Inspired by the incredible true story of a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his critically ill young daughter.
Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.—Lionsgate
A widower is beset with severe financial problems and additionally his young daughter is in a critical need of a liver transplant. An empathetic lady hairdresser comes forward to help and also motivates the local community to help in any way they can.—Madan Marwah
The story, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky in 1994, centers on Sharon Stevens, a successful hairdresser and salon co-owner, who discovers her life's purpose after learning about Michelle Schmitt, a five-year-old girl who has blurry arterial and has recently lost her mother. Sharon, moved by Michelle's situation, goes to the funeral, connects with the bereaved family, and offers to assist.
Sharon had spent the previous evening drinking and having a good time. Rose, her friend and salon co-owner, is worried about her behavior and wants her to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Sharon is deeply impacted when she later sees the news about the Schmitt family, despite her refusal to admit her drinking issue during the meeting.
Sharon shares her newly discovered purpose with Rose at the salon: to assist the Schmitts and discover her own purpose in life. In order to mobilize the community and generate money to assist Michelle's widowed father Ed in covering their growing medical bills, she plans a 24-hour hair-a-thin.
Ed, meanwhile, is struggling with his debt. He tells his mother, Barbara, about his crippling debt after he gets home with only a portion of the groceries she asked for. Soon after, Sharon shows up with more than $3,000 that she raised for them, but it only pays for half of Michelle's most recent transfusion. Sharon learns more about the family when Barbara extends an invitation to supper.
Unfazed, Sharon demands that Ed show her his finances after learning that the hospital bills total an astounding $400,000. Sharon is committed to helping the family, even though Ed finds it difficult to accept assistance. She goes with Ed to a meeting where they are able to recruit 50 roofers from a business that is rebuilding after a tornado. Sharon goes around the neighborhood asking local businesses for donations while Ed works nonstop. When Ed gets home one day, he discovers Sharon spending time with the girls, putting on makeup, and caring for Barbara, who has a twisted ankle.
Motivated by her relationship with the Schmitt girls, Sharon goes in search of her estranged son Derek, who is now an adult. Sharon keeps trying to mend their relationship, despite his continued hostility toward her attempts.
Although it is never stated directly, Sharon helps out with the girls when Michelle's health deteriorates and later convinces Ed to take them all roller skating as a celebration of Derek's birthday.
Then, in an attempt to get Ed's debt forgiven, Sharon meets with the hospital. Michelle's condition worsens, and the doctor tells them she needs a liver transplant immediately and has only four to six weeks left. Michelle is now at the top of the donor list and needs a plane to take her to Omaha right away. Once more, Sharon secures the required transportation by using her persuasive abilities.
To raise more money, Sharon invites a TV news crew to Ed's house, but Ed vehemently rejects them because he values his privacy. When Barbara leaves Sharon in charge of the girls that night, Ed comes home to find his daughter in a panic, thinking Sharon has passed away. Ed asks Sharon to leave and not come back after noticing that she is drunk.
After Christmas, Sharon makes the decision to stop drinking, starts going to AA meetings seriously, and sends Derek a heartfelt farewell note. Michelle's story eventually appears on local news in the meantime. A liver becomes available for Michelle in mid-January when a significant snowstorm hits Louisville, but she has six hours to get to Omaha.
Sharon convinces them to clear a runway and locates a pilot who is willing to brave the storm even though the airport is closed. Ed, in the meantime, plots a path to the airport, avoiding blocked roads. Ed uses a roadside emergency phone to give up the liver when they come across a fallen tree that is in their way. But a pickup truck shows up right on schedule to let them know there is another option.
A Vietnam War veteran offers to fly a helicopter after the news broadcast calls for one. In order to make room for the helicopter to land, the entire town comes together. Derek shows up to assist and makes amends with Sharon during a moment of reconciliation.
Donation-funded, the operation is a success. A year later, Michelle Schmitt marries and receives her college degree.
