Corporate Angel Network recently completed its 70,000th patient flight. Michael Newton, a colon cancer patient, was transported from Minnesota to New York for treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Hanson Communications donated its Bombardier Learjet 40XR for the flight, with Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick serving as pilots.
Newton returned home two days later following post-operative scans. “The CAN flights allow me to go to a top-level cancer center and get some of the best care that I could ask for,” Newton said. “Meeting the Hansons was very cool. They were very welcoming and so friendly, wanting to know about me and my story.”
This flight demonstrated the collaborative nature of CAN’s operations, with aviation partners including Signature Aviation, Million Air, and Drivania Chauffeurs supporting the mission by ensuring seamless ground handling and transportation services.
Bruce Hanson emphasized the alignment between his company’s values and CAN's mission: “From our perspective, it just feels right that Hanson Communications should be involved with an organization like CAN.” His son Dominick noted that participating in CAN flights has strengthened their professional and personal relationship while contributing to meaningful patient care.
The nonprofit has been providing free transportation for cancer patients aboard business aircraft since its founding in 1981. According to CAN v-p of development Courtney Easton, more than 200,000 cancer patients annually require long-distance travel for specialized treatment.