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Meet Our 2026 Jenna Vial Fearless Fighter Award Winner Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Breakthrough
Message from the CEO
The Essence of Our Mission By B o b S ta n g a r o n e , C A N P r e s i d e n t & C E O
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107 Mill Plain Road, Suite 204 Danbury, CT 06811 Tel: (914) 328-1313 www.corpangelnetwork.org
f you visit the Corporate Angel Network office
in Danbury, CT, you’ll be greeted by a wall adorned with thank you cards, handwritten and typed letters, emails, and various tributes from patients expressing their profound gratitude. Many of these messages recount their extraordinary journeys through cancer treatment. We wish we could share each heartfelt expression with our donors, flight and ground partners, volunteers, corporations, ambassadors, and everyone else who makes our mission possible, showing them the true impact of their generosity. Recently, we received an email that encapsulates much of the sentiment we hear from patients, and we felt it was important to share it with you. The message speaks volumes on its own: “My flights back and forth to Houston were incredibly smooth. The pilots were exceptionally kind and friendly. This was such an amazing opportunity. As a mother of five who has worked since the age of 15, I never imagined I would have the chance to ride in a private jet in my lifetime. I am a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, battling this challenging disease since February 2024. I was given 36 months to live. After four major surgeries and numerous rounds of chemotherapy, I’m now 29 months since my diagnosis with no measurable disease. The cancer had spread from my colon to my liver, ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneal cavity, gallbladder, and lungs. By the grace of God, the only cancer left in my body are small spots in my lungs that cannot even be accurately measured because they are so tiny! I could not have traveled back and forth to UT MD Anderson without the assistance of programs like the Corporate Angel Network and the generous companies that have donated their services.” — Erin Livingston For all of us at Corporate Angel Network, this is what it’s all about. It’s those moments when everything comes together that truly matter. We cannot do this alone. Our mission relies on the generosity of many, and we are profoundly grateful to the individuals and corporations that support us. We are especially thankful to be part of an aviation industry that contributes so significantly to society and to those in need. If you’re in the Danbury, CT area, we invite you to visit “The Wall of Appreciation” and meet the remarkable team that makes it all happen. We promise it will be a valuable use of your time — and perhaps even a little life-changing.
TEAM Robert Stangarone, President & CEO Courtney Easton, Vice President of Strategy, Programs & Outreach Rebecca Fre-Hiwet, Operations Manager Kelly Scanlon, Patient Services Manager Rose Vasquez, Grants and Development Manager Courtney Ward, Patient Services Flight Scheduler Judy Fredette, Volunteer Susan Hartman, Volunteer Suzanne Rossi, Volunteer Ashley Vieira, 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 Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation Scott Donnelly, Textron Inc. Dan Drohan, SOLAIRUS Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications Patrick Gallagher, NETJETS AVIATION Joan Sullivan Garrett, Medaire Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument, LLC Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation David C. Hurley, Aviation Partners Boeing, Inc. & ALOFT Aero Architects Ève Laurier, Bombardier Inc. Wilson S. Leach, Aviation International News Jack J. Pelton, Experimental Aircraft Association Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare Ambassadors Larry Anglisano Fred Ball Anthony Banome Eric Blinderman Bob Blouin Kathleen Blouin Cassandra Bosco Doug Carr Richard Cleary Jim Cooling Susan Cotten Corey Cusick Ericka Essington Rebecca Exantus Blake Freedland John Gabriel Bill Garvey Fred George Stephanie Goetz Bill Hampton
Rob Hancock Carol Harris Christa Hinckley Dick Koenig Jamail Larkins Jim Lewis Steve Markham David Mayer Glenn Pomerance, MD Lesley Quesada Lisa Sasse, FRAeS Lindsey Savko Doug Schwartz Bob Scott Bob Searles Bob Showalter Nadine Simko Charmaine Sprouse Pat Sullivan Mike Szczechowski
LIFELINE Bob Searles, Editor Al Struna, Creative Director Cover: Hank Anthenien has been named CAN’s Jenna Vial 2026 Fearless Fighter. Read his story on page 5.
