At just 11 years old, Asher from Sparks, Nevada, is already someone the world can look up to. Known for his kindness, resilience, and incredible heart, Asher was recently recognized as one of only five children in Washoe County to be named an Unsung Hero for his compassion, positive attitude, and the way he uplifts everyone around him.
What makes this recognition even more extraordinary is what Asher has overcome just to be here.
Born at only 1 pound, 14 ounces in the parking lot of the Army base where his mom worked, Asher’s life began in a fight for survival. He was diagnosed with laryngotracheal malacia, a rare congenital condition that causes the airway to collapse during breathing, making it difficult for air to pass through the windpipe.
Because of this, Asher spent much of his early life connected to machines to help him breathe and eat. For over a decade, he relied on a tracheostomy, a surgically created airway in his neck, just to survive.
But none of this has ever dimmed Asher’s light.
“He’s always so happy,” his mom shares. “Despite everything, he just radiates determination and love.”
Before finding Miracle Flights, reaching the medical specialists in Palo Alto, California, that Asher needed felt impossible. The cost and logistics of traveling for care were overwhelming for his family.
“Your service is nothing short of heroic,” Asher’s mom says. “You are the silent guardians who step in when families are most vulnerable. You allowed me to be by his side for every surgery, every recovery—moments I wouldn’t trade for anything. Because of Miracle Flights, even his brother could be there, which made all the difference.”
