Real stories and real experiences from patients and families whose lives were changed by our care.

Meet natalee, Four Years old and fierce.

It was a day that began like any other day, except in a single moment it became the worst day of our entire lives.

My name is Michelle and I’m writing to you today because YOU helped save my precious baby girl, Natalee’s life.

When I learned that Mercy Flight Central relies on community support to carry out its lifesaving mission, I knew I had to share Natalee’s story in the hopes that it would inspire you to donate to this absolutely incredible organization once again today.

But let me start at the beginning.

On that horrible Saturday morning, I was working at our local hospital and my husband was out running errands with our four-year-old daughter Natalee. As usual, they stopped by to see me and I gave Natalee a kiss and told her I loved her.

Towards the end of my shift, I got a call from my dad. The panic in his voice stopped my heart and I could barely comprehend his words.

He told me that there had been a terrible accident with a lawnmower. Natalee’s foot was gone and she had sustained life-threatening injuries. My parents and husband were rushing her to the local fire station for an emergency medical air transfer to a trauma hospital. Mercy Flight Central was on its way.

When I got to the field where Natalee was being picked up, Natalee was in the back of the ambulance just lying there. She wasn’t crying. She wasn’t fussing. She was just as still as could be. She was so pale and she was so hurt.

When Mercy Flight Central arrived, it was like angels descended. They moved so quickly, but so gently with purpose and compassion.

In that moment - the most terrifying of my life - they gave me hope. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion, but relieved they were there. I believe it was the Flight Nurse, Shannon who came over to me and said, ‘we’ve got her now.’

Watching Mercy Flight Central lift off with our daughter and trusting her life in their hands, was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But in that moment, I had hope, even while faced with crushing fear and uncertainty.

And the fact that Mercy Flight Central got her there in just 20 minutes – flying 160 miles an hour in a straight line – is truly lifesaving.

Mercy Flight Central is a non-profit air medical organization, relying on community generosity rather than government funding. Your support ensures that lifesaving care is always within reach when it’s needed most.

Which is why I hope you will consider reaching out with a gift of $25, $35 or even $45 today to ensure that Mercy Flight Central is ready and able to respond to the next call for help.

Because simply put, Mercy Flight Central is more than a helicopter in the sky.

They are real lifesaving heroes. They bring families hope. They bring families second chances in the most scary, terrifying moments of their lives. And YOU make it possible.

With heartfelt thanks,

   Michelle

Natalee’s mom & Mercy Flight Central Donor

P.S. Today, 16 months later, Natalee is laughing, playing, and even walking again. She is living proof that your support can save lives. Please respond right away to ensure Mercy Flight Central is ready 24/7 for the next call for help.

Donate Today!

More from some of our patients

  • "She wouldnt have made it. We had everyone telling us she wouldn't have made it if she hadn't gone by helicopter."

    Debbie Effland, Mother of patient Chelsi Effland

  • "When I heard the helicopter coming, I didn’t really know how bad I was, and it was a relief to hear them there."

    Craig Partee, Former Patient

  • "I think they are a good part of the reason why I am still here today. Mercy Flight Central saved my life"

    Andrea Cohen, Former Patient

  • "I am a quadriplegic, but if you saw me, you wouldn’t think so because I have full use of my hands. Without the immediate critical care I received, I wouldn’t have as much freedom and independence."

    Gavin Maloney, Former Patient

  • "Thanks to Mercy Flight Central, I haven't missed a moment of my daughters' lives, I've been able to be here for all of it."

    Ed Laughlin, Former Patient