Woman needs flight to Israel for stem cell transplant

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The flight cancellations to Israel were causing one woman to almost miss a stem cell transplant.

"Physically and emotionally, it's got to be tough for you," Eyewitness News reporter Stacey Sager said.

"It's everything," said Jill Bevilacqua, a patient.

It's everything because for Jill Bevilacqua, a new type of stem cell transplant could be a life changer. Her multiple sclerosis is now accelerating to the point where she can barely do things for herself.

Three weeks ago, they learned that a trial procedure she'd have to wait for here in the states had suddenly reopened in Israel, but the violence was escalating.

"We're determined to get there because I don't know when this will ever happen again for her," said Doreen Bevilacqua, Jill's mother.

They were booked on a Delta flight to Tel Aviv Thursday, but the FAA has now extended their ban on U.S. commercial flights there.

The news from Delta wasn't good when Jill's mom called.

"Then this morning they told me there are no seats available, you're on a wait list," Doreen Bevilacqua said.

El-Al tells Eyewitness News, that the truth is, they have plenty of seats.

Eyewitness News made sure that they told Jill's mom that the two of them were confirmed on a flight.

"You have no idea how much this means to us. Thank you!" Doreen Bevilacqua said.

There's no doubt the flight ban is affecting hundreds of travelers. Some have cancelled trips to Israel, but others like the Bevilacquas say the risk pales in comparison to the benefit of a life-changing trip.

"I just want to be normal, to be able to do things on my own," Jill Bevilacqua said.