Angels Among Us
Houston Ground Angels, founded by Kathy Broussard

People in and around Houston have grown accustomed to having just about anything they can think or dream of close at hand, from more jobs than any other place in the country, to shopping and activities, but most of all one of the finest and most advanced medical centers in the world. Those who live outside of metropolitan Houston do not have these opportunities, and, therefore, must find their way to this Oil Mecca. Yet, the majority of those who come to Houston from around the Lone Star State do so seeking medical care.

“When faced with cancer or other life-threatening diseases, most people around Texas and beyond say they want to come to Houston,” says Dick  Moynihan, president, Houston Ground Angels. “But getting here can often provide multiple challenges, stress, expense and the pressure of trying to find their way in the spaghetti maze of highways. That is where Houston Ground Angels steps in to help,”

Houston Ground Angels grew out of a concern, recognized by 2010 Texas Conference for Women speaker and HGA founder Kathy Broussard, that many patients who fly to Houston for medical treatments did not have anyone to meet them, creating stress and fear of being in a unfamiliar territory. Plus, if they fly commercial flights the stress and weariness of walking through terminals from parking lots, then landing and renting a car or taxi also creates additional expenses many cannot afford when dealing with a stack of medical bills.

“The organization also attempts to limit the burden of air and ground transportation fares on patients, many of whom visit Houston area hospitals several times during the year,” said Moynihan.  

Houston Ground Angels provide transportation either by car or private planes from across Texas  for those needing to come to Houston for medical treatment.

“Our service comes in all shapes and sizes,” says Moynihan. “Sometimes we meet patients at commercial airports/flights and take them to their destination. Sometimes we meet private planes at private airports to assist with their transportation. We also meet corporate shuttles that fly patients in conjunction with Corporate Air Network. Most of our transports are to/from the Houston Medical Center. Most of our ‘customers’ are cancer patients, but we are not limited to that disease.”

In 2010, the Houston Ground Angels have provided more than 200 missions a month, and that number continues to grow.  

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life.  We have physicians from M. D. Anderson Hospital who fly patients in, cancer survivors, those who lost a loved one to a terminal illness, retired folks, school teachers, pilots from other cities and others who help make sure anyone who needs medical care has access to Houston’s expert medical teams,” Moynihan said.

All of the volunteers agree, you only have to assist one or two patients before you are hooked and cannot stop helping.

Dr. Arthur Cole, an active volunteer pilot for the organization began helping the Houston Ground Angels after he retired from University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

“This second ‘part-time career’ in a sense has been as satisfying as my earlier professional career because of my direct connection helping patients. The appreciation rendered by those helped is a reward that I, and all volunteers I meet, hold deeply,” says Dr. Cole.

To meet the growing needs of those visiting Houston due to life-threatening illness, the Angels are looking to expand; they need additional volunteer drivers and pilots and are also raising funds to provide paid staff personnel.  

“We are looking to raise funds, but we also want to spread the word to let people know around the state that we are here to help them receive the medical treatment they need in Houston ,” Moynihan said.

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