Southwest Airlines provides hope for those dealing with serious illness by providing more than $2.8 million in free transportation to caregivers and patients seeking medical treatment in 2014.
Southwest announced 73 nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations from across the U.S. that have been selected for the Southwest Airlines 2014 Medical Transportation Grant Program.
Through the program, participating nonprofit hospitals and medical programs can provide complimentary, roundtrip airline tickets to families who are facing serious illness and need to travel for specialized medical care. Being able to fly for free to receive the best medical treatment available eases the financial burden on families, giving those who are already facing so much one less thing to worry about. For a full list of 2014 participants, please visitwww.southwest.com/medicalgrant.
"Partnering with these hospitals and organizations to provide hope for those dealing with serious illness is an honor for us," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Outreach. "It's touched our hearts to be able to connect our flights with the hospitals' care, and see the amazing difference this unique program is making to families in our communities."
Since the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program's inception seven years ago, more than 33,000 tickets, totaling $13.2 million in free transportation, have been distributed to organizations in 26 states, making a positive difference in the lives of more than 26,000 patients. The program is making a difference in Toby Shaw's life. Toby battles arthrogryposis, which affects the joints in his arms and wrists. Through the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program, he's able to travel from his home in Ohio to Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia to receive the best treatment available for his condition.
