

April 14, 2023
The Rioch’s Story
“I will never forget that day,” said Suzanne Rioch, a retired art/special education teacher. “We were living in Victor at the time, and our house was near a corner. There was a motor vehicle accident involving a truck and a minivan about 500 yards from our house. The minivan occupant…

December 3, 2020
Joniel’s Story
For Amy and Jonathan Rivera and their newborn son Joniel, Mercy Flight was there when minutes mattered. On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Amy Rivera, in her thirty-fifth week of pregnancy, went into labor and delivered her son Joniel at Olean General Hospital (OGH). Although babies born prematurely may exhibit symptoms…

December 10, 2019
Meet Mercy Flight’s Biggest Fan
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November 21, 2019
Michelle’s Story
Michelle was celebrating Independence Day with her family in Chautauqua County, when high velocity fireworks hurtled toward her. She saw a white flash, and in an instant, her clothing caught fire as the pyrotechnic device hit her and remained in her lap. Within minutes, Michelle was airlifted from the scene…

November 14, 2019
Celebrating Life 30 Years Later: Lydia’s Story
By Deanna Garwol When Lydia Grossi-Young woke up on June 1, 1990, she had no idea that what occurred next would change her life forever. That morning, Lydia and her friend, then both nursing students, were driving down Route 77 on their way to a summer course when they collided…

October 14, 2019
Molly’s Story of Adversity, Healing, and New Beginnings
By Leah Czerwinski In February of 1997, Molly Saper’s life changed forever. Saper and her friends went to Ellicottville for a weekend ski trip. When they arrived, they decided to walk into town to grab something to eat. During this walk, the Buffalo native was struck by a car. She…

September 24, 2019
Eagle Scout Jack
Written by Leah Czerwinski Do you or your family enjoy watching the planes take off and land at Mercy Flight headquarters? Thanks to Eagle Scout Jack Andruschat, the back patio where the public enjoys hanging out with family and friends, has been renovated. Over the course of a few months…

September 4, 2019
Batman Supporting Our Angels in Orange
Written by Leah Czerwinski William Lorenz Jr. was named Buffalo’s Best Batman in 2014. William’s career as Batman began when he was working as a karate instructor in Elma, NY. As an instructor, he would dress up as Batman to put on skits and other activities for the kids. From…