At Cary Family Dental, we’ve always believed that dentistry is about more than clean teeth and healthy smiles—it’s about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. That belief is what led us, over 15 years ago, to partner with Smiles for Life, a national children’s charity dedicated to improving health outcomes for children in need.
Thanks to the support of our incredible patients, we’ve raised more than $144,000 through this partnership—primarily through one simple act: teeth whitening. During our annual whitening campaign, 100% of what patients pay goes to charity. Half is directed to Smiles for Life nationally, and the other half is donated to a local organization doing powerful work for children in our community.
This year, we’re proud to support a mission that resonates deeply with our team and my own personal story: Children’s Flight of Hope
When Care Isn’t Close to Home
As some of you may know, my son Jack underwent multiple open-heart surgeries when he was a child. One of those surgeries took place at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. That meant time off work, travel across states, nights away from home, and emotional stress on our entire family.
We were fortunate. We had the resources, the time, and the support system to make it all happen. But many families aren’t in that position. That’s where Children’s Flight of Hope comes in.
Led by Pat Nelli, President and CEO, Children’s Flight of Hope makes sure that distance and the cost of travel are never reasons a child can’t get to life-saving or life-changing care. Whether it’s a baby born in a rural area without access to a pediatric specialist, or a child facing a rare diagnosis requiring experimental treatment at a national research hospital—this organization bridges that gap.
A Mission That’s Taken Off
Children’s Flight of Hope was founded 30 years ago, right here in the Triangle, when a pilot volunteered to fly a young girl to the hospital after a car accident. That simple act of kindness became a movement.
In the last year alone:
- They provided nearly 2,800 flights, more than doubling their flight volume in just two years.
- They helped children reach over 300 different hospitals.
- They supported treatment for 500+ distinct diagnoses.
- And they did all this while maintaining a powerful commitment: supporting families for the entire duration of their child’s treatment journey.
Some families need two flights. Others need two dozen. One child they serve has flown 140 times for cancer treatment. These aren’t one-time acts—they’re sustained commitments to a child’s health and a family’s hope.
Why This Matters to Us
I first met Pat when she worked with the American Heart Association, where she invited my son Jack to share his story as a survivor. We’ve known each other for over a decade, and I’ve always admired her heart and leadership. When I learned she had stepped into this role with Children’s Flight of Hope, I knew right away—this was the kind of organization we wanted to support.
In a recent conversation, which you can watch here on YouTube (or click the image below), we talked about the very real challenges families face when the best care is out of reach. And we talked about the privilege of living in Cary, where world-class hospitals like Duke, UNC, and WakeMed are minutes away. That’s not true for everyone.
Children’s Flight of Hope is making sure every child—regardless of geography or financial situation—can access the care they need, when they need it most.
Stories That Stay With You
Pat shared the story of a little girl diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 10 months old. She required multiple flights for treatment and clinical trials. Today, at age three and a half, she has no evidence of disease and is thriving.
She told us about a young boy who hadn’t eaten solid food in two years. After traveling for specialized care, his family sent back a video of him eating his first Cheerio.
And she mentioned the toll these medical journeys take on entire families—parents who leave work, siblings left behind, financial strain from every angle. In many cases, just removing the cost of flights makes the impossible… possible.
How the Process Works
The process is clear and structured. Families apply through the Children’s Flight of Hope website and must provide:
- A letter from a local physician confirming that treatment isn’t available nearby
- A confirmed appointment at the receiving hospital
- Verification that the child is medically cleared to fly
- Documentation of financial hardship
Once accepted, families are supported for as long as care is needed—whether that’s two flights or 200.
And while they started with private flights, most of their travel today is on commercial airlines, allowing them to serve more children more affordably, without being limited by geography.
How You Can Help
This is where you come in.
There are a few simple ways to support this life-changing work:
- Whiten your teeth at Cary Family Dental
100% of your whitening fee goes directly to charity, with 50% supporting Children’s Flight of Hope.
- Watch our full conversation
Hear more about the mission and impact of this organization from my interview with Pat Nelli.
Click here to watch the full video.
- Visit childrensflightofhope.org
Learn more about their mission, their work, and how to support them.
- Engage on social media
Follow and share Children’s Flight of Hope on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
- Make a direct donation or become a sponsor
Monthly gifts and corporate partnerships help keep flights going and hope alive.
Thank You
Every year, we’re humbled by the generosity of our patients. Supporting Children’s Flight of Hope is one of the most meaningful things we’ve done as a practice. We hope you’ll join us in bringing not just smiles—but healing and hope—to children who need it most.
—
Dr. Allan Acton and the Cary Family Dental Team
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
