LEESBURG - When he was a year old, Alex Zabukovec was hanging on for his life. Now 13, Alex needed to undergo surgery out of state for a serious heart condition that made his heart rate double and was getting worse.
Only two physicians in the U.S., one in Delaware and the other in California, were qualified to perform the specialized life-saving procedure. Alex's mom, Jennifer Boliek, didn't know how they were going to get to either location until a friend suggested contacting Angel Flight Southeast, a Leesburg-based nonprofit that provides free air transportation for those in need of medical treatment, surgeries or other types of assistance when travel options are limited.
"Angel Flight was the only way we could have gotten to Delaware, where it turned out the doctor who could perform the surgery happened to be the same pediatric cardiologist who was at Alex's birth and had moved there from Florida," Boliek said. "It was just amazing."
On Tuesday, Angel Flight supporters will take part in the Angel Flight Southeast 18th Annual Golf Tournament to help make sure others in situations similar to Alex continue to be served. The Harper Family Charitable Foundation in Mount Dora is title sponsor for the tournament, one of the charity's biggest fundraisers.
While the pilots volunteer their time and planes, Angel Flight Southeast CEO Steve Purello said the organization also relies on donations to fund outreach, materials, staffing and office expenses that will enable the organization, now in its 26th year, to continue. Purello said he and the other pilots enjoy what they do.
"To own an airplane and to have the skill as a pilot is a privilege and this organization is a great way for us to be able to give back."
That giving nature and consistency in the efforts of the organization is what has spurred the Harper foundation to contribute to Angel Flight since 2007. Robert Harper, foundation treasurer, said Angel Flight is worthy "because the organization supports the health, education, maintenance and well-being of disabled children and adults in Central Florida."
Boliek was astounded at how quickly Angel Flight responded after she requested help. The surgery got scheduled, and "care traffic controllers" arranged for the family to get to Delaware safely. The surgery was a success, and only last year did Alex receive a clean bill of health.
Jennifer and her husband, Bert Boliek, along with Alex, a seventh-grader at Oak Park Middle School, put their gratitude into action by hosting a fundraising barbecue with the Leesburg Boat Club that raised $6,000 for Angel Flight in hopes others can have as positive of an outcome as Alex.
"It made me feel so happy that I don't have to worry about anything," Alex said.
He said he's happy to be done with doctor visits, which frees up more time for his two favorite sports - golf and baseball.
For information about the golf tournament, call 352-326-0761 or see angelflightse.org/events
