Flight Story #1534
Atlanta, Georgia → Los Angeles, California — 43,200 JetBlue TrueBlue Points
Michael had only known his mother, Barbara, for the past seven years.
But the story of their relationship began more than six decades earlier.
Before Michael was a year old, Barbara placed him for adoption. He grew up with his adoptive parents and lived much of his life without knowing his biological mother. Then, seven years ago, an Ancestry search changed everything.
Michael found Barbara.
Along with his mom, he discovered a family he had never known, including two half-sisters, two nieces, a stepfather, and a brother-in-law. From that point on, Michael and his newfound family made up for lost time, getting together at least twice a year.
After so many years apart, Michael finally had a relationship with his mother.
Then came news neither of them wanted to hear.
At 82 years old, Barbara was diagnosed with advanced cancer. After discussing the options as a family, the decision was made for Barbara to receive hospice care at home.
Michael was across the country in Georgia.
With doctors unable to give the family a clear timeline, he knew he wanted to see his mother as soon as possible.
“It would mean the world to me if I could spend a few days with my Mom before the cancer takes her.”
But unexpected expenses had left Michael without enough savings to cover the cost of a last-minute flight.
What Michael wanted most was one more memory with the mother he had waited for most of his life to know.
“Even though we have only had a relationship for 7 or so years we have rekindled the bond we lost all those years ago.”
Thanks to the generosity of Mark, a Give A Mile donor who shared his JetBlue TrueBlue points with us, Michael received a compassionate flight to Los Angeles, giving him the opportunity to spend precious time with his mom.
When he learned his flight had been approved, his joy came through immediately:
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU My prayers have been answered....thank you so much to everyone involved, love you all!"
Michael and Barbara may have lost decades together, but seven years gave them something deeply meaningful: the chance to find each other again.
And now Mark’s generosity helped give them another chance to simply be mother and son.
💙 You can help another family be together when it matters most. Donate miles, points or funds today. ✈️