Flight1 gives kids facing illness their wings back, flying them above pain to new levels of self-confidence.

Founded in 2011, Flight1 uses the joy of learning to fly as a way to instill confidence in kids dealing with serious illnesses. The multi-year program delivers experiences ranging from flight simulator games, to flying a real plane — all free of cost to the participants.

When Marcus Strawhorn received a diagnosis with a life expectancy of just a few years, he wondered how to fit a lifetime of fatherhood into a short time. He remembered that learning to fly a plane positively impacted his character, and he set out to teach his son. Now remarkably restored to full health, Marcus passes on the lesson through the work of Flight1.