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Aviation Leaders Pelton, Garrett Join CAN’s Board of Directors
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AN recently has added two more distinguished aviation leaders to its Board of Directors: Jack J. Pelton and Joan Sullivan Garrett.
Pelton is Chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the former Chairman, President and CEO of Cessna Aircraft (now Textron Aviation). He also has held numerous industry board positions, including Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Pelton is an experienced and accomplished pilot who is type-rated on numerous business jets and personally owns several aircraft. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with other board members to enhance CAN’s vital mission,” Pelton stated. “Public benefit flying stands as one of the most impactful humanitarian initiatives in aviation. It not only supports the people it serves, but also offers fulfillment to the individuals and organizations that champion this important cause.” Joan Sullivan Garrett is the Founder of MedAire, a leader in integrated medical, travel and safety services that pioneered development of real-time worldwide medical support. Garrett has served on numerous aviation and nonprofit boards
and is a member of the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. “I am honored to join CAN’s Board and support its extraordinary mission,” said Garrett. “The ability to remove barriers to care — especially for patients facing serious illness — is both impactful and deeply meaningful. CAN’s work exemplifies how aviation can be used as a force for good, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and reach.” Jean Rosanvallon, CAN Chairman, welcomed Pelton and Garrett to CAN’s Board. “Few people have had the experience and broad, multifaceted impact on the aviation industry as Jack Pelton,” said Rosanvallon. “His decades of dedication and advocacy have been a catalyst for the growth and well-being of our industry. He is a welcome addition to our Board.” “Joan is a true trailblazer whose career has been defined by innovation and a commitment to protecting and saving lives,” added Rosanvallon. “Her unique perspective at the intersection of aviation and healthcare aligns with CAN’s mission. We are excited to welcome her to the Board.”
You’re Invited to Fund an Angel Don’t miss CAN’s event of the year, Fund an Angel, which will be held on the second evening of NBAA-BACE at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fund an Angel will raise funds for CAN’s vital mission of transporting cancer patients to treatment centers. Participants may choose to bid, sponsor, or donate an item to the silent auction, or purchase tickets for the evening reception. For more information, visit www.fundanangel.org.
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A Special Olympics Airlift Journey Years in the Making
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t happens just once every four
years, but for the Special Olympics athletes and coaches it serves, the memories last a lifetime. The Special Olympics Airlift is one of the aviation community’s most meaningful collaborations, bringing together pilots, aircraft owners, volunteers and supporters from across the country to help athletes reach the competition they’ve worked so hard to achieve. In June, CAN Ambassador Dick Koenig and President & CEO Bob Stangarone supported the event as on-site baggage handlers and golf cart drivers, as they have in previous years.
