Air Nurses Founder Joins Corporate Angel Network as Ambassador

We are thrilled to announce that Ericka Essington, Founder & CEO of Air Nurses, has been named a new Ambassador for Corporate Angel Network (CAN).

This partnership ties two missions we deeply believe in: compassionate care and removing barriers to treatment.

What Is Corporate Angel Network?

Corporate Angel Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that arranges free flights for cancer patients and stem cell donors to reach specialized treatment centers—using unused seats on corporate jets and turboprop aircraft. 

Each year, CAN arranges more than 1,700 patient flights, helping ease the travel burden many patients face. 

Why Ericka’s Ambassador Role Matters

In her new role, Ericka will act as a bridge—strengthening awareness, outreach, and coordination between CAN and the medical/healthcare community, including hospitals, case managers, and patient advocates. She explicitly notes that this role is about connection and advocacy—not direct medical care. 

Her background deeply aligns with the mission:

• 18 years in nursing, including 15 years in air medical and critical-care transport 

• Certifications: CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse), FP‑C, CMTE 

• Leadership roles in transport medicine and clinical operations 

Because of that expertise, she’s uniquely positioned to open doors, raise visibility, and help connect CAN’s mission to more patients and institutions.

What This Means for Patients & Families

• Greater reach: With Ericka’s network and voice, more healthcare providers and case managers may learn about CAN and what it offers

• Stronger advocacy: Having a seasoned clinical leader championing the mission helps bring credibility and understanding to audiences that may not know about CAN’s work

• Synergy with our own mission: Air Nurses already focuses on bridging gaps in travel + medical care. This partnership underscores that same philosophy in a complementary space

How We See This Partnership Advancing the Mission

1. Mutual awareness – Air Nurses can help direct medical providers to CAN as an option for patients in need of free travel

2. Joint messaging – Together, we can amplify stories of access, care, and the importance of removing travel barriers

3. Shared learning – Ericka’s insight from operating in medical transport can inform CAN’s strategies for outreach, logistics, and partnerships

4. Stronger impact – When mission-driven organizations collaborate, the effect is greater than the sum of its parts

Looking Ahead

We’re honored that CAN chose Ericka as Ambassador, and we see this as the beginning of deeper collaboration in bringing accessible medical travel to those who need it most.

We’ll be sharing updates on how this partnership develops, including:

• Educational resources for case managers and clinicians

• Joint community outreach

• Stories of patients who benefit from CAN flights