Flight Story #1320
Edmonton, Alberta > Seoul, South Korea – $714.39 CAD
Jiyoung had never planned to be in Canada for this reason.
When her nephew Seojin – Lucas to his family – was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma two years ago when he was just one year old, she worried constantly from afar in Korea. He was so young, and his body was fighting against a deadly disease. Multiple rounds of chemotherapy, lung surgeries, even a liver transplant—he faced it all with bravery no child should have to muster.
After applying for a flight through Give A Mile, Lucas’ condition worsened suddenly and, Jiyoung’s sister did the only thing she could: flew her family urgently to Canada. She wanted to be there for his final moments, to hold his hand, to support her sister who had been caring for him alone for so long. She described that time as deeply painful but also precious—being able to say goodbye and stand beside her sister in unimaginable grief.
Now, with funeral arrangements completed and her family’s hearts aching with loss, Jiyoung needed to return home to Korea. She needed to get back to Seoul to mourn with the rest of her family, finding comfort, and begin healing.
As Give A Mile had already committed to helping Jiyoung and her family before Lucas’ passing, we were able to support her in her journey home. Thanks to the kindness of donors—and with the special sponsorship of Toronto Pearson International Airport—Jiyoung was able to fly back to Korea.
Toronto Pearson’s meant Jiyoung could go back to Korea without the crushing weight of new debt in an already devastating moment. It meant she didn’t have to figure out “how” when she needed to focus on “why”: to be with family, to grieve together, and to support her sister in the hardest chapter of their lives.
Jiyoung shared what this help meant to her:
“Being able to rush here to be by Seojinʼs side in his final moments has been a great comfort. Now, being together with my sister to grieve and support each other is an incredibly precious time for me. This flight is not just a means of travel but carries a profound meaning of conveying family love and support.”
Because of Toronto Pearson International Airport’s generosity, Jiyoung didn’t have to navigate this journey alone or stay stranded so far from home in such painful circumstances. She was able to carry family love, support, and shared grief back to where it belonged.
From Jiyoung, from her sister, and from all of us at Give A Mile:
Thank you, Toronto Pearson Airport.
💙 You can help another family be together when it matters most. Donate miles or funds today. ✈️