For people all over New England, Angel Flight Northeast offers free flights to life-saving medical treatments around the region.

In a recent article in the Journal Tribune, Barbara Sica, spokeswoman for Angel Flight Northeast, explained the need for donations to support the nonprofit’s important work and allow it to continue providing transportation services to people with serious illnesses.

Sica said the group has lost some corporate sponsorships and donations have slowed in the struggling economy.

Angel Flight Northeast provides air transportation throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for people in need of medical treatment. Pilots donate their time and fuel to help get patients to the treatments.

Saco’s own Ed Gallagher is a commercial pilot who donates his time and fuel to fly patients from Maine. Gallagher, who works during the day at his family’s business, Gallagher Refrigeration, said when he does a volunteer flight, it’s typically in the evening, flying someone back to Maine ”“ often residents of the northern part of the state ”“ from Massachusetts.

Gallagher spoke about the experiences over his more than 50 flights donate to the cause. He said he’s had people of all ages and everyone has been very gracious and thankful ”“ even air traffic control.

Illnesses, particularly chronic illnesses or cancer, often requirement precise treatments that may not be available at every hospital. And for those of us in York County, the trek to Boston may not seem too bad ”“ especially with options like bus and train services, but for those north of Bangor, it’s a full day’s travel to get to the city’s many hospital and treatment centers.

That’s where Angel Flight Northeast comes in ”“ offering a free and relatively quick trip that would otherwise take many hours behind the wheel and many dollars to fill the gas tank. In addition to saving people time and money, the pilots and donors who support the program are also extending a life line to people who may not survive without the treatments they receive.

We urge our readers who are able to learn more about the organization at www.angelflightne.org, and donate, if they can, to help this important program continue in the future.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.