Dottie, Dream Flyer Parent
“We are so grateful that in today’s world our Jackie is more accepted and understood than children with special needs have been in the past. But we had never thought that we would be as celebrated as he was by your Above the Clouds organization. Our hearts were beyond full as we experienced the most perfectly calibrated celebration of special children as has been put together by your organization. As a person with some experience in external relations I was supremely impressed by the administrative expertise exhibited by your volunteers last Saturday. I could fill this note with admiration for the attention to detail that we experienced. I know that the poster for Jackie meant gathering background on him, finding the right high school student to imagine and execute the poster, following up to see that it got done. That was only one detail and there were countless others — the name tags, the cheering volunteers, the food, the pilot briefing, the photographer, and oh my gosh, the extraordinary personalized Top Gun gear waiting for Jackie when he returned from his flight. Every person we spoke to was so generous with their time and good will. I know the kind of time this event required, and am mightily impressed that it wasn’t just a singular event but something you do over and over again. Let me simply say that our hearts were brimming with appreciation for you an your organization that make possible once-in-a lifetime memories for the dearest children who most need celebrating. You are all extraordinary. Special thanks to pilot Marc and to your gracious coordinator Mary, who left no stone unturned in making this such a fabulous event in Jackie’s and our lives. Really, so generous and amazing. With great admiration, Dottie Engler.
Dream Flyer Parent
“We want to extend our heartiest THANK YOU for a wonderful Dream Flight for Arman and Jahan. They loved this amazing once in a life time experience. Your kindness, generosity, enthusiasm and dedication to this wonderful organization/cause was immediately felt from the moment we connected. From the fabulous welcome, to reviewing the flight plan/safety check of the plane, to taking the amazing flight with beautiful views, to post flight interactions/food, everything was flawless and so well planned providing comfort and joy to kids/parents, truly allowing them to depart from their challenges/worries and indulge in the present of life having experienced the WOW! THANK YOU for this wonderful opportunity. Arman/Jahan are so thrilled now to be your official volunteers and they hope to pay it forward to many other children that come in for their Dream Flights by making posters and having an opportunity to come in and cheer them on and even share their wonderful experience.
Jimmy Abdallah / Dream Pilot
“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that you can instill a bit of happiness into the lives of people that are facing such adversity. I’m honored to be a part of this organization and am so thankful for all the hard work that you all have done to make this possible.”
Kate Martinez / Cadet Flyer
“Above the Clouds has changed my life because they have shown me that there are always new opportunities in every direction. I never thought that I could learn to fly a plane but I took a chance and learned to believe in myself as much as they believed in me.”
Greg Bongiorno / Dream Flight Pilot
“ATC is changing lives by taking the underutilized, dynamic world of general aviation and channeling those resources towards fostering happiness and exploration to young individuals that could have never imagined such an experience.”
Tara Keating / Volunteer
“ATC is giving children who are facing hardship new perspective (literally). It is bringing them joy, hope and the realization that they can do anything (including learning to fly a plane)!”
Bill McGonagle / Dream Flight Pilot
“One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with ATC was receiving an email from the mother of one of my Dream Flyers. His Dad had recently passed away. When we flew I said, “I bet your Dad is out there sitting on the wing.” Her email indicated that our flight was a life changing experience for her son.”
Erika Tarantal / WCVB
Above the Clouds is helping to lift up kids facing adversity. Read Full Article
Katrina Margolis / Hometown Weekly
Above the Clouds is the conduit to encourage these teens to stay in school, apply themselves, and hopefully have a better future. Read Full Article
Linda Hastings / Dream Flyer Parent
“I have tears in my eyes as I read of the incredible program that you offer to help seriously ill children. My 14-year-old son, suffers with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive, fatal muscle wasting disease (for which there is no treatment or cure). He lost the ability to walk this past year, and is wheelchair bound. At a time when all of his peers are gaining independence, he is losing it fast, and becoming very sad and withdrawn. This would lift his spirits like you would not believe! What sticks in my mind is the description on your website that says “designed to build anticipation and excitement for a special joyful experience”. He has so few opportunities to find joy in life these days, and really needs some type of escape from his challenges. This would truly be life-changing. My heartfelt thanks for this beautiful gift that you are giving to children in need.”
