Flight1 gives sick child a chance to co-pilot - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Flying high to help their confidence soar-an Indianapolis non-profit reached a milestone Saturday, by offering their first flight to a young girl battling cancer.

Nine-year-old Bailey Walker has been in a plane before, but never as the co-pilot.

Bailey's been battling and beating lymphoma for nearly two years. The Cincinnati native will cross a medical milestone in September, when she completes chemotherapy.

Saturday, this "Courageous Flier" achieved a milestone in the sky. Bailey Walker says, "You see everything. And, it is so little. And I got to fly the plane. And go right and left and right and left. And it was really cool."

Flight 1 is an Indianapolis based volunteer organization that was created last year. The goal is to bring together children and aviation, specifically those children who are battling an illness or whose lives have been changed by someone close to them being sick.

Saturday was the group's first flight at Indy Jet and Bailey, her brother Jack, and dad Mike, were the lucky passengers.

Marcus Strawhorn, Flight1 President explained,"It is something most people cannot do. It is a privilege to fly. And to be able to tell your friends not only did you get to fly as a kid but you got to take control of the airplane. It's a very unique situation the kids have."

This flight has actually been in the works for Bailey several times. The first time she broke her foot. The second time she had pneumonia. Saturday, she was able to open up this door and get inside the plane to fly, it was even more special.

Michael Walker, Bailey's father says, "It is just such a neat experience and a joyous distraction for her that makes her forget for a little while that she's been sick for so long."

Back on the ground, Bailey and Jack were awarded their "wings." And, Flight1's first flight is in the books.

Bailey said, "I wanna say thank you to Flight1 and Marcus. They are awesome!"

Flight1 hopes to give 100 kids each year the chance to learn about aviation and be a part of the 3 year program. The "Courageous Fliers" program is available for children who are ill or those children who have been affected by serious illness.