Why Embraer Executive Jets Supports CAN Fund an Angel Shows Business Aviation at its Finest
The Power of Charities
By Bob Stangarone, CAN President & CEO
Charities have always played a vital role in addressing critical social issues like poverty, hunger, education, and healthcare, often stepping in where the government and private sectors fall short.
In times of crisis — such as natural disasters or economic downturns — charitable organizations provide immediate relief and long-term recovery solutions. This support not only alleviates suffering, but also strengthens community bonds, emphasizing our shared humanity.
Moreover, charities facilitate philanthropy and volunteerism, enabling individuals to express their values and altruism. Engaging in charitable activities — such as donations, volunteering, or advocacy — offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This participation fosters social responsibility and encourages active citizenship, inspiring further acts of kindness.
In a society often focused on materialism and individualism, charities remind us of the importance of generosity and selflessness. They cultivate a culture of giving, reinforcing the belief that everyone can contribute to societal betterment, regardless of their financial means.
At Corporate Angel Network, we are fortunate to have a robust community of supporters — including Ambassadors, Volunteers, Donors, Corporations, and Foundations. The most common sentiment we hear from these “Angels” is: “I get much more out of it than I give.”
Charities are essential in today’s world, providing crucial services to those in need while fulfilling our innate desire to help others. They build community and play an important role in creating a more equitable and compassionate society.
Corporate Angel Network’s mission of supporting cancer patients during treatment is particularly critical for their emotional, psychological, and physical health. The cancer journey is filled with fear and uncertainty. Encouragement from family, friends, and community can significantly alleviate these burdens, enhancing a patient’s resilience. Emotional support leads to better coping mechanisms, improving treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
At Corporate Angel Network, we are fortunate to have a robust community of supporters — including Ambassadors, Volunteers, Donors, Corporations, and Foundations — all of which contribute in numerous ways to assist cancer patients during their greatest time of need. The most common sentiment we hear from these “Angels” is: “I get much more out of it than I give.”
The impact of charities extends far beyond immediate aid; they fulfill a fundamental human need to do good, nurturing a culture of compassion, empathy, and civic duty.
It cannot be overstated: Charities are an essential and powerful force in today’s society.
107 Mill Plain Road, Suite 204
Danbury, CT 06811
Tel: (914) 328-1313
www.corpangelnetwork.org
TEAM
Robert Stangarone, President & CEO
Courtney Easton, Vice President of Strategy, Programs & Outreach
Rebecca Fre-Hiwet, Operations Manager Kelly Scanlon, Patient Services Manager
Courtney Ward, Patient Services Flight Scheduler Rose Vasquez, Grants and Development Manager
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. Dan Drohan, SOLAIRUS
Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines
Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications
Patrick Gallagher, NETJETS AVIATION
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
Christa Hinckley
Eric
Bob
Kathleen Blouin
Cassandra Bosco
James Cooling
Rick Cleary
Susan Cotten
Rick Cleary
Ericka Essington
John Gabriel
Bill Garvey
Stephanie Goetz
Bill Hampton
Rob Hancock
Dick Koenig
Jamail Larkins
Jim Lewis
Steve Markham
David Mayer
Dr. Glenn Pomerance
Lesley Quesada
Bob Scott
Bob Searles
Bob Showalter
Nadine Simko
Pat Sullivan
Sherry Vafa
LIFELINE Bob Searles, Editor Al Struna, Creative Director
Cover (left to right): Pierce Brooks, Senior Demo/Instructor Pilot, Embraer Executive Jets; CAN patient Carol Robins.
Larry Anglisano Fred Ball
Blinderman
Blouin
Carol Harris
CAN Adds Four Aviation Leaders to Board of Directors
Canrecently has added four distinguished aviation leaders to its Board of Directors.
Dan Drohan, Founder and CEO of Solairus, is a pilot with thousands of flight hours who brings three decades of business aviation leadership to Can. Under his guidance, Solairus has grown to be one of the nation’s leading aircraft management and charter services providers.
Patrick Gallagher, President of NetJets Aviation, brings more than 25 years of aviation leadership and operational expertise to Can gallagher oversees the world’s largest and most sophisticated private aviation fleet, making him a valuable addition to Can’s board.
Jeannine Haas, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., who has over 25 years of marketing leadership, oversees gulfstream’s global brand management, advertising, events, media relations, public affairs, community investment, insights and analytics, and digital engagement.
Ève Laurier, Bombardier’s Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, has nearly 25 years of experience in public relations, communications, branding and corporate marketing. Her expertise in global communications and corporate social responsibility will help expand Can’s reach.
