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Family in Holland finds flight to bring sick relative home after 13 OYS story

Family member Estella Lane was diagnosed with ALS and has not been able to travel.

HOLLAND, Michigan — Gil Gutierrez says he and his family have finally gotten the call they have been waiting for. 

Last week, 13 ON YOUR SIDE reported the story about his sister Estella Lane.
She was diagnosed with ALS and has lost the ability to walk, talk and travel without medical care.

She currently lives in Maine, and had promised her grand-nephew that she would dance with him at his wedding.

But as her condition worsened her family began to worry she would not be able to make it.

So her brother Gil called 13 ON YOUR SIDE in hopes that someone would hear her story and would be willing to help.

And after her story was shared thousands of times over social media her family got a call from a pilot in Portland Maine saying they wanted to help. 

Gil connected that pilot with a pilot from Angel Flight here in Grand Rapids.

The two then took over the process to make sure Estella would get home.

"The whole family is just really excited. The majority of us are going to be at the airport when she flies in," said Gutierrez

The flights to and from Michigan were all paid through charitable contributions.

"She obviously can't. She, she can't verbalize it. But, you know, I know my sister very well, and to be able to see her family for one last time, is everything for her" said Gutierrez

Estella will arrive in Holland on Thursday, will party with her family on the 4th, and will go back home on the 7th.

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