The year 2019 marked the inception of a partnership between Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, and Miracle Flights—an American charitable organization based in Las Vegas—that provides free commercial airline flights to children in need of life-changing medical care far from home. Since then, Blacklane has been offering 50 chauffeured rides each month to complement the flights, easing the families’ journeys during challenging times. Today, as we celebrate the achievement of 1500 rides within this partnership, our spotlight is on the story of Harris, a lovely 6-year-old.
Harris’s story began when she was only nine months old, facing the challenge of multiple anaphylactic food allergies. By the time she turned 18 months old, she couldn’t eat five different food groups, leading her away from the carefree life of a typical toddler. To receive treatment crucial for her well-being, Harris and her family had to make frequent trips – approximately every 8-12 weeks – from their home in Nashville, Indiana, to a medical facility in Newport Beach, California.
Today, a special surprise was waiting at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Dr. Jens Wohltorf, the Co-Founder and CEO of Blacklane, crossed continents from Berlin to join hands with Mark E. Brown, the CEO of Miracle Flights. Their shared mission: to orchestrate an unforgettable surprise for none other than Harris herself. A VIP trip to Disneyland was in the offering – a gesture that would etch a radiant smile on the face of the little girl and her family.
Guided by the spirit of camaraderie, Jens Wohltorf personally steered the course, chauffeuring Harris and her family from LAX to the enchanting realm of Disneyland, the epitome of dreams coming true. The airport was filled with happiness as balloons floated, gifts shone, and a special guest named Miles the Bear, Miracle Flights’ favorite mascot, joined the scene.
“We are humbled by the work of Miracle Flights and grateful we can be their partner – 1500 rides is a wonderful milestone as those airport transfers have eased the minds of hundreds of families on their medical journey. With one thing less to worry about, the parents can focus on what matters the most – being present for their kids. Blacklane was founded to create true peace of mind today for a better tomorrow. This partnership is a beautiful example of this purpose in action,” says Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Co-Founder of Blacklane.
Mark E. Brown, the CEO of Miracle Flights, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Miracle Flights is the premier provider of free commercial airline flights to medically fragile children and their families. Our unique partnership with Blacklane continues our 38-year history of easing each step of our patients’ travel journey. We look forward to the next 1500 rides with Blacklane and beyond.”
Since this special partnership began, Blacklane has provided free rides across the United States to hundreds of kids and their families, reaching cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco, each holding a story of resilience and hope. Beyond airports, these journeys have woven through hotels and Ronald McDonald House Charities, enveloping every phase of the experience in a comforting embrace.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of collaboration, empathy, and the belief that every journey, no matter how challenging, can be made a little brighter by the touch of human kindness. To Harris and all the little souls on similar journeys, this partnership serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and care can truly make a world of difference.
