Calvin (he prefers CJ) was born with clubfoot. His mom, Leigh, found the best treatment for him with the pediatric orthopedic specialists at Shriners Children’s St. Louis. The only problem was the 9-hour drive each way from their home in central Kansas. Since Leigh learned about Wings of Hope, we have flown CJ and his mom two times round-trip to St. Louis. CJ is doing great, but he will need to keep seeing his Shriners’ team at least until he is 8. Wings of Hope will continue taking care of the travel, so CJ and his family can focus on the important things, like CJ running, jumping, playing and generally being an active 5-year-old kid.

Twelve-year-old Bryson has been traveling from Tulsa, OK, to Shriners Children’s St. Louis Hospital since he was 6-months old for leg lengthening surgeries and follow-up appointments. Unfortunately, his family only learned about Wings of Hope in January 2023. Since then, Wings of Hope has been flying Bryson and his mom to Shriners every two-to-four weeks, saving the duo the exhausting 15-hour round-trip drive. We are so happy Bryson and his family discovered Wings of Hope, and that we can do our part in making traveling to his Shriners’ appointments as hassle-free as possible.

Born premature and with mild cerebral palsy, Elizabeth spent the first five years of her life pulling herself around using her forearms. Fortunately, Elizabeth’s family learned about St. Louis Shriners Hospital and Wings of Hope — and we have been flying her from her home in central Kansas to St. Louis since February 2018. After two major surgeries, ongoing and intensive physical therapy, and 55 flights, Elizabeth is now walking with arm crutches and progressing beyond her doctors’ expectations.

“We could not be where we’re at today if it wasn’t for Wings of Hope getting us where we needed to be for the medical help she needed. Thanks to Wings of Hope and the amazing care we get at Shriners Hospital, Elizabeth is thriving. There’s just no stopping her now — she will run!” — Elizabeth’s Aunt Pat