Soaring Beyond Limits: The Transformative Power of Freedom's Wings

Frances Schwabenland
Jun 27
4 min read

Updated: Oct 21

Embracing the Sky: A Journey of Inspiration

The other night, as I settled into bed, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I felt thankful for a simple act—climbing into bed—something I had taken for granted for years. This reflection came after a weekend spent with remarkable individuals, each embodying indomitable spirits and boundless generosity. They were all connected with Freedom's Wings.

Freedom’s Wings International (FWI) conducts programs that break barriers and inspire confidence. They foster a sense of freedom for individuals with disabilities by offering the exhilarating experience of glider flying. This unique initiative provides specialized training and resources, enabling individuals to pursue the thrilling adventure of glider flight. They even help participants become Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed glider pilots.

What a thrill it was to witness a wheelchair out in the field, with its owner soaring into the clouds, powered only by the wind.

Meet the Victors of the Sky

Allow me to introduce a few of the extraordinary individuals I met during this inspiring weekend.

At 86, Sonja redefined what it means to be fearless. Paralyzed for most of her life, she transitioned from paraplegic to quadriplegic after surgery. She had every reason to stay earthbound, yet she chose the sky. With her daughter Andrea’s steady support, Sonja left her wheelchair behind and stepped into the unknown: the open cockpit of a glider. As they soared above the world, weightless and free, Sonja wasn’t just flying—she was reclaiming a life of possibility. Her sheer enjoyment echoed through the clouds, a testament to the strength of a soul that never stopped dreaming. I aspire to be just like her at 86!

Sonja Describing Her Feelings About Being in the Glider with Freedom's Wings

After a diving accident at 13 left her paralyzed, Hanna refused to let that moment define her. Fueled by fierce independence and unwavering determination, she spent years rebuilding a life of purpose and movement. Now, at 30, she walks again—despite one side of her body remaining weak. Driven by sheer willpower and a deep belief in possibility, Hanna didn’t wait for help. She drove 3½ hours alone to the Philadelphia Gliderport, guided by her adventurous spirit and hunger for new challenges. After soaring through the sky, she stepped out of the glider with an even bigger smile. “Something has been stirring in me to do more, to give back more, and now I am thinking about becoming a certified pilot!" That stirring—rooted in resilience, courage, and a passion for growth—is contagious to all who meet Hanna.

Wings of Will: Hanna’s Journey Beyond Limits

Gravity Didn’t Win: Hanna’s Flight Toward Freedom

Masaki radiated a purity that needed no words—just the brilliance of his smile and contagious laughter. Though he didn't speak, his spirit spoke volumes, meeting life with an open heart and unshakable wonder. From the moment he arrived at the gliderport, it was clear: this wasn’t just a flight; it was a dream taking shape. Surrounded by family who shared Masaki's love of planes and flight, his excitement lit up the day. Masaki reminded everyone around him what it means to be fully present, to greet life not with expectation, but with joy. In the sky, he wasn’t escaping gravity—he was rising into everything he already was.

Pure Joy, Ready to Soar

It was a bullet that changed the course of Jeff’s life at just 13 years old, confining him to a wheelchair—but it never broke his spirit. In his powerful memoir, My Feet Are Off the Ground, he writes, “A road paved with pain, despair, uncertainty, and rejection led to acceptance, autonomy, forgiveness, and awakening.” Jeff’s journey has been one of extraordinary courage and transformation, earning recognition from outlets like CNN, the New York Times, and the New York Daily News. Years ago, he soared with Freedom’s Wings. Recently, a quiet nudge within urged him to find out if glider flights were still being offered. They were—and the timing was perfect. Without hesitation, Jeff set out on a long drive from North Carolina at 3 a.m., chasing not just flight, but the freedom that only the open sky can offer. His story is a testament to resilience, the power of choice, and the endless human capacity to rise.

Author. Survivor. Pilot in Waiting

Sonja, Hanna, Masaki, and Jeff offer us a kind of heroism—the kind forged in silence, persistence, and impossible hope. Sonja soared at 86, rising above a life of paralysis to touch the sky with her daughter by her side. Hanna, who once lost the use of her body at 13, now walks into challenges with bold determination, driving hours alone to rediscover the sky and its freedom. Masaki, unable to speak but overflowing with joy, reminded us that the purest spirits speak through light, not language. And Jeff, whose story was nearly ended by violence, now writes new chapters with every mile, every morning he dares to begin again.

These four extraordinary souls didn’t just take a flight—they reclaimed freedom, dignity, and joy. They remind us that disability does not mean inability, and that the sky belongs to every dreamer who dares to rise.

Thanks to the vision and heart of Freedom’s Wings, these moments are possible. This organization doesn’t just offer flights—it offers transformation. It lifts not only bodies but spirits. It turns impossibility into adventure and limitation into limitless sky. For those who have been told “you can’t,” Freedom’s Wings is the place where they finally hear, “you can—and you will.” Because when courage meets opportunity, miracles take flight.

To volunteer, contribute to this great endeavor, or spread the word to someone you know who may be interested, contact: Freedom's Wings.

Continuing the Journey: Part 2

Each person I met deserves their own uncrowded space. I will continue to share the stories of others who had the courage to leave constraints and soar in Part 2.