Helping Wishes take flight: How one pilot made a difference

(BPT) - When American Airlines Captain Matthew Asdel's son was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago, Make-A-Wish^® made it possible for him to go on a Disney cruise. His son, now 24, is working on becoming a pilot and hopes to join American Airlines one day.

Decades later, his 8-year-old granddaughter was also diagnosed with cancer and Make-A-Wish hosted a princess party for her. To show his appreciation for a cause near and dear to his heart, Asdel used his 32 years of experience as an American Airlines pilot to become a WishMaker^®.

An attitude of gratitude

Asdel is no stranger to giving back to the community. Every week, he volunteers to network, mentor and support kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Dallas-Fort Worth.

However, Asdel recently had the opportunity to give back to Make-A-Wish by piloting the Wish Flight. He and the entire American Airlines flight crew donated their time to a charter flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, helping 27 wish families join a one-of-a-kind flight experience to fulfill their wish to go to Walt Disney World^® Resort.

"It was such a wonderful opportunity to give back to this organization, which has blessed my family so much," said Asdel. "It was like coming back full circle."

Like many WishMakers, Asdel understands firsthand how these wishes can transform the lives of children facing critical illnesses and also give their families a way to smile again, given his experience with his son's cancer.

"I've been there. I know how much they've been through," he said. "Not just the patient, of course, but also the siblings that go through so much and the parents trying to juggle family and hospital visits all at the same time. It takes a lot to make it this far, and it's just a huge victory for all of them."

How Wish Flight helps transform lives

The flight Asdel piloted was a special collaboration between American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney to celebrate World Wish Month™. Wish Flight was full of unforgettable experiences, beginning with a preflight celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, complete with a breakfast bar and a special send-off by WishMakers who make wishes possible.

Once they arrived in Orlando, the Wish Flight team enjoyed a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort, where the wish kids and their families stayed for six days and five nights as part of their wish trip.

These wishes wouldn't be possible without the help of WishMakers like Asdel. From individual donors to corporate partners like American Airlines, WishMakers are everywhere.

Because of WishMakers, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes to children worldwide, but it needs more to ensure that every eligible child receives their wish.

You don't have to be a pilot to help this cause. Anyone can be a WishMaker, and there are countless ways to donate your time, talent or treasure.

Want to make wishes come true? Make-A-Wish and American invite you to make a difference in the lives of wish kids. To learn how to make wishes come true and become a WishMaker, visit Wish.org.