Jeanrosanvallon, CanChairman, welcomed the four new Board Members.
“Dan Drohan is a highly respected industry leader whose integrity, long-term vision, and commitment to excellence align seamlessly with Can’s mission,” saidrosanvallon. “we are honored to welcome him to our Board and look forward to the insight and leadership he will bring to our organization.”
“patrickgallagher’s leadership in aviation and his longstanding commitment to Canmake him an incredible asset to our organization,” addedrosanvallon. “netJets has been an extraordinary partner for nearly three decades, and we are honored to welcome patrick in this new leadership role.”
“Jeannine Haas brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to community impact,” continuedrosanvallon. “Her insights will strengthen our efforts to connect patients with the care they need.”
“we are thrilled to welcome Ève laurier to the CanBoard of Directors,” saidrosanvallon. “Her experience and passion for making a difference will be invaluable as we continue to grow our partnerships and provide hope to thousands of cancer patients each year.”
CAN 2025 Stats Update
Received 11,000 incoming calls.
4,078 Flight Requests.
1,802 Completed Patient Flights.
844 New Patient Registrations.
150 Flights Per Month.
7 New Flight Partners.
4 Stars on Charity Navigator.
Fund an Angel Shows Business Aviation at its Finest
OnCe eaCh fall, the national Business Aviation Association (NBAA) hosts the world’s largest business aviation event: the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), bringing together more than 17,000 industry professionals and stakeholders.
For Corporate Angel Network (CAN), it’s the culmination of a year’s planning for its annual fundraiser, Fund an Angel. The funds raised at this event fuel CAN’s mission of providing cancer patients with free transportation to their treatment using empty seats on business and commercial aircraft.
“Fund an Angel truly showcases business aviation at its finest. When the industry comes together, it has the power to change lives. That generosity means cancer patients can access critical treatment when they need it most.”
By every measure, the 2025 gala at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas was a great success, with more than 600 guests, up from 500 in 2024, and five new sponsors.
Led by Presenting Level Sponsor Signature Aviation, 41 organizations generously contributed more than $500,000 in sponsorships, auction items, ticket sales, and individual donations toward CAN’s mission to help cancer patients going through the most challenging times of their lives.
The event also served as a celebration of CAN’s 70,000th patient flight since its founding in 1981.
According to Courtney Easton, CAN’s Vice President of Strategy, Programs and Outreach, who leads the extensive planning and execution of the event, “Fund an Angel truly showcases business aviation at its finest. When the industry comes together, it has the power to change lives. That generosity means cancer patients can access critical treatment when they need it most.”
Ed Bolen, NBAA President and CEO said, “Business aviation is a community dedicated to giving back and helping those in need. This event, coupled with CAN’s long history of organizing humanitarian flights with business aircraft, perfectly aligns with these values.”
The 2026 Fund an Angel Committee, led by Easton, has already started planning for this year’s event which will take place at NBAA-BACE at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 21.
“With the leadership of our dedicated committee and the continued support of this incredible industry, we look forward to welcoming the business aviation community back to Fund an Angel in October to make 2026 our most impactful year yet,” said Easton.
The Fund an Angel Committee
Jenna Leigh Vial Named CAN’s 2025 Patient of the Year
Every day, as Canteam members and volunteers work to arrange air transportation for cancer patients, they marvel at the courage and resilience of those fighting the disease.
“we are continually inspired by the patients we serve,” saidrobert Stangarone, Canpresident and Ceo “although they face numerous physical, emotional and financial challenges in their quest to obtain treatment, they strive to maintain a positive attitude.”
to acknowledge the determination of these patients, Canin 2025 established the Fearless Fighteraward to honor an individual whose journey embodies courage, resilience, and the profound impact of community support during cancer treatment. This recognition celebrates a patient who not only faced extraordinary medical challenges, but who also inspired those around them through their strength, grace, and hope.
Can’s first annual Fearless Fighter award was given in 2025 to Jennaleigh
Vial. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2024, she took multiple Canflights to Houston’s MDanderson Cancer Center to receive treatment. although slowed by her cancer, Jenna was determined to help others, establishing the Stronger together with Jenna Fund to provide hope, support, and essential resources to those affected by cancer. She also created theglowwalk/ run fundraiser, a race held in her hometown of Hammond,la
although Jenna’s courageous journey has ended, her light still shines. Her deep commitment to faith, family, friends, community, and education continues to inspire.
