Two days after her birth, Gabriella “Gabi” Leeanne Bilbrey’s biological parents, who had avoided medical care during pregnancy due to fear of deportation, decided to give her up for adoption. No one was aware that her legs had not developed in utero. When the adoption agency called Betsy and Travis Bilbrey, Gabi’s adoptive parents, they were told Gabi had a disability and they were given 45 minutes to decide if they wanted to adopt her. Travis called his mom – Midge Bilbrey for advice. “Are you ready to be a parent or not,Travis?” Midge asked her son. “That’s the only decision you need to make. Nobody else knows what their child is going to be like until they’re born.” Despite her disability, Gabi lives life like any ordinary child, refusing to let her condition define her or stop her from doing what she loves.

Gabi has an American Girl doll in her bedroom that reflects her disability. Though she wears prosthetic legs she says she does not like them because they hurt. “She’s unstoppable, incredibly energetic and all over the place,” Betsy said.