Shackelford Partner Mobilizes Aviation Industry to Aid Cancer Patients

Film Chronicling Austin Sexual Assault Lawsuit to Screen at TRLA Benefit Event

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A vibrant, abstract grid of empty airplane seats in shades of blue, orange, and yellow, conceptually representing the availability of seats to transport cancer patients to treatment.An aviation industry initiative provides free flights for cancer patients, allowing families to preserve precious time together.Austin Today

A Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton partner is drawing on his industry connections to help cancer patients access treatment by connecting them with corporate aircraft owners and individual flyers who have empty seats. Meanwhile, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is hosting a screening of a 2024 film about rape survivors who brought a federal class action lawsuit against the City of Austin and Travis County.

Why it matters

Mayer's efforts to leverage the aviation industry to provide free flights for cancer patients allows families to preserve precious time together, something he wishes he had more of with his own grandparents who died of cancer. The screening of the film about the Austin sexual assault lawsuit raises awareness and funds for TRLA's work supporting low-income Texans, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The details

Dallas-based partner David Mayer recently began serving as an ambassador for the Corporate Angel Network, a charity that arranges free flights for cancer patients by connecting them with corporate aircraft owners and individual flyers who have empty seats. Mayer was inspired to get involved after losing both of his grandfathers to cancer at a young age, feeling he missed out on time to learn about their lives. He is now encouraging his colleagues in the aviation industry to coordinate flights that could accommodate patients traveling to specialized cancer care facilities. Meanwhile, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is hosting a screening on April 21 of 'An Army of Women' - a 2024 film about rape survivors who brought a federal class action lawsuit against the City of Austin and Travis County. The 2018 lawsuit alleged police and prosecutors failed to adequately investigate and pursue sexual assault cases. The city and county later reached a settlement that included a formal apology and commitments to significant reforms.

  • Mayer recently began serving as an ambassador for the Corporate Angel Network.
  • The 'An Army of Women' film screening will take place on April 21, 2026.

The players

David Mayer

A Dallas-based partner in the global aviation group at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton who is serving as an ambassador for the Corporate Angel Network to help cancer patients access treatment.

Corporate Angel Network

A charity that arranges free flights for cancer patients by connecting them with corporate aircraft owners and individual flyers who have empty seats.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

An organization that is hosting a screening of the 2024 film 'An Army of Women' to benefit its work providing free legal services to low-income Texans, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Elizabeth Myers

A Thompson Coburn partner who represented the plaintiffs in the federal class action lawsuit against the City of Austin and Travis County.

Jenny Ecklund

A former Thompson Coburn partner who is now vice president of litigation at HaloMD and was part of the legal team representing the plaintiffs in the federal class action lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“It's a simple yet crucial act of philanthropy to provide cancer patients with an empty seat on regular corporate or individual flights, enabling them to travel with you at no cost to specialized cancer care facilities.”

— David Mayer, Partner, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton

“The proverbial light came on for me — that I could honor my grandfathers and offer my time within the industry in which I have long practiced law.”

— David Mayer, Partner, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mayer's efforts to leverage the aviation industry to provide free flights for cancer patients allows families to preserve precious time together, something he wishes he had more of with his own grandparents who died of cancer. The screening of the film about the Austin sexual assault lawsuit raises awareness and funds for TRLA's work supporting low-income Texans, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.