CVG Staff and Delta News Hub / December 16, 2020

Meet Mollie: Mollie is a 17-year old student who has traveled back and forth between her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for treatment over the last 27 months.

Mollie has a passion for aviation and is currently pursuing her private pilot’s license. She has recently been accepted into the Aeronautical Sciences program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with the goal to become a commercial pilot.

“Throughout my life, I have learned to view things from a bigger perspective, and the very idea of literally seeing the world from a larger perspective is exciting,” says Mollie. “I experience a peace in the air that is more soothing than any other place, and I find that reassuring.”

Impressed and inspired by Mollie’s story of perseverance through adversity, Miracle Flights and their partner Torgoen gifted her with a pilot watch to give to an unsuspecting pilot of one of her future flights.

On Wednesday, Delta pilot Captain Jim Leveille was greeted after landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport with this surprise by Mollie, creating a special moment for each of them. Mollie also was able to visit the flight deck and experience a glimpse of her dream of being a pilot.

“It’s an honor to play a small part in Mollie’s story and to receive such a special gift from a promising future pilot,” says Captain Leveille. “Despite the challenges we have seen in 2020, Mollie’s story is reminder of why travel remains essential, even during a pandemic.”

“Thank you to everyone involved in helping make this happen today,” says Andi, Mollie’s mom. “It was important to us to let these pilots and other flight crew know how special they are to us and so many others who they transport each and every day.”