“Most importantly, it’s about the athletes. Seeing their excitement, their pride and the connections they make throughout the journey is what inspires all of us. The Airlift is a reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a greater purpose.” First launched in 1985 under the vision of Cessna Aircraft Company President & CEO and Chairman Emeritus Russ Meyer, the Airlift has grown into the world’s largest peacetime aviation event of its kind. This year, more than 130 Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft departed from 26 locations across the United States, transporting more than 800 athletes and coaches to Minneapolis-St. Paul for a week
of competition, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences. Led by Textron Aviation, the Airlift is made possible through the dedication of hundreds of Cessna and Beechcraft customers, partners and sponsors, along with hundreds of volunteers who rally around a shared mission: ensuring athletes arrive not only at the Games, but as the champions they are. This year, more than 200 ground and support volunteers, and a network of hundreds of volunteer pilots and crew members, supported the event. “This event clearly showcases the power of aviation collaboration and community spirit,” said Stephanie Harder, Vice President, Communications, Textron Aviation, and Special Olympics Airlift Co-Chair. “But most importantly, it’s about the athletes. Seeing their excitement, their pride and the connections they make throughout the journey is what inspires all of us. The Airlift is a reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a greater purpose.” Behind the scenes, the operation is a remarkable display of coordination. Throughout arrival day, aircraft known as Doves arrive and depart approximately every three minutes. One week later, the aircraft return to bring athletes and coaches home after a memorable week of competition. To say the event is complex would be an understatement. In addition to recruiting aircraft operators and planning and executing flight operations, there’s the logistics support for buses, volunteers, baggage, golf carts, housing, meals, news media, promotion, transportation… the list is endless. But in the end, it’s all about the athletes, Harder said. “We want the athletes and everyone involved with the Airlift to have a memorable, life-changing experience. And by every measure it is.” c o r p o r a t e A n g e l N e t w o r k
n Stephanie Harder, Vice President, Communications, Textron Aviation
Hank Anthenien is CAN’s 2026 Jenna Vial Fearless Fighter Award Winner
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ank Anthenien, an eight-year-old from California who is battling a rare form of neuroblastoma, has been named CAN’s Jenna Vial Fearless Fighter Award winner for 2026. Inspired by the courage and resilience of the patients it serves, CAN established the Fearless Fighter Award in 2025. This year the award was renamed to honor the late Jenna Vial, who traveled on CAN flights to obtain treatment for a brain tumor. Despite the physical toll of her illness, Jenna established a fund to provide hope, support and resources to empower individuals and families affected by cancer. First diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in April 2023, Hank initially underwent treatment at a California hospital in order to reduce the size of a tumor that was pushing on his left optic nerve, diminishing his light perception. However, after performing extensive research on Hank’s condition, his mother, Stephanie Barrientos, sought treatment from the specialized neuroblastoma team at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York City. Hank had surgery at MSK in August 2024, which restored the light perception in his left eye. “When he had his first surgery [at MSK] we were so thankful for Corporate Angel Network because they flew us back home after the surgery,” said Stephanie, who credited an MSK social worker for introducing her to CAN. “Without CAN, we would not have had access to the care Hank needed.” Now in his second year of a vaccine trial at MSK, Hank has had a chance to heal and grow. “It’s been a roller coaster, but he is thriving,” said Stephanie, who noted that he is attending second grade without having to take any medication. Although he has a spot on his lower jaw, he is stable and has vision in both eyes. “It feels like we are constantly praying for a miracle and it keeps happening,” said Stephanie. ”I get F ALL 2 0 2 6
How You Can Help CAN Corporate flight departments and other aircraft operators that would like to become a Corporate Angel Network partner can call CAN directly 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. CAN uses the money to support patient travel requests. CAN aims 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 www.corpangelnetwork.org.
to drop him off at school like a normal little boy and not worry. Three years ago, I never would have imagined that happening. We are so blessed.” “I just want to thank all the [travel service] donors that make it possible for us to have this privilege of flying with CAN because it takes so much stress off of us as parents flying with kids. When a kid has cancer, you try to make as much magic as you can, and this is pretty magical.”
