View 3 Images

Sharon Stevens is played by Hilary Swank in the film (Image: LIONSGATE)

Ordinary Angels has landed on Netflix, with director Jon Gunn’s film telling the remarkable story of hairdresser Sharon Stevens (portrayed by Hilary Swank) and her mission to save five year old Michelle Schmitt, who desperately needed a liver transplant. The youngster, from Louisville, Kentucky, had mere hours to reach Omaha for life-saving surgery.

But when a devastating snowstorm hit in January 1994, breaking records across the region, Michelle’s family feared the journey would be impossible. Against all odds, thanks to Sharon’s determination and the rallying of the local community, Michelle was transported by helicopter to a nearby airport before boarding a private jet to Omaha for her transplant.

Sharon first learned of the family’s desperate situation through a newspaper article, which revealed that Michelle’s mother had recently died, leaving them without crucial support. Mirroring events depicted in the Netflix drama, she successfully fundraised to cover Michelle’s medication costs, hospital travel and additional medical bills.

“A lot of people say they’re going to do something and don’t do anything, and I’m not one of those kinds of people. If I say I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it,” Sharon explained to WDRB. She mobilised support through radio appeals, recruiting hundreds of volunteers who helped clear a landing path for the helicopter amidst the blizzard conditions.

Here’s everything you need to know about the real Sharon Stevens, including where she is today and how much of her incredible story was adapted for the big screen.

View 3 Images

Hilary Swank and Sharon Stevens at the premiere of Ordinary Angels(Image: GETTY)

As reported by The Cinemaholic, Sharon has hung up her hairdressing scissors and is now enjoying a quiet retirement in Louisville with her two sons, reports the Express. However, she hasn’t stopped extending a helping hand to children in need.

She recently highlighted the plight of Michael Antony, a child born with ticks, seizures, and brain bleeds, in an effort to raise awareness. She remains active in church events and identifies herself as a “Protestant Christian soldier who loves all people but dislikes bad behaviour”.

In recent years, she’s faced her own health challenges, including surgery to remove a stent following a bout with kidney stones. The author of Ordinary Angels also survived a car crash around 2010, which resulted in a severe head injury that still impacts her today.

Her son Derek, who has been caring for Sharon since her accident, encouraged her to pen her experiences assisting Michelle. She attended the film adaptation’s premiere alongside Michelle’s father, Ed, and they continue to share a close friendship.

Certain aspects of Sharon’s real life were altered for the cinematic portrayal, one being her depiction as an alcoholic in the film. In reality, Sharon was not an alcoholic, but she gave the filmmakers her approval when they informed her of their decision to fictionalise her character in this way.

View 3 Images

Sharon Stevens still loves to help others(Image: GETTY)

In the film, Sharon is portrayed as being estranged from her son Derek, with their relationship depicted as strained. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth in real life.

Sharon shares a close bond with her son, with her book revealing that Derek has always been a “great source of love and strength for Sharon, and always has been”.

The film also introduces a character named Rose (played by Tamala Jones), who co-owns the salon with Sharon and tries to keep her on the straight and narrow during her struggle with alcoholism. Interestingly, Rose appears to be a fictional character, as she doesn’t feature in Sharon’s book.

Article continues below

As reported by the Courier Journal, Sharon did indeed raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Schmitt family, as she shared on Facebook: “I spent almost three years prior to her transplant raising money for medication, hospital runs to Omaha, and housing for the family. Her needs consumed my heart and she was a blessing to me.”

Ordinary Angels is available to watch on Netflix.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website**