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.
Gabriella “Gabi” Bilbrey 8 swings in her backyard after school in Bowling Green, Kentucky. on Nov. 12 2025. Gabi was adopted two days after birth. Her biological parents who had avoided medical care during pregnancy due to fear of deportation were unaware that her legs had not developed in utero. Despite her disability Gabi lives life like any ordinary child refusing to let her condition define her.
Gabi lines up with her first-level climbing group during a Halloween party at Redpoint Climbing Center in Bowling Green Kentucky. on Nov. 6 2025.
Travis Bilbrey Gabi’s adoptive father jokes with her using a stuffed pig she made at home in Bowling Green Ky. on Dec. 1 2025.
Gabi climbs during her first-level session at Redpoint Climbing Center on Nov. 13 2025. Encouraged by her physical therapist to try climbing she reached the top her very first day. Now in her second year she attends weekly sessions every Wednesday.
Gabi climbs down a homemade ladder and sink extender after finishing brushing her teeth in her family home on Dec. 1 2025. Travis built the ladder so Gabi could brush her teeth and wash her hands independently. “It wasn’t too long” Travis said about the time it takes him to complete DIY accessibility projects for Gabi. “It was more playing than actual doing.”
Gabi holds coach KC Ciresi’s legs as the first-level team prepares for route assignments at Redpoint Climbing Center on Dec. 3 2025.
Gabi pauses to look at her American Girl doll in her room on Nov. 12 2025. “She looks like me” Gabi said.
Gabi holds coach KC Ciresi’s shoe while the team does leg stretches before rock climbing at Redpoint Climbing Center on Dec. 3 2025. When a teammate laughed and asked why Gabi was holding her shoe KC responded “We all have our way of doing things and this is Gabi’s way.”
Gabi reaches the top of the boulder wall during her first-level class on Dec. 3 2025. The wall is the most challenging one for her due to balance.
Betsy Bilbrey Gabi’s mother reads a bedtime story to her in their home on Dec. 9 2025. A nightly routine they keep together.
