Corporate Angel Network: Emulating Ted Lasso

Corporate Angel Network is a remarkable charity that matches cancer patients with corporate flight departments to provide free transportation to and from hospitals. Their goal? To be as inspirational and uplifting as Ted Lasso, the beloved US soccer coach from the hit Apple TV+ series.

Courtney Easton, the vice president of Development at Corporate Angel Network, explains that the organization aims to be as ubiquitous and supportive as Ted Lasso. By partnering with business aviation across North America, the charity ensures that cancer patients have access to life-saving treatment without the burden of travel costs.

The rules are simple: the flights must be on pressurized aircraft for medical reasons and operated by two pilots. Patients are matched with available seats on corporate flights, seamlessly fitting into existing travel plans. This arrangement allows patients and caregivers to travel at no cost, thanks to the generosity of the flight departments.

Approximately 1,800 patient flights are organized each year, with over 4,100 requests received. Every patient, regardless of personal circumstances, is given equal consideration for assistance. From infants to seniors, everyone is welcome, and the charity continues to support patients even after they are cancer-free.

Corporate partners, including both companies and individuals, generously offer their aircraft for patient transportation. Through innovative software systems like CueTree and various flight sharing programs, Corporate Angel Network efficiently matches patient requests with corporate flight schedules. The organization’s small but dedicated team, along with volunteers and ambassadors, work tirelessly to fulfill the mission of providing support to cancer patients in need.

Funding for the charity comes from corporate and individual donations, as well as the annual fundraising event called Fund an Angel. The support received from families affected by cancer, combined with media exposure, helps raise awareness and expand the charity’s reach.

The impact of Corporate Angel Network goes beyond providing transportation; it offers hope, comfort, and relief to cancer patients and their families. As the organization strives to increase awareness and strengthen partnerships with hospitals and cancer centers, the vision remains clear: to save lives and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.