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The Flying Chefs can handle the kitchen heat

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Having too many chefs in the kitchen isn’t a problem for ORD-based active and retired flight attendants who volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

 They call themselves "The Flying Chefs" and wear red aprons with a cartoon picture of an airplane. They don't consider themselves a team of heroes, but rather a team of compassionate friends who simply want to help. Led by flight attendant Kathy Kirk, The Flying Chefs started 12 years ago.

 “We used to meal prep in a small house in Lincoln Park, Illinois. We worked with three stoves and would take the cooked meals to the house,” Kathy said. After five years, the group expanded to more than 10 flight attendants. They continue to prepare meals once a month from the newly renovated 16-story Ronald McDonald House, which was donated through funding, located in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop.

The RMHC is operated mostly by volunteers and is financially supported through private and corporate donations.  The focus of RMHC is to make children happier and healthier by keeping families together – giving them a place to rest and refresh while undergoing major medical treatments. RMHC can be found in more than 60 countries and regions across the globe. The families and other volunteers look forward to visits from the Flying Chefs, who are known to present themed dinners, including Harry Potter and Charlotte’s Web, among many more. The group also donates books to the children.


Elaine Price finds healing powers in RMHC and the Flying Chefs

The families staying at RMHC aren’t the only ones looking forward to a visit from The Flying Chefs. Former flight attendant Elaine Price would regularly work the Shanghai and Beijing routes until she was diagnosed with an incurable form of breast cancer in 2013. She began six different types of clinical chemotherapy and retired from the airline in 2014 when intensive treatments prevented her from flying. To Elaine, having time to converse with families over a meal, sharing her story of fighting cancer and her childhood helps the families to process, heal and cope.

 “To cook for a family who already has enough on their mind feels good,” Elaine said. “I was raised with a brother who is disabled and my parents had to deal with obstacles. We kept a positive attitude, and I think that is part of the healing process for me and these families. This experience makes you realize how fortunate you truly are,” Elaine said.

 Recently, Elaine underwent a new clinical treatment, and so far has had positive outcomes. When asked what helps her to get through her treatments, Elaine said, “Having a positive attitude, lots of prayer and volunteering at RMHC. It’s energizing and these flight attendants are not just co-workers at American. They are family and a support system for me.”