Cancer patients get lift on Kaua'i airline

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

Some Kaua'i cancer patients will be able to fly to their doctor for free because of a new agreement between the American Cancer Society and North Shore Airways.

The Princeville-based airline will offer an empty airline seat each day at no cost to cancer patients who are registered with the American Cancer Society's Kaua'i office. Patients can take the flights for doctor appointments, medical tests or treatment such as radiation not available on Kaua'i, according to the society's Kaua'i executive director Mary Williamson.

North Shore Airways pilot Joseph Sandlin said the company is pleased to provide the community service to help cancer patients, especially those on the north shore and east side of Kaua'i.

Williamson said this week that the partnership came through someone connected with the airline seeing there was a community need for the service after their life was touched by cancer.

Bonnie McMahon, vice president for distinguished gifts for the American Cancer Society Hawai'i Pacific Inc., said she is not aware of a similar service being offered within the state by another airline.

North Shore Airways (www.northshoreairways.com) flies to Honolulu every morning at 7:30 and returns every evening at 5 p.m. Flight time in the nine-passenger Piper Chieftain is about 40 minutes, but north shore residents save the round-trip drive to Lihu'e and paying for airport parking.

Some insurance plans cover air travel while those that do not leave patients with another burden.

On O'ahu, the plane lands at the Executive Terminal of Honolulu International Airport, next to the Inter-Island Terminal.

Clients of the American Cancer Society can arrange for the HandiVan and other ground transportation options for a ride to appointments.

The American Cancer Society is the provider of most cancer-related education and services in the community.

"Direct assistance to patients, including air travel, is the single largest item in our program budget," Williamson said.

In addition, the agency provides Lihu'e-to-Honolulu air coupons to those patients who must seek appointments, testing and treatment off island, through funding from the Vidinha Charitable Trust, Carlozzi Foundation, Visitor Industry Charity Walk and other donors.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based health organization committed to preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For cancer information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.