After winning his battle to leukemia, Eric decided to take his first flight lesson to pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot.
“When I decided to take the lesson, I thought back on the Air Force Academy and going up in the gilder and helicopter,” Eric said. “It confirmed that’s what I really wanted to do in the first place and give it my 100 percent.”
Decades later, Eric is now pilot for American Airlines, a trusted partner for Make-A-Wish for more than 30 years. As the organization’s largest airline supporter, American Airlines generously donates millions of miles to wish kids every year.
Eric also now gives back to Make-A-Wish® by volunteering his time as a wish granter, to give other children like him the opportunity to see the impossible as possible. He said he frequently sees wish kids at the airport on their way to their life-changing adventures. He looks forward to flying a wish family in the future and urges them to stay strong.
“I am living proof that when you finish your treatments you can have a normal and happy life,” Eric said. “Never give up on your dreams and keep fighting.”
Thank you for your support, American Airlines! You give wish kids the opportunity for hope and a chance to experience life beyond illness.