Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in early 2007, Fran Stahl of Tamaqua, didn't let that or other medical issues prevent her from pursuing her lifelong dream of flying.

After going through 40 appointments and medical procedures in less than six months, during which doctors successfully removed one of the affected nodes, Fran felt she needed something to take her mind off the health issues. With the confidence-building support of family and friends, she felt it was time to pursue a flying license."When I found I had thyroid cancer, I really faced my mortality," Fran said.After hearing her question a local flight instructor over the phone about the prospect of learning to fly, her husband Tim gave her his full support, encouraging her to "Go for it."When other family members heard about her plans to gain a pilot's license, they were also quick to ask, "What took so long?"Fran had already fulfilled two earlier dreams in her life: teaching and adopting a child.Flying a plane would take every bit as much courage.Learning how to fly was something Fran had always wanted to do, but it was always shoved off, given her family responsibilities - children, and then grandchildren - and the financial issues involved. Friends and family were aware that Fran had a history of spending very little on herself.She eventually took the financial step for flying lessons and enrolled at Arner Flying Services in Lehighton. After her recovery from thyroid surgery, she set up an appointment for a demo ride."Since the FAA red flags people who have had their thyroids out, I had to attend appointments and gather letters from various doctors to prove that I was fit," said Fran. "A person my age normally must get a physical every two years, but I have to give the FAA medical information every year."Although Fran admits she gets motion sickness in just riding a ferry, she opted to take a demo ride to see if she felt well enough to continue with the lessons. She had no problem and began the quest of her dream.If surviving cancer wasn't bad enough, in January of 2008, Fran had to get invasive surgery on her left hand and was required to wear a cast for six weeks, as well as go through months of physical therapy. Despite these added setbacks, Fran was still able to take her first solo flight in late 2008, which was a proud moment in her life.Fran credits Byron Arner, her certified flight instructor, for building her confidence level."He assured me that I couldn't hurt the plane or him and that he had my back," she said. "I was expecting Byron to say, 'Lady, this is my livelihood, you're bouncing all over the runway," but instead I got, 'Survivable,' spoken in a very calm voice," she said.She later had Byron autograph her pilot's cap with the date of her first solo."That accomplishment stands out near the top of the things that I've been able to do during six decades, said Fran.Realizing the importance for new pilots to "keep at it," she progressed by flying cross-country trips and practicing the various maneuvers that all pilots must become proficient in."If you don't, your skills could get rusty in a hurry," she said. "Despite being a slow learner, I kept getting interrupted with the surgeries, sinus infections and weather."Before I knew it, it was 2009 and I was still trying to get to the point of taking my written, oral and practical test. In the meantime, we were still monitoring the other half of my thyroid, which grew to a concerning size."This time, the decision would be much harder, because if her thyroid was totally removed, Fran would have to be on medication the rest of her life. On top of that, Fran had another concern - her daughter was serving in Iraq.With support and advice from her family, Fran eventually chose to have the thyroid removed. The doctors removed it and placed her on radiation treatment. Further tests showed it was cancerous.Flying was impossible during those three recovery months as she dealt with follow-up treatments and related medical issues. There was also a financial obligation since her insurance company was not willing to cover certain costs."During those three months, I had plenty of time to study, although it wasn't easy to do anything, including just getting dressed," Fran recalled.Despite the lack of physical strength, Fran endured the troubled time period by taking mock tests online. Finally, she felt ready to take the written test. With mobile assistance from her husband, Fran kept her promise to herself and scored a 98 on the test.Following a number of medical and bureaucratic-related delays, Fran received a letter from the FAA in 2011, permitting her to take the flight test for a private pilot's license.In March of last year, Byron accompanied her for the mandatory three hours in preparation for the test.Finally, after over 3-1/2 years of delays resulting from medical, financial and personal issues, Fran took her flight test last July 6, to become a licensed private pilot.Fran puts all of the lofty achievements in her life in a proper perspective."Do I believe in prayer? Absolutely," Fran said. "Thanks to Byron's patience and encouragement, support of family and friends, lots and lots of practicing and knowing that God was helping me, too, I was able to persist and finally get up the courage to go take my test."When you are 60, any delay is a big delay. I've read about other people's accounts of learning to fly solo as being a very special day, but now I know for myself - it truly is."