April Abrams and her husband Anthony found themselves unexpectedly pregnant with their only child Mathias. Life for Mathias began with a month-long stay in the NICU due to tremors that were from low calcium levels. His stay in the NICU also uncovered mild hearing loss, which resulted in Mathias needing hearing aids, an underactive thyroid, a lazy right eye, and a coloboma in his left eye. Once Mathias’ health conditions were managed, the happy family left the hospital and returned home, ready to start their lives as new parents. However, it would happen that two years later, Mathias would return to the hospital, and this time, he would be transported with Ornge.
 
On March 1, 2019, Mathias was at his grandfather’s home while his parents were at work. Suddenly, Mathias fell violently ill, and his grandfather decided it was best to take his toddler grandson to Belleville General Hospital. From BGH, the decision was made to airlift Mathias to Kingston General Hospital in Kingston for a higher level of care.
 
“My dad called and said they’re going to take Mathias by helicopter. So, we immediately rushed down there,” said Abrams.
 
Abrams went along with his son in the helicopter while his wife drove with his father to meet them at KGH. This transport with Ornge was the first time Mathias and his father had ever flown.
 
“It was the first time ever up in the air except for like a rollercoaster. That's the closest I’ve ever been up in the air,” said Abrams. “The crew were amazing. They explained everything that I needed to know for flying and that.”
 

 
“He was sick, I kept looking over at him and trying to put my hand on him as he’s strapped into that seat,” said Abrams. “They explained everything, what was going to happen, to stick with them and I could stay right beside Mathias.”
 
Once the helicopter landed at KGH, the Ornge paramedics gifted Mathias a Flyin’ Lion, and his care was transferred to KGH’s clinical teams. Mathias' illness was believed to be caused from complications from his asthma and he had his stomach pumped. Mathias stayed in the hospital for a week.
 
Abrams said it was an experience like no other once Mathias was able to go home.
 
“It just was an amazing experience taking our son home from the hospital. It’s the second time I’ve had to do that. There’s no greater feeling knowing that your son’s okay,” said Abrams.
 
Mathias is now a happy and healthy soon-to-be 10-year-old. He has been recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism and continues to reach new milestones. He goes nowhere without his trusted Flyin’ Lion.
 
“The Ornge crew gave my son a stuffed Flyin’ Lion for the flight. To this day, that toy is his security toy that he takes everywhere with him,” said Abrams. “Our family are forever thankful for everything the crew did for us that day.”
 
We appreciate and thank the Ornge pilots, paramedics and Operations Control Centre staff for their care and coordination on the day of Mathias’ transport and for providing an exemplary exhibit of our core values.
 
“Thank you for everything, they're all just amazing people,” said Abrams.
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• Patients and Families