Miracle Flights for Kids founder honored as a ‘Shero’

Henderson resident Ann McGee, founder and national president of Miracle Flights for Kids, was named "Shero-of-the-Heart" by Project Shero at an awards ceremony Sept. 26.

Miracle Flights for Kids is a nonprofit organization that offers free airline transportation, both commercial and private, to sick and disabled children in need of medical treatment.

At the ceremony, McGee received the Legacy Rose commemorative award and commendations from Sen. Harry Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, both D-Nev.

Project Shero founder Eileen Oser says McGee was selected for "her courage and for her spirit toward what she created."

"A Shero is one who is admired for her courage, good deeds and giving spirit," Oser says. Past honorees include local activist Alice Key, who helped to integrate Las Vegas casinos, and Rosa Parks.

Project Shero, a local nonprofit organization whose motto is "Educating Girls and Celebrating Women," offers enrichment programs promoting self-esteem and self-efficacy to at-risk girls between the ages of 5 and 13, but the programs also are available to girls of all ages.

"I'm proud to receive the award for the work I do from Project Shero," McGee says. "It's such a good organization for young girls."

Since it was founded in 1985, Miracle Flights for Kids has assisted children in 22 countries, including Mexico and Canada.

"It shows what a need there is for this kind of service," says McGee, who notes that the organization also focuses on the importance of families receiving second opinions for their children's medical condition.

"Families are looking for anything to get their child better," she adds.

With Miracle Flights for Kids having its 50,000th flight in September, McGee credits her staff of 12 and the local community for the organization's accomplishments.

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Southern Nevada. So many people have stepped up to help," McGee notes.

"Our goal is to never turn away any child who needs help," adds McGee, whose organization handled 717 flights in June, its highest amount of coordinated flights in a 30-day period. "If anyone knows of a child that needs help, give us a call. We are here to help."

For more information on Miracle Flights for Kids, call 261-0494 or visit www.miracleflights.org. For more information on Project Shero, visit www.project-shero.com.

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