Fourteen-year-old Abigail from Nebraska is bright, determined, and wise beyond her years. She loves sports, especially exploring new ones with her sports wheelchairs. Despite undergoing 35 surgeries on various parts of her body, her resilience shines more brightly than ever.

Before Miracle Flights, Abigail’s mobility had been eroding. One foot remained uncorrected despite numerous interventions. The other was undiagnosed. Both knees were locked in a permanent 38-degree bend, making walking increasingly difficult.

This condition, known as severe knee flexion contracture, can render ambulation virtually impossible. According to pediatric orthopedic specialists, contractures exceeding 20 degrees are often incompatible with functional walking, and anything above 30 degrees is considered severely disabling (NIH).

Abigail’s parents share how desperate things had become: “We were watching her lose the ability to walk. If we hadn’t been able to travel, she’d be in a wheelchair full time by now.”

Enter Miracle Flights, which transformed the family's trajectory. They enabled Abigail to travel to Florida to receive care from renowned orthopedic specialists at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute—access that would have otherwise remained out of reach. “Miracle Flights gave us access to the medical care every child deserves,” her mom reflects. “They’ve changed Abigail’s life.”

Thanks to this specialized care, Abigail can now stand tall. Her legs and feet are straight enough for braces and shoes. She stands proudly with her peers at concerts and even takes the stage as Junior Teen Miss Amazing. She is healthier, more confident, and more independent than ever before.

“As parents, Miracle Flights gave us peace,” her mom says. “Now we know we’ve done everything possible to give her the best shot at a full, active life.”

Today, Abigail dreams of becoming a child life specialist to help others just as so many have helped her.