CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — More than 60 nonprofits will benefit from donations through the Coastal Bend Day of Giving, an event meant to raise money that will eventually pour resources right back into the community.
Travis Patterson is the CEO of HALO-Flight, an organization that provides fast and urgent transport to those who need it most. He said the nonprofit serves 26 counties in South Texas by providing scene flights and hospital transfers.
On average, they perform 3 to 4 flights per day.
"We do that regardless of the patients ability to pay, so insured, uninsured," he said.
Patterson said fundraisers like Day of Giving are vital to their operation.
"We are a non profit but we still have to cover our operating costs. Every time one of these takes off it can cost $35,000-40,000," he said.
For families like the Pereidas, HALO-Flight has been a vital resource to them and their son Nathaniel.
"HALO-Flight flew Nathanial a few times from Driscoll to children's hospital in Houston. And every one of those times was critical," Jose Pereida said.
Pereida said that ever since then its been his passion to support the HALO-Flight organization even becoming a board member.
"We've become a family, HALO-Flight is a family," he said.
Families are there for each other on their worst days. In October, HALO-Flight lifting off for Nathaniel one last time -- this time to give a farewell tribute over his funeral, something Pereida said was priceless.
"They gave me the many many years, that we were honored to have Nathaniel with us, and I hope we can continue doing that for other patients in South Texas and their families," he said.
Patterson said that this year in August and September, they had the two biggest months in the history of HALO-Flights. Year date there is nearly 1,200 flights. Lots of people replying on them on what is the worst day of their lives, but HALO-Flight wants them to know they are there for them.
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