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116 Flights. One incredible Journey.
Born in 2003 in Coral Springs, Florida, Matthew spent more than 15 years bravely battling Neuroblastoma. Throughout his long and difficult journey, Angel Flight NE had the privilege and blessing of supporting Matthew and his family, providing 116 round-trip flights through our partner JetBlue so he could access specialized treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Matthew’s journey is a powerful example of why our mission matters. Patients often must travel far from home to receive lifesaving care, and for families like Matthew’s, that meant traveling from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to New York City (JFK) again and again.
As you know, behind every flight is a story—and Matthew’s is one we will never forget.
Through our incredibly generous commercial aviation partner JetBlue, we were able to coordinate consistent, reliable travel for Matthew and his family during some of the most difficult days of their lives over the course of many years. Together, we embraced them and helped ease the burden of travel so they could focus on what mattered most: time together, treatment, and hope.
Recently, we received this message from Matthew’s family:
“It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I write to inform you of the passing of Matthew Swenson. Matt passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 23, after battling Neuroblastoma for over 15 ½ years.
We can't thank your organization enough for helping our family over the last several years with travel expenses and arrangements. The efforts from Angel Flight NE were actually a bright spot in our journey. You provided much needed relief through some VERY difficult times. Thank you.”
— Dan Swenson & Laraine Napoli
We are especially grateful to our partner JetBlue, whose 23 years of support has been vital in helping patients travel both nationally and internationally for specialized medical care, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to treatment.
Matthew’s story is a powerful reminder of what our mission makes possible.
We are not just providing transportation; we are providing access to critically needed medical care, more time, and moments of relief during life’s hardest chapters. We become a vital part of a patient’s journey and, often, part of their family.
Because of you—our supporters and partners—patients like Matthew and his family know they are never alone. They feel cared for and supported, so they can focus on what matters most.
We are honored to have been part of Matthew’s journey and will carry his memory with us always. We are deeply grateful for your belief in and support of our lifesaving mission, bringing love, healing, and hope during life’s most difficult moments.
God bless you and your families during this Easter season.
With love and new beginnings,
Fr. Larry and the Angel Flight NE Team
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