Discover Sharon Stevens’ Journey: The True Story Behind Ordinary Angels
Ordinary Angels recounts the inspiring story of Sharon Stevens, a community figure in Kentucky who played a pivotal role in saving a young girl’s life. The film, featuring Hilary Swank in the lead role, is directed by Jon Gunn and is based on true events that unfolded during a severe winter storm in January 1994.
Sharon Stevens’ Heroic Efforts
At the heart of this narrative is five-year-old Michelle Schmitt, who required a liver transplant. Tragically, Michelle’s mother had passed away, leaving the family without much-needed support. When Sharon learned about Michelle’s urgent need for medical help through a newspaper article, she quickly sprang into action.
Time was of the essence. Michelle’s family had only hours to reach Omaha for the surgery amidst a raging snowstorm. However, Sharon mobilized her community and organized a helicopter to transport Michelle to a nearby airport. From there, a private jet took her to Omaha, ensuring she received the life-saving transplant.
Community Support and Fundraising
Sharon did not just stop at organizing transportation. She dedicated herself to fundraising, covering Michelle’s medication, travel, and medical expenses. Her relentless commitment to the cause was highlighted in her remarks to WDRB: “A lot of people say they’re going to do something and don’t do anything, and I’m not one of those kinds of people.”
Through radio broadcasts and community events, Sharon rallied volunteers to clear the helicopter landing zone, showcasing the heart of community spirit in Louisville, Kentucky.
Current Life of Sharon Stevens
Today, Sharon Stevens enjoys a peaceful retirement in Louisville with her two sons. While she is no longer a hairdresser, her dedication to helping children remains strong. She has recently advocated for children facing health challenges, raising awareness for cases like Michael Antony, a child with severe medical conditions.
In addition to her advocacy, Sharon has faced personal health issues, including surgery related to kidney stones. In a heartbreaking turn, she suffered a serious head injury in a car accident in 2010. This incident significantly impacted her life and prompted her son Derek to encourage her to document her experiences with Michelle.
Portrayal in Ordinary Angels
The film portrays certain aspects of Sharon’s life differently from reality. Although she did not struggle with alcoholism, Sharon permitted filmmakers to fictionalize that part of her story to enhance the narrative. The film also introduces a character named Rose, who does not exist in Sharon’s memoir but serves as a narrative device to illustrate her challenges.
Despite these fictional elements, the essence of Sharon’s compassionate efforts remains true to life. She was deeply committed to raising funds for the Schmitt family, a commitment she detailed on social media, emphasizing how much Michelle touched her heart.
Conclusion
Ordinary Angels celebrates the remarkable journey of Sharon Stevens and her unwavering spirit to help those in need. The film, alongside Sharon’s genuine story, serves as a testament to kindness and community resilience. For those interested in heartfelt real-life stories, Ordinary Angels is available for streaming on Filmogaz.com.
