Nine-year-old Ava from Minnesota is no stranger to hospitals, surgeries, or the uncertainty that comes with complex medical diagnoses. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community support, a journey that has tested her family in countless ways but ultimately given them new hope.
Ava was born with esophageal atresia, a rare congenital condition in which the upper part of the esophagus does not connect with the stomach. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the condition prevents regular feeding, necessitates surgical repair soon after birth, and often results in lifelong complications with swallowing, digestion, and breathing. For Ava, the challenges didn’t stop there. She later underwent open-heart surgery, making her early childhood a constant cycle of doctor visits, procedures, and recoveries.
“She’s been through so much,” Ava’s mom reflects. “But somehow, she always keeps a positive attitude and spreads that energy to everyone around her. Her strength and resilience amaze us every day. She is our hero.”
For years, Ava’s parents sought the specialized care she needed close to home. However, when local resources were insufficient, they were referred to experts more than 1,200 miles away in Boston. The distance was daunting, and the timing—over the Christmas season in 2023—made an already stressful situation even harder.
“We spent a full month away from home over Christmas,” recalls Ava’s mom. “Housing and food alone put a strain on us financially. Not having to worry about airfare—thanks to Miracle Flights—was a huge blessing.”
For Ava’s family, the flights meant stability during a time of upheaval. It meant they could sit by her side in the hospital instead of scrambling to cover airfare. And it meant Ava could get the care she needed, when she needed it most.
After her surgery and ongoing treatments in Boston, Ava’s health has shown significant improvement. She breathes more easily, has more energy, and, perhaps most importantly, can now keep up with her peers.
“She’s happier, more energetic, and more confident,” says her mom. “Her quality of life has improved dramatically. She can finally enjoy just being a kid.”
Today, Ava is dancing, laughing, and living the childhood her parents always hoped she would have. For her family, being part of the Miracle Flights community has meant more than just plane tickets—it has meant peace of mind.
“When your child is facing surgery, your stress is sky-high,” her mom explains. “Miracle Flights took one huge weight off our shoulders. We could focus on being there for our daughter instead of worrying about how to get there.”
Tiny but mighty, Ava’s journey is a testament to resilience and to the life-changing impact that access to care can provide. With the support of Miracle Flights, her future is brighter than ever.
