Connecticut’s Corporate Angel Network (CAN) Celebrates 70,000 Patient Flights

At the 2025 edition of NBAA‑BACE 2025 in Las Vegas, the Connecticut- based nonprofit Corporate Angel Network (CAN) once again brought together the business aviation community to celebrate purpose, impact and connection. The annual “Fund an Angel” gala—held during the convention—commemorated a remarkable milestone: CAN’s 70,000th patient flight.

Taking place on Oct. 15 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the event welcomed industry professionals for an evening of networking, a silent auction and a clear reminder of how business aviation can make a real difference. The fundraiser raised approximately $500,000 - all of which goes toward transporting cancer patients to life-saving treatment centers.

CAN President & CEO Robert Stangarone emphasized the role the event plays in the organization’s mission:

“Fund an Angel plays a vital role in allowing us to do what we do best — connect cancer patients with the treatment they need, when they need it most.”

Likewise, Ed Bolen, President & CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, remarked:

“Business aviation is an industry committed to giving back and supporting those in need… the ‘Fund an Angel’ event … exemplifies these values in action.” (NBAA)

A Milestone Flight — 70,000 Strong

The timing could not have been more significant: the event coincided with the announcement that CAN had completed its 70,000th flight transporting cancer patients—free of charge—on donated seats aboard business aircraft. As CAN Vice President of Development Courtney Easton puts it:

“This 70,000th flight is more than a number — it’s a story of hope for Michael and countless others who need access to specialized care. Every flight we arrange helps patients focus on healing rather than the stress of travel after a challenging treatment or surgery.” (Corporate Angel Network)
The milestone flight itself carried patient Michael Newton—a colon cancer patient—from Rochester (Minn.) to New York for treatment, courtesy of a Learjet 40XR donated by Hanson Communications and piloted by Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick. (Corporate Angel Network)

The “Fund an Angel” event provided everyone—from flight department leaders to aircraft owners and FBO operators—with an opportunity to reinforce how the business aviation community can contribute to humanitarian outcomes through operational assets.

Looking Ahead

With the business aviation sector constantly evolving, events like CAN’s gala at NBAA-BACE serve as a potent reminder of the industry’s broader responsibility beyond the normalcy of day to day operations. For CAN, the next chapter involves translating the momentum of 70,000 flights into support for many more patients in need.
All funds raised for CAN go not only to flights, but also to associated logistics that make the journey possible—ground transport, hotel accommodations and other critical patient services.

For those of us in the business aviation community, supporting such efforts through sponsorship, volunteering or participating in fundraising helps to ensure that the power of private aviation is put to work saving lives.

-John Gabriel, CBAG President