CAN Celebrates 70,000th Cancer Patient Flight with New Video
CAN celebrates 70,000th cancer patient flight with new video
Danbury, CT, September 16, 2025 –
Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that arranges free flights for cancer patients on business aircraft, proudly announces the completion of its 70,000th patient flight. To commemorate, CAN has released a video capturing the journey and the profound impact these flights have had on patients and their families.
The milestone flight carried Michael Newton, a colon cancer patient, from Minnesota to New York City for treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The trip was made possible through the generosity of Hanson Communications, a family-owned Midwest telecommunications company with a longstanding relationship with CAN.
On July 29, Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick piloted their company’s Learjet 40XR from Rochester Municipal Airport in Minnesota to Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY. Two days later, they flew Newton home, giving him the chance to be with his family after completing his most recent round of post-op scans.
“The CAN flights allow me to go to a top-level cancer center and get some of the best care that I could ask for,” said Newton. “Meeting the Hansons was very cool,” he added. “They were very welcoming and so friendly, wanting to know about me and my story.”
The Hansons described the experience as equally meaningful. “From our perspective, it just feels right that Hanson Communications should be involved with an organization like CAN,” said Bruce.
Dominick added, “Flying together with my dad and being a part of Corporate Angel Network…has brought us closer just because I get to spend a lot more time with him now. Sharing these CAN flights with my father personally and professionally is very rewarding [and] it’s rewarding to know we are flying a CAN patient.”
Aviation partners, including Signature Aviation, Million Air, and Drivania Chauffeurs, also played key roles in ensuring Newton’s journey was seamless and stress-free.
Courtney Easton, Vice President of Development at CAN, who interviewed both Newton and the Hansons, reflected on the trip. “This 70,000th flight is more than a number—it’s a story of hope for Michael and countless others who need access to specialized care. Every flight we arrange helps patients focus on healing rather than the stress of travel after a challenging treatment or surgery. We are incredibly grateful to partners like Hanson Communications, whose generosity makes these journeys possible—CAN simply wouldn’t be here without them.”
Since its founding in 1981, CAN has helped cancer patients travel over 70,000 times to access life-saving treatment—at no cost to the patient. Each year, more than 200,000 cancer patients must travel long distances for specialized care and that number continues to grow.
Watch the full 70,000th video here.
Over the course of her career, Ericka has held pivotal leadership roles, including serving as Clinical Director of Medical Transport at a prominent healthcare organization, where she spearheaded initiatives that elevated care standards and advanced operational excellence. She has contributed nationally as a clinical educator, outreach coordinator, and content developer for flight and critical care review programs, helping to strengthen training and practice standards across the field.
Her leadership has also extended to professional associations, where she served on the Board of Directors for the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics (formerly the International Association of Critical Care and Flight Paramedics), advocating for excellence in transport medicine and supporting membership growth initiatives.
Ericka’s career reflects her passion for advancing clinical excellence, education, and advocacy in aviation and healthcare. This same commitment guides her work as Founder and CEO of Air Nurses and as an Ambassador for Corporate Angel Network.
About Corporate Angel Network
Corporate Angel Network (CAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help cancer patients access the best treatment centers in the country by arranging free travel on corporate aircraft. Private jet travel makes it possible for patients, especially those in locations with minimal airline access, to travel to specialized medical centers. CAN works closely with hundreds of America’s top corporations to match empty seats with patient flight requests.
How to Donate to CAN
Whether it's $5 or $5,000, all donations truly matter. CAN uses donations for a variety of purposes, including ground transportation, hotel accommodations and other patient services requests. CAN aims to eliminate all travel barriers for patients to ensure they can access the treatment they need. Help us help them and their families by visiting corpangelnetwork.org and donating today.