In 2000, Miracle Flights helped change the course of Michelle’s life. Then, a young woman growing up in the small town of Brookville, Indiana, Michelle was navigating the complexities of autism, a developmental condition that requires individualized and often highly specialized care. But in her rural community, that care simply didn’t exist.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect communication, behavior, and social interaction. While each person’s experience with autism is unique, early intervention and access to specialized therapies can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.
For Michelle and her family, reaching the nearest treatment center at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, seemed like an insurmountable challenge until they discovered Miracle Flights. The organization provided free air travel, opening the door to expert care that would prove transformative.
Through these flights, Michelle gained access to therapies that helped her develop essential life skills, build confidence, and unlock her potential. Soon after her visits to UCLA, autism support services began to emerge closer to home, allowing Michelle to continue her progress without the strain of long-distance travel.
Today, Michelle is a powerful example of perseverance and growth. For 14 years, she worked with dedication and pride until her workplace closed its doors. Undeterred, Michelle is actively seeking her next opportunity. She recently completed a three-month training program in hotel and food service in a larger city, traveling and living independently—an enormous and hard-earned milestone for someone who once struggled with the unfamiliar.
Michelle continues to live with her family, who remain her greatest champions. Their journey is a testament to what is possible when families are given the support they need at the right time.
Her mother shares that they are forever grateful to Miracle Flights and the generous donors who made Michelle’s care and, ultimately, her independence possible.
Because of you, Michelle is living a life full of purpose, dignity, and hope. Her story continues to inspire all who know her.
