wondered if corporate aircraft operators based at New York’s Westchester County Airport would consider using empty seats on their aircraft to transport cancer patients to treatment centers across the United States. As cancer survivors, Blum and Weinberg knew how expensive and grueling transportation was for patients, especially for those with weakened immune systems, who needed to fly long distances for specialized treatment.
Leonard M. Greene, founder and president of New Yorkbased Safe Flight Instrument Corporation, who had lost his wife to cancer, became actively involved in the cause by contributing his funds and business expertise, even offering his company’s aircraft to perform such flights.
Finally, on December 22, 1981, the Safe Flight Instrument Corporation’s airplane conducted the first Corporate Angel Network (CAN) flight, bringing a young patient home to Detroit in time for Christmas following his cancer treatment in New York City.
Following this success, Blum and Weinberg started asking corporations across America if they would support Corporate Angel Network by donating empty seats on their jets.
Today, CAN — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help cancer patients access the best treatment in the U.S. by arranging free travel on business aircraft — works with many of America’s leading companies to match empty seats on company aircraft with flight requests from patients who need to travel to the same destination for treatment. Thanks to the generous support of participating companies, CAN has coordinated more than 70,000 flights since its founding in 1981.
CAN’s Ongoing Challenge
Even though CAN arranges more than 1,700 patient flights each year, there are many more patients than available seats on company airplanes because, despite advances in cancer treatment and prevention, there still are more than 600,000 cancer deaths and two million new cancer cases in the United States each year.
“While we are incredibly proud of the number of people we have helped, our efforts are limited by the availability of flight resources,” said CAN President and CEO Robert Stangarone.
To address this shortfall, in late 2024 CAN expanded the fleet of aircraft available for patient transportation from only jets to the thousands of single- and twin-engine turboprop aircraft currently in operation.
“We now have an opportunity to save many more lives by opening up the fleet to turboprop aircraft,” said Stangarone.
How You Can Help CAN
Corporate flight departments and other aircraft operators that would like to become a Corporateangelnetwork partner can call Candirectly at (914) 328-1313 and learn how easy it is to participate.
also, any individual or organization can support Can by making a financial contribution.whether it’s $5 or $500, all donations truly matter. Canuses the money for a variety of purposes, including ground transportation, hotel accommodations and fulfilling other patient service requests. Canaims to eliminate all travel barriers for patients to ensure they can access the treatment they need.
To donate or learn more about CAN’s vital mission, visit corpangelnetwork.org.
Cassandra J. Bosco
A40-year veteran Of the aviation industry and president of TailWinds Communications, Cassandra Bosco provides communications, strategic planning, event planning and education program development services to the aviation community, including Corporate Angel Network (CAN).
During her career Cassandra has been instrumental in advancing the interests of numerous organizations. She was a Women in Aviation (WAI) Founding Board Member. As Interim Executive Director of the University Aviation Association, Cassandra helped guide the group through a strategic planning process and oversaw its first leadership transition in over 15 years. In addition, she has coordinated major special events with Boeing, Sikorsky, NASA and the FAA, and has provided consulting services for many of the industry’s trade associations.
NBAA-sponsored Business Wings exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum, NBAA’s Professional Development Program and the AvKids program for elementary school students.
Cassandra has served on the board of the Aero Club of Washington and in 2022 collaborated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to create the firstever Massive Open Online Course called “Leadership for Women in Aerospace and Aviation,” which had more than 2,200 participants.
Prior to forming TailWinds Communications, Cassandra was Director of Communications at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) for 17 years, where she was responsible for the association’s communications and education programs. She helped create the No Plane. No Gain. advocacy program and was instrumental in developing the
Over the years
Cassandra has won numerous industry awards, including: the National Aeronautic Association’s Brewer Trophy for significant contributions to aviation education, and the American Airlines W.W. Estridge Award for Dedicated Service to Aviation Education. In 2013 she was Inducted into WAI’s Pioneer Hall of Fame for her role as a Founding Board Member of the group.
Cassandra first learned about CAN when she worked at NBAA. “I was privileged to work closely with CAN’s founders Jay Weinberg and Pat Blum. Their mission was important and unique and provided opportunities for those struggling to get to cancer treatment centers.”