Innovative Cancer Therapies
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Advance Offers Hope for the Future By B r e t S c h i p p e r , M D , FA C S , C P E
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t is a powerful moment in the world of oncology when you have a room filled with thousands of the world’s leading oncologists at the premier national oncology meeting, all standing on their feet applauding, some with tears in their eyes, as new breakthrough data is being presented that will change the game for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. That was the scene at this year’s ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) meeting that took place in Chicago in June. For the last few decades, researchers have tried and failed to develop a drug that would specifically target a mutation frequently seen in more than 90% of all pancreatic cancers, called KRAS, as a way to try to stop the progression of the disease. Up until now, they have been unsuccessful. However, all this changed when results from a Phase 3 trial showed that a new drug called Daraxonrasib, a once-daily oral pill, reduced the risk of death by 60%, compared with standard chemotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Median overall survival nearly doubled at 13.2 months with Daraxonrasib vs 6.7 months with standard chemotherapy. Dr. Brian Wolpin from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was the lead investigator and called this breakthrough “the new standard of care” for patients who have received at least one prior line of standard treatment. As you can imagine, this has caused an incredible frenzy among patients trying to get access to this new treatment. The
FDA has authorized an expanded access program that allows eligible patients to receive this treatment outside a clinical trial. The hope is that, as we get more data on this drug, it will show greater benefit and can be moved into the treatment paradigm earlier than when a patient already has advanced disease and has tried standard chemo, thereby improving the overall survival for all pancreatic cancer patients, regardless of stage. Targeted therapies like this drug are the future of cancer care. As we learn more about the biology of cancer, we know there are specific genes that can act as on/off switches to affect the progression of cancer. The challenge has been designing drugs that can alter these switches and still be safe without significant side effects. This is an exciting time in cancer care, with many new treatments on the horizon using targeted gene therapies across many different cancer types. One of the biggest challenges for patients trying to get access to these trials and the centers offering these new drugs is transportation. That’s where CAN comes in to help these patients access these centers and potentially save lives. Thank you to all who support CAN to make this possible, and here is to a big milestone in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. About the Author Bret Schipper, MD, FACS, is chief of surgical oncology at Hartford (CT) Hospital and director of oncologic surgery for the entire Cancer Institute. Dr. Schipper was elected to Corporate Angel Network’s Board of Directors in March 2024. n Attendees cheer as Dr. Brian Wolpin
Photo by © ASCO/Scott Morgan 2026
presents Abstract LBA5 at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting.
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Corporate Angel Network Honored with Aviation Week Network’s Laureate Award
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orporate Angel Network
has received the prestigious Aviation Week Network’s Laureate Award. Presented on March 19, 2026, in Washington, DC, the award recognizes CAN’s remarkable milestone of completing its 70,000th cancer patient flight. The Aviation Week Network’s Laureate Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the global aerospace industry. CAN’s recognition highlights more than four decades of unwavering commitment to expanding access to life-saving care through the generosity of the business aviation community. “This honor is a testament to the incredible support of our partners, volunteers and the aviation community,” said Bob Stangarone, CAN President and CEO. “Reaching 70,000 patient flights is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when compassion and business aviation come together.” This milestone was achieved in July 2025, when CAN arranged its 70,000th flight for Michael Newton, a young father of two, who traveled
from Minnesota to New York and back for cancer treatment. The mission was made possible by long-time partner Hanson Communications, which generously provided seats on its Learjet 40XR. Additional support was provided by Signature Aviation, Million Air, and Drivania Chauffeurs — an inspiring example of the collaboration that drives CAN’s mission forward. Representing CAN at the awards ceremony were Bob Stangarone; Courtney Easton, Vice President of
Strategy, Programs & Outreach; Bruce Hanson and Dominick Hanson of Hanson Communications; and CAN participant Michael Newton. Together, they proudly accepted the award on behalf of the entire CAN community. “This recognition belongs to every company, flight crew, and individual who has helped make these missions possible,” said Stangarone. “Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.”
Curt Epstein Wins CAN’s 2026 Aerospace Media Award To recognize excellence in aviation journalism, Corporate Angel Network sponsored the Humanitarian Journalism Award at this year’s Aerospace Media Awards banquet in London, England on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. Curt Epstein, the Business Aviation Services Editor for Aviation International News, was the recipient of the award for his piece titled “A Year after KDCA Midair, FBO GM Recalls Bizav Role in Response.” The award recognizes excellence in journalism covering humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, medical evacuation flights, and the wider role of aviation in delivering critical aid during times of crisis. It celebrates the work of journalists who bring global attention to the vital contribution that aviation makes in saving lives, supporting vulnerable communities and responding to emergencies around the world. n Aviation Inte rnational “Supporting the Humanitarian Award is a natural extension of CAN’s mission,” said Bob News President Ruben Stangarone, Corporate Angel Network President and CEO. “Journalists play a crucial role in bringing Kempeneer (left) accept ed the Humanitarian attention to the life-saving capabilities of aviation, and we are delighted to celebrate those who Journalism Award on help the public understand the real human impact of these efforts.” behalf of Curt Epstein.
