Local Family Leaves For Emotional Final Vacation With Terminally Ill Mother
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There were applause and cheers for Dana Rossey and her family as she left the cancer center and boarded a private jet to North Carolina.
Just 24 hours ago, it was a trip that was just a dream.
"It's mind-boggling what has happened," said Dr. Amjad Jalil, of Jefferson Hospital. "Come to think of this, if you would have planned for it, we might not have been able to do it. But when something has to happen, it happens. This thing just happened over the last 24 hours."
Dana's cancer doctor says she doesn't have much time to live. She can't travel without intravenous pain medication. The only way to have one last family trip to the beach is via private jet.
"We were able to coordinate with a generous family. Coordinate an aircraft, a private jet, based out of the Allegheny County Airport," said Adam Damenberg, a volunteer.
A nonprofit group, Jamie's Dream Team, was able to find a private jet and raise about $10,000 to pay for the Rosseys emotional trip to the beach.
It was an amazing feat.
"It was unbelievable," said Jamie Holmes, of Jamie's Dream Team. "I can't believe that were able to do this in less than 48 hours, be able to raise money to get them spending money, to get them a car for anything they might need."
Tonight the skies between Pittsburgh and North Carolina are filled with joy and humanity as people stepped up to generously to help a family say farewell to their mother with dignity and hope.
Jamie's Dream Team raised enough money to pay for the entire trip, including a rental car and spending money.
There's even enough money left over to help pay for another family's special dream.
RELATED LINKS:
Nonprofit Working To Send Mother With Terminal Cancer, Family To Outer Banks (7/25/14)
More Reports by Paul Martino
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
