ATLANTA – A 19-year-old pilot spent less than a month flying around the world to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research.
Logan Tinley, who has been a pilot for a little over a year, specifically did the flight for 8-year-old Ethan Lassiter of Atlanta who is battling a rare form of pediatric brain cancer.
Logan and Ethan’s families go way back.
"I've known Ethan since he was a baby," he said. "I just remember seeing how it affected his family – just wondering how I could help them."
So for Ethan, Logan created the Ascending Frontiers Pediatric Cancer Foundation and began his journey on June 1 from his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
Logan’s journey took him across Canada, Greenland, Northern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Japan.
"The hardest part was the 14-hour flight from Japan to Alaska," he said.
Logan finished his flight on Saturday, June 30 from Montana to Texas.
When he landed, Ethan and his family were there to welcome him back.
"Amazing that a 19-year-old could think that much of other people" Carrie Lassiter, Ethan’s mom said. "It really shows that just one person can make a huge difference."
Logan estimated he's raised more than $40,000 for cancer research but hopes to reach $500,000. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
"It's really great that he was able to raise all this money for all the kids," Ethan said.
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