American Airlines Inducts First Flight Attendant With Special Needs
If you travel a lot, you know how irritating airlines can be at times. However, a South Carolina teen is on cloud nine, thanks to receiving her 17th birthday wish courtesy of American Airlines.
The airline surprised Shantell “Shannie” Pooser this past Saturday during a birthday party, inducting her as the first Flight Attendant with special needs and a terminal illness.
Shantell’s mother, Deanna Miller Berry, told WIS News 10 that her daughter has down syndrome and is fighting a series of airway defects called laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and tracheobronchial malacia. This obstructs more than 87 percent of her airways.
Shannie and her mom have flown on over 57 flights to attend appointments at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Spending so much time up in the air helped Shannie develop a love for air travel.
“She saw the flight attendant, and she was like, mommy, I want to be a flight attendant,” said Berry.
American Airlines got wind of Shannie’s dream and decided that Shannie will be a part of the flight staff during her future flights.
Congratulations, Shannie! We’re proud to have her as part of the #fAAmily and are looking forward to sharing the skies with her.— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) October 16, 2018
To learn more about Shannie’s story visit, The Shannie Foundation. A non-profit founded by Ms. Berry that educates and promotes airway defect awareness.
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16 Comments
Hannah Marie
This is so beautiful! A dream was granted and I’m sure she is so happy about it.
explorethe6
Yes, she looked ecstatic and it’s beautiful to see!
Karen Monica
Wow this is so inspiring. I am sure with chances like these many special needs people will have more opportunity to shine.
explorethe6
Totally agree 🙂
explorethe6
Agree!
Jessica Martin
This story brought tears to my eyes. This is so great of American Airlines. Her story shows that anyone can do what they want to do.
explorethe6
YES!!! 🙂
Cindy Ingalls
I love this so much. I think it is so great that American Airlines is helping Shannie’s dream come true.
explorethe6
Exactly!
Lexi
This is so awesome! It’s great to see that they acknowledge all people! I will def be supporting them more in the future!
explorethe6
Right! Loved what American Airlines did
crisshex88
These are the nice news that I like to read and change my day!
John
Awesome story. Well done to American Airlines!
explorethe6
Agree 100%
Shweta koul
This is really amazing to know, such a great news. Thanks a lot for this information.
explorethe6
American Airlines is awesome for this 🙂