“Jenna’s story, spirit, and determination left a lasting impression on
our organization and community,” noted Stangarone. “Her journey and the way she inspired everyone who had the privilege of supporting her became the catalyst for creating this award, which stands as a tribute to her legacy and to all patients who demonstrate remarkable perseverance in the face of cancer.”
“we can’t tell you how honored we are that Canwants to name this award after our Jenna,” said the Vial family.
“This means so much to our whole family.we all agree that Jenna would be so honored to have her legacy continue on as a way of lifting others up during a most difficult journey.”
n Jenna flanked by her father David and mother Deborah.
Jeff Williams Is a Survivor
any stage 4 CanCer patients have been told they may survive one and a half or two years,”
said Ohio resident Jeff Williams, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2019. “For me, it has now been more than six years.”
“My situation has always been serious,” Jeff acknowledged. “I don’t take things for granted. People get on the treadmill of life and get so busy with work. I’m really lucky. My diagnosis enabled me to stop and smell the roses.”
Jeff was told by his local doctors that he had tumors in his liver and lungs, besides his colon tumor. Surgeries were followed by chemotherapy, which was only partially effective. He also was advised that additional surgeries could not remove all his tumors.
Jeff then sought a second opinion from MD Anderson, a leading treatment center in Houston. Over several months, Jeff underwent multiple surgeries there, followed by radiation treatments.
Jeff’s first trips to Houston were on the airlines, but then he learned about CAN. His first CAN flight took place on April 4, 2022. Jeff has received more than 100 rounds of chemotherapy and has participated in two MD Anderson clinical trials, which requires him to fly to Houston regularly.
Being able to access CAN flights has been “fantastic,” Jeff declared. “When I get word that CAN has a flight match, it brightens my day. The savings in expense alone are tremendous.”
But for Jeff, it’s about more than saving money. He values
the flexibility of flying with CAN. One flight enabled him to get home in time to see his son’s baseball game.
Jeff also has enjoyed another CAN benefit: he’s been on three “mashup” flights in which donated NetJets’ owner hours are utilized to pick up several patients from different locations and take them all to Houston. During these trips, Jeff has developed relationships with other patients. “We are on the same difficult journey, and I find a unique connection with patients during mashup flights.”
“Every time I talk to CAN I tell them, ‘The service you provide is truly remarkable.’ It takes a community to fight
“Every time I talk to CAN I tell them, ‘The service you provide is truly remarkable.’ So many people have helped me be successful.”
cancer — oncologists, surgeons, nurses, CAN, etc. So many people have helped me be successful.”
Now Jeff is giving back. He has set up a nonprofit called Brighter Blue, which emphasizes the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer and provides funds to help colon cancer patients.
Patient Profile
n (Left to right) Jeff Williams, Richard Dupatz and his wife Karen, William Avellone, and Jeff’s son Andrew.
Why Embraer Executive Jets Supports CAN
An interview with
Bradley McKeage, Sr. Vice President of Flight Operations
How long has Embraer supported CAN? Who was pivotal in establishing a relationship with the organization? embraer began its formal relationship around 2018, but I and otherembraer employees have known of Corporate angelnetwork and their work for a long time. Their reputation precedes it, led by CanCeoBob Stangarone, so when we saw the opportunity to formalize a partnership, we were very happy to do so.
What motivated Embraer to support CAN? Did any key personnel have experience in dealing with cancer?
embraer has long been active in giving back to the local communities in which it operates through various partnerships with theembraer Foundation. However, our work with Can stands out personally for many of us.after all, who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly?
increase the non-profit’s visibility in the industry, we offer free advertisement in our customer magazine and promote Canat the Central Florida Business aviationassociation, where Bill Syverson, our Manager ofglobal Flightoperations, sits on the board.
Are there any moments or stories from CAN flights that have stood out to your team or reinforced the importance of this partnership?
one we did recently stands out: a patient we picked up intexas. She had never
in advance and went out of her way to make cupcakes for the flight (preapproved with Canand the family, of course). The kids loved them. every flight is a privilege to be a part of, but on these occasions, when we can go the extra mile to make their experience that much better, it’s something I won’t forget.
What does this partnership mean to Embraer employees?
This partnership represents something deeply meaningful forembraer employees. while our core mission is to deliver the highest standards of aviation safety and manufacturing excellence to serve our customers, partnering with Cangives us an opportunity to extend that purpose beyond travel it allows us to help save lives.
Supporting Canis our way of fighting back against cancer, and there could be no greater drive than that.we’ve made it our mission to serve patients who otherwise wouldn’t have access to these flights, especially children and patients local to our Florida community, where we are headquartered.