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Survivor Aims to Raise Cancer Awareness Among Young Adults
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eactions to a cancer diagnoses are as varied
as the disease itself, which can strike any person at any age. But when an otherwise healthy young adult contracts cancer, their friends and family often are dumbfounded. “People were shocked because I’m a fitness coach, a yoga instructor and a certified nutritionist,” says Alondra Gibson, who was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 31. “I watch what I eat, I work out and I look healthy.” What was first thought to be a muscle strain, turned out to be an obstruction in her colon that required emergency surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy. A week before being diagnosed, Alondra had signed a lease to move from New York to Texas. However, she is being treated in New York, which requires her to travel north to receive treatment every other week, often on flights arranged by Corporate Angel Network. Fortunately, Alondra is responding well, with her recent scans showing no signs of cancer. Alondra has shared her journey on social media in order to raise cancer awareness among young people, a segment of the population that is experiencing rising rates of colon
cancer. Between TikTok and Instagram, her story has generated 10 million views, and she has attracted more than 200,000 followers since February. “The more I started to share my story, the more people started to understand that it [colon cancer] is something that’s happening everywhere.” Alondra’s story has also been featured on CNN, and she has worked with Katie Couric, the TV journalist who became a colon cancer advocate after the disease claimed her husband’s life. Alondra currently is working on a documentary on the importance of screening and is creating a foundation with her family to assist people dealing with chronic illness. “My goal for 2026 is to get the foundation up and running, and I am collaborating with other cancer survivors to create more awareness of not only colon cancer, but other cancers as well.” Alondra also is planning to create yoga and nutrition programs for people undergoing chemotherapy. “I want to create a community for people who don’t know how to navigate this journey and help them understand that the mind and the body are one.”
Stupid Cancer and CAN: In It Together
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amily, peer and community support are key to dealing with cancer effectively. For the approximately 90,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in the U.S. who are diagnosed with cancer each year, peer support is especially important since often they don’t know anyone else their age in a similar predicament. In addition, AYAs can struggle to find information and resources specific to their situation. That’s why Stupid Cancer was founded. As the leader in building the adolescent and young adult (AYA)
cancer community, ending isolation, and making cancer suck less, Stupid Cancer provides access to programs, resources and education so everyone in the AYA cancer community can get busy living. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves as a clearinghouse on a wide variety of topics, from mental health to fertility and caregiving and is an advocate for expanded AYA cancer research. Stupid Cancer also hosts
CancerCon®, an annual event that brings together hundreds of patients, (continued on next page)
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Team Member Profile
Rose Vasquez, Grants and Development Manager (continued from previous page) survivors, advocates and health care professionals to learn, share and build community. With such an expansive mission, Stupid Cancer partners with a variety of organizations, including Corporate Angel Network. CAN is a member of Stupid Cancer’s AYA Cancer Collaborative Group, which meets quarterly to discuss AYA services, events and initiatives. As Brigid Frasquillo, Stupid Cancer’s Programs Manager, explains, “Through the Cancer Collaborative we wanted to create a hub and a central meeting space for organizations and nonprofits that work directly with or on behalf of the AYA cancer community. The goal is to be able to bring organizations together so that folks can share programmatic updates and areas where they might collaborate with other organizations.” The aim is to create stronger partnerships that can best serve the AYA community, while not reinventing the wheel. Recognizing that transportation can be a formidable barrier to accessing the best cancer treatment available, Corporate Angel Network can be a vital resource for AYAs. “Being able to reduce transportation costs [for AYAs] is something we are always looking to do,” says Frasquillo. Rebecca Fre-Hiwet, who represents CAN at Stupid Cancer’s quarterly collaborative meetings, says, “Attending the AYA Cancer Collaborative meetings is a powerful reminder that no single organization can meet every need of a young adult facing cancer. Corporate Angel Network is proud to be part of this dedicated community, working together to connect patients with the transportation, resources and support they deserve.” For more information or to donate, please visit www.stupidcancer.org. F ALL 2 0 2 6
