MISSION 137 - BANKSTOWN / PORT MACQUARIE / BANKSTOWN

On Friday 9th July 11-year-old Leeah’s spirits were lifted when she flew into Port Macquarie to spend a weekend with her family, thanks to some very special angels.
 
Having undergone surgery for a brain tumour, Leeah received radiotherapy at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital, following which she is expected to have further surgery to remove a tumour on her spine.
 
However, despite all the difficulties, Leeah’s Mum, Raeleen, is determined to keep the family together as much as possible.
 
“I think I’ve been really good staying positive and taking just one day at a time, but this last week I’ve been a bit down and having weekends at home was just what we needed to lift our spirits,” Leeah's mum said.
 
“It’s really important for us to be together as a family and we don’t let all of this run our lives, but it has been like being in a dark tunnel and so we really appreciate the help from Angel Flight.”
 
Leeah is doing really well but the seven-hour journey by train from Sydney to Port Macquarie and then back to continue her treatment caused significant discomfort for her.
 
“Leeah can only sit down for short periods of time because of the tumour on her spine,” Raeleen said.
 
“It’s been really hard seeing my little girl going through all this, she is the loveliest little girl, and it’s wonderful that we were able to fly home instead of taking the long train journey.”

This story appearing Port Macquarie News (PDF).


Robert Rodgers - Pilot


Bryan Padwick - Earth Angel

About Robert Rodgers

This was the fourth Angel Flight for Robert thanks to the generosity of his construction team which has helped to cover the fuel expenses of each flight, with Robert donating both his time and his skills and the use of his plane.
 
“I love flying and it’s good being able to do what I enjoy whilst at the same time helping others,” Mr. Rodgers said.
 
“My previous missions have also involved sick children and when I see them and spend time with them, I realize how lucky I am to have healthy kids and this motivates me to keep helping.   I really appreciate the help of my work mate “angels’ in enabling me to do my bit.”

Angel Flight 1 comment by Robert Rodgers

"Just Leeah's luck - the weather turned bad but I still decided to go.

I told Leeah's mum Raeleen, that I would sit Leeah in the front so I could let Leeah have a go at the controls, I had to get a smile out of this little girl.

We finally departed at 15.30 after waiting for a clearance from Sydney departures. Once we were at 2000ft we were in cloud and kept climbing and then levelled out at 8000ft but still in cloud, after a while we broke cloud and there were rainbows all around us. I pointed this out to Leeah and she turned to her mum, smiled and said "Look mum rainbows". Her mum captured this magical moment on my camera."


"Look Mum - rainbows!"


Robert, Leeah and Raeleen.

Shane Moore & Sarah Kilvert - Pilots


Bryan Padwick - Earth Angel

Angel Flight 2 by Shane Moore & Sarah Kilvert

About Shane Moore

Shane Moore, a pharmacist at Flynns Beach Pharmacy, said he enjoys making a small difference in people's lives.

"It really does make you realize how lucky you are," he said.

"This gave Leeah a chance to catch up with her father and brother for the weekend."

Commercial pilot Sarah Kilvert said she felt good about helping a patient who was so young.

"Growing up, my brother had leukemia so I understand the pressure of constant treatment," Sarah said.