What ways do you support CAN? Do you encourage your operators to support the organization, too? embraer provides complimentary flights to patients via our fleet of demonstration aircraft.we also introduce Canas much as possible to operators of our aircraft to leverage more flights for patients.and, to
heard of Canor been on a private jet. She was amazed to find this tremendous resource was available to her. Her kids and grandkids came with her to the FBoto see her off, and it was probably her expectation to part ways with them in the building. It came as a wonderful surprise to her when we welcomed her family on board to see the plane and take pictures before the flight.as much as she appreciated the flight itself, I think she was even more grateful for the experience she could share with her family.and it was wonderful to be able to give her that. another time, we had a group of children on a flight.an employee who bakes professionally learned of the flight
For our Flight operations team, who consistently go above and beyond to make these flights possible, this partnership is a source of pride and inspiration. It reinforces that what we do every day has a profound impact not just on aviation, but on humanity.
How does supporting CAN align with Embraer’s broader values and corporate social responsibility priorities?
every Canmission reminds us that our work matters in ways that go far beyond efficiency and innovation.our aircraft aren’t just reducing travel time; they are becoming lifelines for patients in need. The dedication of the pilots and crew serving these missions reflects the same passion and commitment that drives all of us at embraer.
Meet Jamail Larkins
Can has more than two dozen ambassadors, mostly aviation industry leaders, who advocate for the organization as part of their professional activities. But few are as peripatetic as distinguished business aviator and entrepreneur Jamail Larkins. Since 2005, when he was appointed as FAA’s First Ambassador for Aviation & Space Education, he has been crisscrossing the country, telling young people about the benefits of aviation careers during so-called DreamLaunch Tours.
As the founder of AviationStart — the industry’s largest scholarship and careerresource platform that serves more than 16,000 aspiring aviation professionals and provides access to more than $20 million in scholarships — Jamail has inspired thousands of young people to embark upon aviation careers.
Students listen in part because Jamail is a wunderkind. He performed his first solo flight at age 14, started brokering aircraft while still a student at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, and has been recognized as a rising young entrepreneur by several leading organizations, including Forbes and Goldman Sachs.
“My goal as an Ambassador is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work CAN is doing and to rally more support from the aviation community.”
As part of his efforts to help the next generation chart their path in aviation, Jamail often mentions CAN in his presentations.
“In most of my industry keynotes, I talk about CAN and the impact it has on lives. I’ve dedicated the last 20 years to helping people understand what aviation makes possible,” explained Jamail. “Through CAN, that mission takes on a deeper meaning, because every flight can help save a life.”
As is the case with most people involved with CAN, Jamail’s family has been touched by the disease: His father was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer.
“If it wasn’t for access to life-saving cancer treatment, my father would not be alive today,” said Jamail. “CAN makes that same miracle possible for thousands of families across the country, and the ripple effect of those flights — the lives saved, the families kept whole — is something that can never truly be measured.”
Jamail is helping CAN in other ways. In 2025 he facilitated CAN’s involvement at Georgia’s Augusta Regional Airport during Masters Week, helping the organization get in front of 1,500 business aircraft operators who attended the major golf tournament.
“My goal as an Ambassador is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work CAN is doing and to rally more support from the aviation community. Together, we can help ensure that no cancer patient has to worry about how they’ll reach the care they need.”
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 Canby making a financial contribution.whether it’s $5 or $500, all donations truly matter. Canuses the money to support patient 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.
Courtney Ward, Flight Scheduler
More often than not, the best job leads come from friends or business associates. That’s how Courtney Ward, who has worked in healthcare her entire career, landed at CAN.
Courtney recalled, “From 2017 to 2019, Kelly Scanlon (CAN’s Patient Services Manager) and I worked together at Danbury Hospital in the Central Referral Office, handling doctor referrals and calling patients to coordinate or book appointments.”
In 2024, when there was an opening at CAN for a flight scheduler, Kelly asked Courtney to submit her resume. “To get an opportunity to work with Kelly again, I said ‘absolutely!’”
“Putting a smile on people’s faces when we are able to match them [to a flight] is very rewarding. I am happy to be able to help people with cancer get to their treatment and take the financial burden of transportation off their shoulders.”
Another reason Courtney was drawn to CAN was because her father had succumbed to cancer in 2022. “After he passed, I had always wanted to give back to cancer patients. I know their struggles.”
Courtney joined CAN in July 2024. Each day she reviews spreadsheets, trying to make a match between patient flight requests and planned trips by aircraft operators. She also contacts doctors to obtain medical clearances for each patient to fly.
“The CAN mission is great,” declared Courtney, who said the most gratifying part of her job is when she is able to find a flight for a patient.
