Our Story
In 1990, a compassionate pilot and businessman, Al Wethington, recognized the urgent need for safe and affordable transportation for children facing serious medical challenges in North Carolina. With a vision to help, Al rallied local pilots, medical professionals, and community volunteers, leading to the establishment of Children’s Flight of Hope. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1991, CFOH initially operated a private plane to transport children to distant hospitals. In 2012, the organization expanded its reach by booking commercial flights, achieving over 100 flights in a single year by 2013. Partnerships with American Airlines in 2016 and Southwest Airlines in 2018 further enhanced the mission, ensuring that every child receives the necessary medical care, regardless of the number of flights required.