July 27, 2023
‘We’re still healing’: After a difficult couple of years, Mercy Flight charts a path forward
buffalonews.com Jon Harris July 27, 2024 Margaret Ferrentino struggles at first to describe the most difficult stretch in Mercy Flight’s 42-year history. “I don’t even know if there are words,” said Ferrentino, Mercy Flight’s president who has been involved in the nonprofit organization since its inception. There was the hard…
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…
November 20, 2022
Vito’s Story
“I always respected first responders, but since my accident, I have an even deeper admiration for them and what they do.” Support from the community is vital to our operation and our ability to save lives. Without Mercy Flight, Vitorrio “Vito” Muoio and his friend might not have survived a…
November 21, 2021
Jack’s Story
“Thank God Mercy Flight was there to take him. I am forever grateful.” “As a mom, all I want for my children is health, happiness, and to find that special someone to share their life with,” said Kim Houseknecht. On April 20, 2021, Kim’s prayers for good health for her…
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…