An eight-month-old boy from Lakeville, Minnesota, received life-saving heart surgery in Boston thanks to a group of volunteer pilots who helped his family reach the hospital. Chase Byers was born prematurely with multiple heart defects that required specialized surgery available at Boston Children’s Hospital. His parents, Mackenzie and Evan Byers, turned to the nonprofit Lifeline Pilots to arrange safe travel for their son.
Volunteer pilots organized the flight so the family could avoid commercial travel and get to Massachusetts without risking delays or illness. Ken Reily, a Lifeline Pilots board member based in Minnesota, says the organization provides transportation for patients who otherwise couldn’t make such trips. The group operates in ten Midwest states and completed more than 1,000 flights last year for families in need of medical care.
After spending six weeks in Boston for the procedure and recovery, Chase returned home to Minnesota, where his parents say his condition has improved dramatically. Mackenzie says her son has “overcome like every obstacle,” while Evan describes the difference as “night and day.” The couple expressed gratitude for the nonprofit’s help and are encouraging other families to ask for support when facing medical challenges.
Source: CBS NEWS
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