Joan Pahud / Italian Home
“I just wanted to let you know that I’ve seen AJ wearing his “Clouds” jacket frequently. The other day he was telling me & others all about his flight and how great it was. Thanks again to you and your organization for all you do for kids.”
Shirley Milfort / Cadet Flyer Parent
“Your program is truly a dream come true for a lot of urban students, parents and for those facing illnesses. Whenever he comes from the ATC program, there’s a smile that I just can’t shake of of him for days and I don’t imagine that spirit dying.”
Pete Zbikowski / Dream Flyer Parent
“It was such a memorable experience with such extraordinary people! You have created more joy than you will ever know the depths of.”
Lani Verges-Radek / Dream Flyer Parent
“Today was probably one of the best days of our lives. I can’t remember a time when we were all as happy and excited and positive.”
Susan Noonan / Dream Flyer Parent
“Above the Clouds went “above” and beyond to really personalize each child’s experience. My husband accompanied Connor and said everyone involved was so kind and patient with Connor, and really worked hard to make sure the trip was a memorable one. Not only did they let him fly the plane, but they presented him with a beautiful bomber jacket with his name on it, aviator sunglasses, and a big travel bag full of trains and things that he loves! He was so excited to show me everything when he got home, and to tell me all about it. The pilot actually flew them over our house and I was able to wave to them from my back deck. Just amazing from start to finish. Our family is so grateful to have been chosen to participate in such a special outing. I know Connor will never forget it!”
Kristen Malachowski / Mother of Dream Flyer
“Thank you for allowing my 10 year year old daughter this amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Her and her big sister, from the Big Sister Association, had so much fun.”
Nicola Kean/Mother of Dream Flyer
Ellie and I wanted to let you and all the wonderful people involved with Above the Clouds know how much Ellie enjoyed her flight and the entire afternoon yesterday. She could not stop talking about it all evening and her excitement continued this morning. She is also very excited to wear her new jacket. (I didn’t let her take it to school today because she is notorious for forgetting things, and we want to keep the jacket forever!) Thank you for all of your work and for making this exceptional experience possible for Ellie. It was a very bright afternoon in what has been a particularly challenging time for her and our family.
Cherie Craft, Executive Director, Smart from the Start
“Dream Flights have given our little ones and their families opportunities to see their world in a new and exciting way, while expanding horizons and offering a glimpse into aviation as a hobby and/or career. We are deeply grateful to you, Gary and the amazing volunteer pilots who make our children and families feel extraordinary, while in your care.”
Shawn, Age 16, Dream Flyer
“Thank you for your kindness to me on my Dream Flight Day. Getting on the plane was above and beyond. It was my first time in an airplane and I’m afraid of heights, but you guys certainly gave me a moment to cherish. I want to thank you and sometime in the future I hope I can fly again.”
Amber, Age 17, Dream Flyer
“Thank you for taking me on an adventure of a lifetime! I loved seeing Gillette Stadium from the air, flying the plane and assisting with the controls. I’m heading off to Mass Bay in the fall in style with my new flight jacket. I appreciate all the time and energy that everyone put in to making this day so special. This truly was a dream come true and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
Ayana, First Dream Flyer, Wisconsin Chapter
“Today was fun, scary and overall amazing. I think I can call it the best day of my life! I want to thank all the people that helped/supported me!”
Jerlia, First Dream Flyer, Wisconsin Chapter
“Today was the best day of my life. I would do this a hundred more times. Thanks to all the people that supported me today. Now I know what I want to be when I grow up #A Pilot!”
Peg, Dream Flight Day Volunteer, Norwood Chapter
“Today at the end of Dream Flight Day I felt comfort. What a beautiful thing to collaborate with kind people for the sole purpose of infusing joy into the lives of children who most need it. The kids arrive unsure of what to expect, but once they land after their Dream Flight, the kids are just bursting with joy and wonder. Their worlds have been forever widened, and their joy will remain in my heart for a very long time.”
Brenda and Eric, Parents of Dream Flyer, Brian
“Words cannot express what this flight meant to Brian. You went above and beyond to make this a memorable day. Brian has always loved planes and he could never have had imagined that he would be co-piloting a plane ride. He truly felt like he was a VIP.”
Alyssa, Dream Flyer
“It was a huge honor to be able to fly today. It seemed my troubles flew away the higher I got into the sky. Special thanks to our pilot Bobby for flying with us. It was incredible.“