“Putting a smile on people’s faces when we are able to match them [to a flight] is very rewarding. I am happy to be able to help people with cancer get to their treatment and take the financial burden of transportation off their shoulders. Sometimes the patients start to cry [tears of joy]. I try not to cry, but I tell them, ‘I know exactly how you feel.’”
Courtney’s greatest challenge is arranging “mash up
flights,” which involve aircraft operator NetJets picking up several cancer patients along its planned route, which typically involves flying to Houston or New York City.
“The stars have to align,” said Courtney. “The trip has to make sense geographically and involve patients who have treatments on the same day or one day before or after the flight date for the mash ups to work.”
“We all celebrate when we can make these complicated itineraries work!”
Our Difference
The benefits of flying with Corporateangelnetwork include:
naccess to lifesaving specialized treatment not available in all areas
nability to travel to clinical trials that contributes to the potential cure for patients
n The financial burden of travel is greatly reduced
n Family members/caregivers can accompany patients
nno financial qualification requirement
Patient Guidelines
to help make the travel experience as smooth as possible, all passengers receive travel guidelines. These cover attire, photography restrictions, protocol for unexpected changes to itineraries, and other pertinent information. Canis always available by email or phone to cover any questions or emergencies.
Meet Judy Fredette
Judy Fredette has been retired for several years, but she is always looking for ways to give back. She serves as a volunteer in a food kitchen in Danbury, Ctand found a separate foodrescue volunteer opportunity through aarp’s “Volunteer opportunities inyour area” webpage.
Seeking additional opportunities to serve, she returned to theaarp website in late 2024 and discovered that Canwas looking for a volunteer to help find empty seats on corporate aircraft for cancer patients needing to travel to distant treatment centers.
has family and friends who have been impacted by cancer.
“I have friends who have to fly to newyork for treatments, so I know what it’s like to have to pay for your own commercial flights.”
naturally, the best part of Judy’s job is when she is able to confirm a flight for a cancer patient.
“It’s a nice feeling when it all comes together, especially when we find available corporate shuttle flights and are able to tell patients specific flight times.”
Questions? We Have Answers.
How long will it take to find a flight for me?
“It’s a nice feeling when it all comes together, especially when we find available corporate shuttle flights and are able to tell patients specific flight times.”
“I was a database person at IBM for 20 years and worked in a physical therapy office for five years, where I gained experience working with doctors and patients. So, the Canposition felt like a nice opportunity for me to use my computer and personal skills to help cancer patients.”
In January 2025, after two weeks of training, Judy began volunteering at Can headquarters twice a week, three to four hours each day.
as is the case with virtually everyone who works or volunteers at Can, Judy
But even when she can’t find a flight match, she still takes a patient’s information “because you never know. There might be other ways Cancould help.”
all told, Judy says volunteering with Canhas been a rewarding experience.
“I am very thankful to be here. I appreciate the staff’s help in onboarding me and making me feel like part of the team. I feel like I am contributing. This opportunity feels right for me – it works for me and the organization.”
CAN Calendar of Events
we begin working on flight requests 7 to 10 business days prior to travel, as we receive corporate flight schedules within that timeframe. on occasion, we may find a flight immediately, but it varies depending on where you live and where you’re going. There is the possibility we may not find a flight, which is why our patients need to have a back up plan.
How will I know someone is working on my trip?
Because corporate flight schedules may change, we actively begin matching patient requests 7 to 10 business days prior to travel.at that time, you will be given a status update on your request.
March 19 .............................. Aviation Week Laureate Awards (Washington, DC)
March 24-26 .................... NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (Cleveland, OH)
March 30-April 1 Gulfstream Skyward Conference (Savannah, GA)
April 28-29 Falcon Maintenance & Operations Seminar (Dallas, TX)
April 30-May 3 CancerCon (Seattle, WA)
May 1 Angel Flight West Endeavor Awards (Los Angeles, CA)
May 18 ..................................
May 20
Aircraft Maintenance Association Golf Outing (Danbury, CT)
NBAA White Plains Regional Forum (White Plains, NY)
July 19 Aerospace Media Awards (London, UK)
October 20-22
NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Las Vegas, NV)
October 21 .......................... Fund an Angel Reception (Las Vegas, NV)
November 16-18 ............. Corporate Jet Investor (Miami, FL)
SAVE THE DATE FOR FUND AN ANGEL
October 21 // 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Be part of an unforgettable evening supporting Corporate Angel Network’s (CAN) mission of transporting cancer patients to life-saving 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 Can You 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.