Britney’s journey with Miracle Flights began in childhood. Now 19 and a college student at the University of Mississippi, she continues to receive flights through our program. Grandfathered into care that has spanned much of her life, her story is a powerful testament to the long-term impact that medical flight access can have on a child’s future.
“Miracle Flights means everything. It is the difference between life and death.”
Bubbly, compassionate, and remarkably determined, Britney is pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse, a path profoundly shaped by her own experience as a chronically ill patient. From a young age, Britney faced a host of unexplained symptoms, but for years her concerns were overlooked. It wasn’t until age 13 that she was finally heard and diagnosed.
Britney lives with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, both serious autoimmune diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues. According to the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, JIA is the most common type of arthritis in children, causing persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Juvenile psoriatic arthritis is a subtype that encompasses both joint inflammation and skin symptoms, similar to those found in psoriasis.
Her diagnosis marked a turning point in both her medical care and her mission. Britney became an outspoken advocate, challenging the misconception that arthritis is a disease typically associated with older people. In recognition of her advocacy and leadership, she received the Leon Neuman Service Award from the Arthritis Foundation in 2021, the organization’s highest state-level honor.
But Britney’s health challenges didn’t end there. She was later diagnosed with gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach muscles do not function properly, preventing normal digestion. The NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes gastroparesis as a chronic condition that can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and malnutrition. Britney now lives with a gastric pacemaker, a device implanted in her abdomen to help regulate stomach contractions and manage her symptoms.
To receive the specialized care required for these complex conditions, Britney travels regularly from her home in Mississippi to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. These flights, made possible by Miracle Flights, are vital to her continued stability and progress.
One of Britney’s proudest moments came after spending more than a month in the hospital. Her triumphant return home was a reminder of her strength and resilience—qualities that define everything she does, from advocating on social media to inspiring others who walk a similar path.
“Even on my bad days, I still cannot give up. I will continue to fight every day.”
Britney’s story is one of courage, purpose, and unwavering hope. She reminds us why Miracle Flights exists: to ensure that no child or young adult is ever kept from life-saving care due to the barrier of distance. Thanks to supporters like you, Britney continues to soar toward a future filled with meaning and compassion.
