Corporate Angel Network Marks 40 Years of Life-giving Missions

The Corporate Angel Network (CAN) recently commemorated 40 years of cancer patient flights. The charitable organization, which arranges free travel for cancer patients aboard corporate aircraft, was established on Dec. 22, 1981, by Leonard Greene, founder and former president of Safe Flight Instrument Corp.; Priscilla Blum, a commercial pilot; and Jay Weinberg, then owner of an Avis Car Rental franchise. They jointly came up with the idea of asking corporations to permit patients onboard as guest passengers.

Since then, CAN has grown into a nationally recognized charity that to date has arranged more than 66,000 flights and sees to the transport of thousands of patients each year. It has coordinated with more than 500 of America's leading corporations. The flights enable patients to travel to areas that have minimal airline access to seek treatment at specialized centers. CAN arranges transportation for all cancer patients, as well as bone marrow and stem cell donors and recipients.

CAN noted that the pandemic continues to increase demand while causing resources to be limited and said it hopes to raise $40,000 in recognition of its 40-year milestone.