I Just Want to Be Her Daughter

Flight Stories

Flight Story #1519

Pensacola, Florida > Lincoln, Nebraska – $446.40 USD Cash – American Airlines

When Shari applied for a Give A Mile flight, all she wanted was to be with her mom during the final days of her life.
Her mother, lovingly called “Mama Jenny,” had chosen to stop dialysis and enter hospice care in Nebraska. Living in Florida, Shari felt heartbroken knowing her sister and brother were already by her side while she remained hundreds of miles away.
“I don’t want my last memories of my mom to be through phone calls,” she wrote. “I want to hold her hand, tell her how much I love her, thank her for raising me, and simply be her daughter during this sacred time.”
Thanks to the generosity of Give A Mile donors, Shari was able to make that journey.
What happened next was something her family never expected.
When Shari arrived, she and her siblings realized their mother wasn’t receiving the care she deserved. Together, they advocated for her every single day, and because they were together, they were able to move their mom to a safe hospice home where she was finally surrounded by compassion, dignity, and peace.
Shari described what happened after the move:

“The difference was immediate.”

“For the first time in a long time, Mom could let her guard down. She knew her children were there. She knew we weren’t going to stop until she was safe. She smiled. She laughed. She was able to rest. She was no longer living in fear or uncertainty. She was simply our mom again.”

Then she shared something that deeply moved our team:

“That is the gift Give A Mile gave us.”

"You didn't just provide transportation. You gave me the chance to stand beside my brother and sister when our mother needed us most. You gave me the opportunity to help restore her dignity during the final chapter of her life. You gave us precious time together that can never be replaced."

Shari - Flight Recipient
Although Mama Jenny’s condition later worsened, Shari found peace knowing her mother would spend her remaining days surrounded by love, comfort, kindness, and people who truly cared for her.
She ended her message with words we’d like to share with everyone who donates miles, funds, or volunteers with Give A Mile:

"Please thank every donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this possible. Because of their generosity, my mother's final chapter became one of peace instead of fear, and that is something my family will never forget."

Shari - Flight Recipient
Sometimes a compassionate flight does more than bring a family together.
Sometimes it changes the ending of someone’s story.
💙 You can help another family be together when it matters most. Donate miles or funds today. ✈️

Every donation helps people reach their loved ones for one last hug, smile, and farewell.​

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