Flight Day Lifts Spirits of Two Local Children Battling Cancer at Maryland Air National Guard Base

Two young cancer survivors from Maryland were given an unforgettable experience at Warfield Air National Guard Base earlier this month, as the 175th Wing hosted them through the Pilot for a Day program. The event provided a rare opportunity for the children, Maverick Bell and Elena LeMoine, to explore the life of a pilot, complete with flight gear and hands-on experiences, offering a much-needed moment of joy and encouragement for the families involved.

The June 7 event was organized in collaboration with the Gold in Fight Foundation, which works with children fighting serious illnesses. Maverick, age five, was diagnosed with Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in 2023. After a year of grueling treatments, he is now approaching nine months cancer-free. Elena, age ten, has been fighting Ewing’s sarcoma since she was four years old and recently reached her five-year milestone with no evidence of disease. Both children spent the day with members of the 104th Fighter Squadron and received personal attention from pilots and support staff.

Throughout the day, the children explored aircraft, tested an A-10 flight simulator, and received customized flight suits. The program, which is intended to honor and uplift children facing catastrophic medical challenges, was supported by personnel from both the 175th Maintenance Squadron and the 175th Operations Support Squadron. For the families, it offered a brief but meaningful break from medical routines and a chance to celebrate how far their children have come.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard

Video Spotlight