Matt Slater never will forget his 14th birthday.

The Genoa teen, now 16, spent the day before his birthday, also the day of his eighth grade graduation, on the operating table for eight hours while doctors cut out most of a cancerous tumor in his thyroid.

Slater then was sent to the University of Chicago Hospitals for treatment, but doctors there told his mother Pat that Slater should be sent to the University of Kentucky Hospitals.

There, thyroid research specialist Dr. Kenneth Ain would be able to prescribe the best treatment.

“I thought, ‘ah, all the way to Lexington,’” Pat said. “At best, it’s a seven-hour and 20-minute drive, and nine hours if there’s traffic.”

After making the trek a few times, Pat found out about Angel Flight, a service that would people in need of medical treatment to where they need to go.

Angel Flight is run by a group of volunteers who donate their time and skills as pilots.

Jim Harris, public relations leader for the Great Lakes Wing of Angel Flight Central, said the service is for those in need.

“We see, that a lot of times, that maybe because of a disease, families are left on dire straits financially,” Harris said. “We look for a need and that they can’t afford to get there.”

Slater was eligible for the program since it was such a far drive for treatment. He also was glad he was able to fly back the day after his treatment.

“It’s a lot easier and more of a convenience so you don’t have to drive as much,” Slater said.

It was Slater’s first time being in a small plane. Most of the planes used for Angel Flight seat four to six people. Slater said he wore headphones so he could communicate with the pilot.

Slater’s prognosis is good, with 80 percent of the cancer gone. After high school, Slater wants to study criminal justice at Kishwaukee College and Western Illinois University.

“We’ve had a number of passengers say they attribute their life to Angel Flight; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to get the treatment they needed,” Harris said.

NIU students also can use the service if they have a need. Angel Flight can fly students to family members who are in need of immediate care.

Angel Flight requires that passengers be ambulatory and in need; mission screeners decide whether the need is legitimate.

For information, call 800-474-9464.