A sea of pink, an eruption of cheers and even a Congo line at 35,000 feet marked the annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation Flight.  

Every October, Endeavor Air and Delta Air Lines come together for one of the most meaningful flights of the year – the annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Flight. For 20 years, Delta Air Lines has supported BCRF, raising more than $34 million to fund groundbreaking research. The partnership has contributed to new treatment options, earlier detection, and even vaccine research aimed at prevention. 

The nearly 200 passengers on this flight are Endeavor and Delta employees who are breast cancer survivors and embody strength and hope. The flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City celebrates survivors, raises awareness, and continues funding critical cancer research. 

For the three Endeavor employees who attended – Captain Jenny Trapp, Flight Attendant Shonda Jones and Flight Attendant Cya Stoddard – the event was far more than a celebration. It was a reminder of how far they’ve come. Everyone’s breast cancer journey is different – some detect it early, some undergo four different surgeries, and some must fight the battle by themselves to make it through. 

When Jenny arrived at the gate for the Breast Cancer Flight, she didn’t expect the wave of emotion that came with it. “I’m not really the type to wear pink and promote myself,” she said. “But when we arrived, there was this line of people cheering, handing us leis, clapping — it was incredible.” 

Shonda saw the entire experience as a sign of healing. “From the moment I walked in, it was pure joy. I met other survivors, men and women. I didn’t even realize men could get breast cancer until then.” 

Once the plane landed in Salt Lake City, the VIP passengers were greeted with more cheers, hugs, and pink swag at the hotel, followed by a group dinner. It was a chance for the survivors to bond and share their stories.  

Years after finishing her treatment, this event was an emotional milestone for Cya. “During my treatment, I didn’t have support groups or anyone to talk to because of COVID,” Cya said. “This was the first time I got to sit with other survivors, share stories, and really connect.” 

“It was so joyful. Everyone on that flight had a story. We laughed, cried, danced, and realized how much we all have in common — even though each journey is different,” Jenny said. 

The next morning, a brunch included various speakers – including Tom Brady, Delta’s Strategic Advisor and Brand Advocate, and Dr. Sonya Reid, a Breast Oncologist and Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University.  

Cya was especially inspired by the researchers funded by Delta’s partnership with BCRF. “The doctor who spoke was incredible,” she said. “She explained how far treatments have come — from just one available drug twenty years ago, to over twenty drugs available today. It gave me so much hope.” 

They then had the rest of the day to explore Salt Lake City, ending the event at the Snowbasin Resort with gorgeous mountain views and dinner. 

In all, Jenny, Shonda, and Cya agreed that they learned so much from fighting breast cancer. Although it wasn’t easy, experiencing the camaraderie  of the BCRF Flight gave them hope.  

“I learned patience, trust, and faith,” Shonda said. “And that I’m never truly alone.” 

“It was healing. For the first time, I wasn’t fighting — I was celebrating,” Cya said. 

“You always feel like you’re alone on this journey,” Jenny said. “But that flight reminded me that we’re all in it together — fighting, surviving, and living.”