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ose Vasquez, who joined CAN in March, brings 25 years of
grant writing experience to the new staff position of Grants and Development Manager, a post that was established to enable CAN to pursue more grant funding on a regular basis. During her career, Vasquez has done everything from writing educational grants, to developing law enforcement and fire department funding proposals, as well as applying for large, multiyear federal grants. After serving with four nonprofits, she moved to Arizona to be near her retired parents and became a consultant for an array of nonprofits, helping numerous new groups launch. Now, Rose is enhancing the grants infrastructure for CAN from the ground up. “When I joined CAN, I wanted to create a grants dashboard for streamlined grants tracking to complement CAN’s existing database. I want to make sure that we have, in one place, all the grants available at any time, so anybody can look at a snapshot across the organization and see what’s happening in terms of funding development.” Under Rose’s watch, CAN has started applying for technology grants for upgraded systems to enhance efficiency. The goal is to make the process of matching patient travel requests to available flights virtually seamless. “We know that there are IT capabilities that will give us, in real time, the flights that are available.” Under this new system, aircraft operators would be able to see if there are CAN patients going their way and then select the flights they can do, reducing the number of emails to set up a trip.” Another priority is to pursue grants that will provide additional funding to build capacity to serve more patients.
“When I joined CAN, I wanted to create a grants dashboard for streamlined grants tracking to make sure that we have, in one place, all the grants available at any time.” Rose hopes to submit at least 10 grants per month by casting a wide net for funders. Besides raising money, the process would give CAN the opportunity to educate potential funders who don’t know what the organization does. “I think there’s a lot of value in being able to come into an organization that’s been established for so long, but still needs some infrastructure,” said Vasquez. “That’s like a dream come true for a grant writer, because I get to develop something from the bottom up that’s going to be in place after I’m gone. I’m really proud to be able do that.”
CAN Ambassador Profile
Meet Lindsey Savko
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self-proclaimed busy bee, Lindsey Savko is a
registered nurse, corporate flight attendant, Miss Connecticut pageant contestant, and aspiring pilot. Yet, despite all of her endeavors, she still finds time to represent CAN at numerous aviation-related events and spends one day a week answering phones and registering patients at CAN headquarters. She also is researching whether more corporate shuttle operators could be potential CAN partners and is exploring the possibility of CAN hosting a fund-raising 5K race in 2027. Lindsey first learned about CAN in 2023 while attending an aviation event where the organization was exhibiting. She had lost two grandparents to cancer a year earlier, so she immediately felt an affinity for CAN’s mission. “That’s why I wanted to partner with and advocate for CAN.” In fact, Lindsey lets virtually everyone she comes into contact with know that CAN is helping provide hope to cancer patients who need to travel to distant treatment centers. Lindsey is from an aviation family. Her father was a corporate aviator, her mother is a dispatcher and her brother is an airline pilot. So, it’s no wonder that she has established her own aviation business — Linrose Worldwide, LLC — which provides flight attendant services to business aircraft operators.
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“When people hire me as a flight attendant, they know they’re getting a nurse as well.” If necessary, Lindsey can provide medical care in flight. And if the opportunity arises, she mentions CAN to her corporate passengers. Even while competing in the Miss Connecticut pageant earlier this year, Lindsey raised awareness of CAN by designating the organization as her community service initiative for the year. “I really care about Corporate Angel Network and the patients that we’re serving. I want to make a difference and be a helping hand in a time of need. CAN’s mission provides hope and is helping save lives. I really want to broadcast that through the networking I’m doing.” In October, Lindsey will attend the 2026 National Business Aviation Association convention, the industry’s largest event. “I will have my own business card and a CAN business card.” She will be looking to land flight attendant assignments, but also will be trying to get more aircraft operators involved in CAN. Meanwhile, Lindsey is pursuing a master of science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner and working toward earning a pilot’s license, with the long-term goal of joining the Air Force, while continuing to be one of CAN’s most enthusiastic advocates.
