05/21/2026
This is the story of Eva Grace Kelly.
Eva is a vibrant, joyful 15-year-old girl who brings light to everyone around her. Known lovingly as “Eva the Diva” by her family, she loves birthday parties, amusement parks, swimming, cheerleading, and all things Disney. But behind her beautiful smile is a lifetime of extraordinary medical challenges.
At just seven months old, Eva was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 1. In the words of her Mother, Missy, “SMA is a neuromuscular genetic illness that is very similar to ALS, but it’s found in children. After getting diagnosed at 7 months old, only three months later she required a tracheostomy and a G-tube. She is unable to sit, stand, crawl or walk. She cannot swallow and will never breathe on her own.”
Despite countless hospitalizations, surgeries, specialist appointments, and therapies over the last 15 years, Eva continues to defy the odds with incredible strength and resilience. Her mother has devoted her entire life to caring for her daughter and making sure Eva experiences as much of a “normal” life as possible.
One of the family’s greatest challenges has become transportation. Eva’s medical equipment, wheelchair, ventilator, and suction machines require a specially equipped handicap-accessible van that could safely accommodate all of her needs. Their current van was failing, and reliable transportation is absolutely essential for getting Eva to her many appointments and allowing her to continue enjoying life outside the home.
We at Amy’s Angels were honored to be able to step in and help Eva and her family make this a reality. With the help of the Nancy C. Hursey Van Fund and the support of our amazing donors and community, our founder, Bob Fiondella and Frank Hursey proudly presented Eva and her family with their new van yesterday.
And that’s not all! Through the Moments That Matter Fund, created in memory of Jack Casey V, Eva and her family will also get to experience the magic of the Rockettes in New York City together this December, creating special memories that will last a lifetime.