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Elisabet: Finding Her Wings

September 18, 2020

Early Struggles

Elisabet is a 7-year-old girl who lives in Honduras. During her seven years, she has faced many struggles. She lives in poverty, suffers from health challenges, and cannot access the medical care she needs. On top of all this, she cannot walk because of a bone defect known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  

Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease,” happens when the bones do not form correctly due to a lack of collagen. This makes the bones more likely to break. It can lead to serious complications as time goes on. It can be remedied by physical therapy, surgery, or rods in the limbs.  

Her Odds are Down...

The treatment Elisabet needed was not available in Honduras. She would have to fly to the United States. The best hospital that could treat her was Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. 


However, the renowned children’s hospital was almost 2,000 miles away from her home. Elisabet’s quality of life was rapidly deteriorating. Her mother, Fanny, was unable to pay for a long-distance round trip. 


Elisabet needed treatment, and she needed it soon. But the odds of her getting to Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia were dangerously low. 


...but Not Out

Just in time, Mercy Medical Angels entered Elisabet’s life. The nonprofit coordinated a free round-trip flight from Honduras to Philadelphia. American Airlines’ charitable arm, Miles for Our Well-Being, paid for the tickets. 


Elisabet was able to fly from Honduras to Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Once there, she received the care she needed. She flew back home after treatment. This came at no cost to her family. 


"A Thousand Thanks!"

Fanny’s gratitude spills over when she talks about how Mercy Medical Angels helped Elisabet. “People were always attentive to assist us when we needed something,” said Fanny.  “We traveled the best way possible, thanks to the team at Mercy Medical Angels. All the pilots and associates of American Airlines made our flight great.” 


“Thank you very much for assisting us,” said Fanny, “a thousand thanks! You are all very kind.” 


Elisabet will need multiple trips to the United States. Mercy Medical Angels will continue to help her. When children around the world like Elisabet are down on their luck, Mercy Medical Angels helps them find their wings. 

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