Opening Skies for Sick Kids: How Miracle Flights Helps Families Reach Lifesaving Care

In this episode, we speak with Dana Jarvis from MiracleFlights.org, a nonprofit that has provided more than 165,000 free flights over the past 40 years to help children access specialized medical care not available near home. Serving all 50 states, Miracle Flights covers commercial airfare for pediatric patients aged 17 and under who must travel for treatment of rare, chronic, or complex medical conditions. Dana explains that once a child flies with Miracle Flights even once before turning 18, they become eligible for continued support as adults for future medical needs, ensuring long-term access to care.

Dana highlights how Miracle Flights assists families facing conditions that often require multiple follow-up visits, such as organ transplants, neuroblastoma, or club foot. She describes partnerships with top hospitals like the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and the Paley Foundation in Boca Raton. The organization focuses on removing logistical and financial barriers so parents can choose the best possible specialists for their children.

The discussion also explores how Miracle Flights has modernized and simplified the application process. By visiting miracleflights.org and clicking “Request a Flight,” applicants can complete nine brief pre-screening questions in just a few minutes to determine preliminary eligibility. The process is intentionally transparent and compassionate, minimizing paperwork and providing fast clarity to families under stress. For more details, applicants can consult the checklist and FAQ sections on the website.

Advocates and healthcare professionals can reach out directly to Dana Jarvis at djarvis@miracleflights.org to schedule informational presentations or learn how to help clients apply. Whether supporting a transplant follow-up or a specialized procedure, Miracle Flights aims to make sure no child is denied critical care simply because of distance.