Cancer Survivor Gets Special Announcement on Southwest Flight

A heartwarming moment recently took place as a cancer survivor was taking a trip with her friends to celebrate being cancer free. She and her husband planned a trip with two other couples to Hawaii. The group of lifelong friends were seated on their Southwest flight when the pilot made a special announcement congratulating her. A video of the special moment was shared on Instagram by one of her friends.

Oldman’s cancer fight began in March 2021 when she received a breast cancer diagnosis while she was pregnant. She started cancer treatments right after her daughter was born in August 2021. After almost passing away during one of her treatments, she thought a vacation was necessary to prove to cancer it had not won, and she still had the strength to continue with life.

Oldman had no idea her husband had arranged for the pilot to congratulate her when she boarded the plane. Oldham’s surprise could be seen on her face as the captain said: “I would like to add a special welcome to a special guest on today’s flight. We have a passenger who’s headed to Hawaii with us today to celebrate her victory over late-stage cancer. She fought valiantly and is now cancer-free. Please join me in giving her, Jyrl Oldham, a round of applause.”

The plane erupted in applause as Oldman teared up. Oldham’s husband is reported to have written an email to Southwest Airlines ahead of the flight and printed a letter for the flight attendant. Friend Valeri Jones, who provided the video, said “Jyrl, who is a former pilot herself, loved the announcement and was elated at the reaction the passengers on the plane gave her. It was a great way to kick off our trip,” Jones said.