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Volunteer Profile
Meet Ashley Vieira
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t goes without saying that people who volunteer at CAN are passionate about helping those in need. For Ashley Vieira, a UConn senior pre-med student who aspires to be a neurosurgeon, serving as a CAN volunteer is just one of many ways she has been helping people. Despite her young age, Ashley already has volunteered for a variety of organizations, from ones that support pets and children, to food shelters and blood drives. She’s even helped teach taekwondo.
“Being able to help submit a flight request or successfully get a flight really makes me feel better. As much as I love helping all people, I especially like helping children because they’re so young and innocent.” Ashley learned about CAN through idealist.org, a website that lists volunteer and nonprofit job opportunities. “I was looking for different types of volunteer opportunities,” she explained. “I like to do different things to keep me on my toes. But once I saw the CAN listing, I saw it as an opportunity to be able to F ALL 2 0 2 6
directly help cancer patients. I knew it was definitely something I wanted to do.” “Being able to help people makes me feel great,” declared Ashley, who is especially gratified when she can assist families who are seeking flights to cancer treatment centers that serve children. “Being able to help them submit a flight request or successfully get a flight really makes me feel better. I think that’s my favorite part. As much as I love helping all people, I especially like helping children because they’re so young and innocent.” Although it will take more years of schooling for her to become a neurosurgeon, Ashley is not deterred. “I’ve always been set on becoming a neurosurgeon. Since I was about 10 years old, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do [because] I’ve always been fascinated with the brain and how it makes everything in the body work.” Ashley has not applied to medical school yet. “I’m going to take a gap year so I can get more time for clinical hours and volunteering. I also want to study more for my MCAT [Medical College Admission Test]. I want to make sure I’m 100% ready.” Ashley started volunteering at CAN in June and left to go back to college at the end of August. However, she plans to come back during school breaks. “I will try to come back as much as I can.”
Questions? We Have Answers. How can my company join Corporate Angel Network? Becoming a valued CAN partner is simple – register online at www. corpangelnetwork.org/register and a CAN representative will contact you regarding next steps. Please keep in mind that all aircraft, including both turbofan- and turboprop-powered, must be pressurized and flown with two qualified pilots.
How does the partnership program work? The CAN team works to match requested patient routes with scheduled business flights. Schedule sharing may be done via a flight management software, or if needed, by email or phone. CAN will work with your team to determine the most efficient process. When a match is found, CAN will contact the designated corporate contact where the flight may be accepted or declined.
What is required of our flight department? The only work required is to send the flight schedule to CAN. When sharing your schedule via a flight sharing software, no additional work is required from your flight department, as the feed is automatic. For more information, contact CAN at info@corpangelnetwork.org or call (914) 328-1313.
CAN Calendar of Events October 20-22...................NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) October 21..........................Fund an Angel (Las Vegas, NV) November 10-12..............Bombardier Safety Standdown (Wichita, KS) November 16-18..............Corporate Jet Investor (Miami, FL)
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JOIN US FOR
FUND AN ANGEL 5 : 3 0 – 7 : 3 0 P M // F o n t a i n e b l e a u L a s Ve g a s ( W a t e r b l e a u Te r r a c e ) The aviation community has the power to do more than move people — it can change lives. Join Corporate Angel Network (CAN) during NBAA-BACE for Fund an Angel, an unforgettable evening celebrating the generosity of those who help cancer patients access the care they need through free flights on business aircraft. Network with industry leaders, enjoy refreshments, participate in a live and silent auction, and help provide a lifeline to patients and families facing cancer. Sponsor //
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