In an emotional reunion on Good Morning America, 12-year-old Aiden Parker reunited with Dr. Stephanie Weiss, the cruise ship doctor who helped save his life during a dramatic medical emergency aboard the Carnival Venezia this past May.
The event triggered a high-stakes rescue operation by the U.S. Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing, whose response was critical to Aiden’s survival.
Aiden and his family were en route to New York when he suffered a life-threatening abdominal perforation that required urgent care.
Read More: U.S. Airforce Rescues Teen from Carnival Ship
Dr. Weiss, the ship’s senior physician, quickly recognized the severity of the situation and knew that Aiden needed immediate evacuation from the ship, which was over 350 miles off the coast of North Carolina.
“It’s one of the cases that you need to get off the ship as soon as possible. It can eventually end your life,” Dr. Weiss explained during the reunion.
The Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing, based at Patrick Space Force Base, launched a rescue operation within hours of receiving the distress call.
Their response involved two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen who flew more than 1,000 miles to reach the remote ship.
Once on-site, the pararescue team hoisted Aiden and his mother from the deck of the ship and provided immediate medical attention during the flight to the nearest capable hospital.
Aiden, who was unconscious for much of the rescue, later spent a month in the hospital but has since made a full recovery. Reflecting on the experience, he told Dr. Weiss, “I feel like I probably wouldn’t still be here if you didn’t help me.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for helping me and making me feel better,” the 12-year-old told Weiss during the interview with GMA.
After eight hours and over 1,000 miles traveled, all aircraft safely returned to Patrick Space Force Base, completing the mission.
Carnival Venezia began service with Carnival Cruise Line in June 2023, following its transfer from Costa Cruises.