Today, Cassandra is one of more than a dozen CAN Ambassadors
who use their extensive professional experience to promote the organization. She decided to become a CAN Ambassador because “CAN’s mission has always been important to me and to the aviation industry as a way to give back. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to help CAN provide access to cancer treatments for more individuals.”
Specifically, Cassandra is helping support CAN by providing access to
“CAN’s mission has always been important to me and to the aviation industry as a way to give back. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to help CAN provide access to cancer treatments for more individuals.”
aviation and national media, as well as enhancing the organization’s overall communications efforts. “The CAN team does amazing work,” she said, “and it’s my privilege to assist them in these important efforts.”
Rebecca Fre-Hiwet, Operations Manager
Given her years Of wOrking at nonprofits and family experience with cancer, it’s not surprising that Rebecca Fre-Hiwet is CAN’s Operations Manager.
Rebecca served in several roles for a large nonprofit organization for more than a decade and had previously worked in the medical field, including for a breast oncology doctor. Also, she lost her father to pancreatic cancer and has two sisters who are cancer survivors.
When Rebecca’s mother suffered a bad fall in March 2022, she decided to take a leave from her nonprofit job to care for her. Once it was time for Rebecca to return to work, she decided she needed a new, more fulfilling job in the medical field.
“I had a lot of administrative background, so I started putting key words into Indeed [the employment website],” Rebecca recalled. One of the more intriguing search results was a three-month temporary position as a flight coordinator for CAN.
Rebecca read the job description and said, “I can do all of that,” so she applied.
Before Rebecca went to her in-person interview at CAN, she looked at the nonprofit’s website and concluded, “This job was supposed to fall in my lap because of all of my experience with cancer.”
Rebecca was hired on a temporary basis in July 2022. The executive director took her under her wing, teaching her everything about the operation. After
Meet Suzanne Rossi
Suzannerossi likes to travel, spend time with family and friends, bake sourdough bread, and grow vegetables and flowers. But most of all, she loves to volunteer. The former teacher and counselor has been involved with several organizations, from a community garden and her town’s annualalzheimer’s walk, to a group that makes sandwiches for people experiencing food insecurity.
after the pandemic, she was looking for yet another volunteer opportunity, so she tried working for a food pantry, but filling boxes didn’t satisfy her urge to work directly with people in need. Then she discovered that Canwas looking for volunteers.
“I loved the job description, which mentioned that I would be talking to cancer patients, answering the phone,” recalled Suzanne. “That sounded perfect for me.”
Besides her giving nature, Suzanne, who started at Canin September 2024, brought to the job a first-hand knowledge of
a month at CAN, the director asked Rebecca, “How do you like the job?” She responded: “I love it. This is what I’ve been looking for all my life.”
Rebecca became a permanent team member in September 2022 and within six months was promoted. Although today she focuses on operations, she still helps with flight coordination when needed.
“I love to talk to patients and their families,” said Rebecca. “You build relationships and bonds with these people.”
As a single mom, Rebecca wanted to show her 20-year-old daughter Layla how people are working to make the world a better place. This October, for the second time, Layla will volunteer at CAN’s booth and at Fund an Angel, CAN’s fundraiser that is held annually at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the industry’s largest event.
the impact of cancer: she cared for her mother as she fought an unsuccessful battle with uterine cancer.plus, she knew Can’spatient Services Manager kelly Scanlon. “I felt like I was meant to be here,” said Suzanne.
Besides answering phone calls, Suzanne responds to online inquiries, registers new patients and calls treatment centers to verify patient appointments. Suzanne finds the work fulfilling and believes she personally benefits from interacting with patients. “I like knowing that I have done something to help someone, and the patients [I talk with] make me put my life into perspective. I feel so thankful, so blessed to have what I have. The people I speak with are so positive and kind. I see what they are going through. They need to talk, so I try to be a good listener.and they are so thankful.”
Volunteer Profile
JOIN US FOR FUND AN ANGEL
Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM PT
Fontainebleau Las Vegas (Waterbleau Terrace)
Be part of an unforgettable evening supporting Corporate Angel Network’s (CAN) mission of transporting cancer patients to lifesaving treatment on business aircraft. Held on the second evening of NBAA-BACE, Fund an Angel will include networking, refreshments, and a silent auction all while raising vital funds for CAN’s mission.
How You Can Participate:
Become an event sponsor
Contribute an item to our silent auction
Purchase tickets to attend
Make a donation
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helps provide a flight — and hope — to a cancer patient in need.