Las Vegas, Nevada – October 20, 2025 – Miracle Flights proudly announces the honorees for its 2026 SOARée, taking place Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Thrive Aviation Private Jet Hangar in Las Vegas. This signature fundraising gala brings together community leaders, corporate partners, and supporters for an evening of inspiration, celebration, and purpose. The event supports families in need of life-changing medical care far from home. Each year, SOARée recognizes individuals and organizations whose compassion, leadership, and service have helped Miracle Flights chart new paths of hope for children across the nation.
Kathy Roller, Vice President of Events at Miracle Flights, noted, “SOARée is more than a celebration. It reflects the generosity and heart of our entire community. Every flight we fund and every child we lift is made possible by the incredible support of our sponsors, donors, and partners. This year’s honorees are genuinely remarkable, representing the very best. Their leadership and compassion remind us that together, we can close the distance for families seeking hope.”
2026 SOARée Honorees
Child Ambassador: Luna
Luna, this year’s Child Ambassador, embodies the courage, joy, and resilience that define every Miracle Flights child. Her journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of countless families who rely on Miracle Flights to access life-changing care.
“Every flight Luna has taken has been a lifeline for our family,” said Sarah, Luna’s mother. “Her strength, joy, and courage inspire us every day and remind us of the hope and possibility that Miracle Flights brings to families like ours.”Individual Navigator Honoree: Curtis Edenfield, CEO of Thrive Aviation
Curtis Edenfield is recognized for his unwavering commitment to the Miracle Flights mission and his leadership in fostering a culture of compassion within the aviation industry. His partnership has helped lift countless families to the medical care they need. “It’s an honor to support a mission that embodies hope, healing, and compassion for families in need,” said Edenfield. “Thrive Aviation is proud to have hosted Soarée for three consecutive years, and we remain deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with Miracle Flights and the extraordinary impact they continue to make.”Healthcare Navigator Honoree: Dr. Matthew Dobbs of the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute
Dr. Matthew Dobbs is honored for his extraordinary care and groundbreaking innovation in pediatric orthopedics. His compassion and dedication have transformed the lives of children facing rare and complex medical conditions.
“Families who travel for care are some of the bravest I have met. Miracle Flights ensures distance never stands in the way of healing, and that is a mission I am proud to support,” said Dr. Dobbs.Corporate Navigator Honoree: WHSmith North America
WHSmith North America is recognized for its exceptional partnership with Miracle Flights, marked by generous contributions, employee volunteerism, and community advocacy. The company exemplifies how corporate citizenship can make a measurable impact on families in need. “Supporting Miracle Flights allows our team to see the power of community in action. Every mile flown represents a shared commitment to helping children reach brighter tomorrows,” said Julie Skiba, Chief People Officer.
SOARée 2026 promises an unforgettable evening of cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and heartfelt storytelling, celebrating the families Miracle Flights serves. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in exclusive raffles and experiences that help fund future flights for children in need.
About Miracle Flights
Miracle Flights provides free commercial flights to children and their families who need life-changing medical care not available in their local communities. Since 1985, Miracle Flights has provided more than 165,000 free flights, booking 700 flights per month across the United States. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Miracle Flights is the nation’s leading medical flight charity. To learn more, visit miracleflights.org.
About Thrive Aviation
Thrive Aviation is a private aviation company headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, specializing in on-demand charter, aircraft management, and jet card memberships. With a fleet of over 30 aircraft spanning all size categories, Thrive delivers unparalleled service, safety, and sophistication tailored to each client’s unique travel needs.
About Dr. Matthew Dobbs
Dr. Matthew Dobbs joined the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute in 2020 after 19 years at Washington University Medical Center where he was Professor of Orthopedics. He is a nationally and internationally renowned expert in the treatment of clubfoot, vertical talus, and cerebral palsy. Patients travel from around the US and the world to be treated by him. Dr. Dobbs lectures and teaches internationally and is one of the most peer-reviewed published orthopedic surgeons. He has served as president and/or board member of several prestigious orthopedic societies. He is the recipient of multiple NIH-funded research grants, has directed several multi-center clinical trials, and co-directs a musculoskeletal genetics laboratory. He was awarded orthopedic surgery’s 3 most prestigious research honors: Hunterian Gold Medal (2002), Nicolas Andry Award (2017), and the Kappa Delta Award (2017).
About The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute
The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute (POSI), founded by Dr. Dror Paley in 2009 in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, is a world leader in providing the most technologically advanced treatments to improve the lives of those who suffer from congenital, developmental, and post-traumatic orthopedic conditions. With a team of 26 elite surgeons, POSI is the largest orthopedic medical tourism destination globally drawing patients from all 50 U.S. states and over 110 countries. Recognized for excellence in orthopedic, spine, trauma, and sports medicine care, POSI has earned accolades such as the Best of Palm Beach County Community Choice Award and multiple Top Docs honors. Its 350+ staff deliver comprehensive services, including joint replacement, trauma reconstruction, amputee surgery, advanced pain management, and rehabilitation. Facilities include a specialized outpatient therapy center, prosthetics lab, imaging center, and gait lab. With campuses in South Florida and international branches in Poland, UAE, and Colombia, POSI continues to expand its global footprint. Its philanthropic arms, the Paley Foundation and unLIMBited Foundation, support mission trips, training for international fellows, and financial aid tor patients.
About WHSmith North America
WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with over 1,700 stores across 30 countries worldwide. WHSmith North America, incorporating Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, represents over half of the Company’s international store estate, with approximately 320 specialty retail stores located in airports and resorts across North America. MRG creates unique retail experiences that highlight local culture and community, while InMotion is the largest airport-based electronics retailer in the world. Follow WHSmith North America and InMotion on LinkedIn.
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