Saagar Kote
Based on a memoir by Christy Beam, ‘Miracles From Heaven’ revolves around Annabel Beam, who becomes the subject of a mind-bending miracle that leaves the medical and scientific world stunned. The 2016 film carefully represents the journey of the real-life counterpart of the titular character. After doctors had ruled out her survival from digestive disorders, the young girl got help from an unexpected source. In 2011, she became known for surviving a deadly disease that had no established cure. Her background and history become crucial points that help us gain perspective on her whole story in a particular context. Since the narrative is a Christian drama, the Beam family as a whole portrays emotional closeness and unity, emphasizing how strong families can sustain hope in dark times, and serves as a poignant symbol of emotional intimacy and unwavering unity in the toughest of times.
Annabel Beam Was Diagnosed With Two Deadly Disorders at the Age of 5
Born on September 10, 2002, in Fort Worth, Texas, Annabel Beam is the middle child of Kevin and Christy Beam, who are also proud parents to two other daughters, Abigail and Adelynn. Around the age of 5 in 2007, she developed severe digestive issues and was diagnosed with two rare health conditions, namely Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction Motility Disorder and Antral Hypomotility Disorder. These diseases led to chronic pain, bloating, and frequent hospitalizations at such a young age. Despite being monitored by specialists in Dallas, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts, time and again, and after a few years of traveling between the two states for medical reasons, conventional treatments provided little relief to little Annabel.
However, her life changed in 2011. On December 30, the 9-year-old was playing with her elder sister Abigail on their family farm in Cleburne, Texas, when the two decided to climb a tree. Suddenly, a branch Annabel was on snapped, and she fell 30 feet headfirst into a hollowed-out cottonwood tree. She was stuck inside the tree for nearly five hours, after which emergency personnel convinced her to tie her own rescue rope. She was then air-lifted to a hospital, where she underwent medical tests. The family then learnt that she not only had minor injuries from the ordeal, but the symptoms of her digestive disorders had also been miraculously cured.
To everyone’s surprise, Annabel told her mother, Christy Beam, that while she was in the hollow tree, she took a trip to heaven and Jesus saved her. Talking about it with CBN News, the mother said, “She just plainly said to me the next day, ‘You know, mommy, I went to heaven when I was in that tree.’ And, so, she told me that she sat on Jesus’s lap, and she said, ‘I want to stay with you,’ and he said, ‘I know you do, but I have plans for you on earth that you cannot fulfill in heaven.’” Christy added, “And that’s not all. She said Jesus continued, ‘But when the firefighters get you out, Annabelle, there will be nothing wrong with you.’” Interestingly, she became asymptomatic since her recovery from the fall. Her experience has been a matter of curiosity in the medical and religious worlds.
Annabel Beam is Leading a Healthy and Happy Life Today
A few years after her fall, Annabel Beam became the subject of her mother’s memoir and later an inspiration for the eponymous film. She is grateful for having been given a second chance at life and has been leading a fulfilling life. Through the years since her recovery, Christy has taken to social media to mark important milestones in the life of her daughter, including her trouble-free journey through high school, her 18th birthday on September 10, 2020, and also a fun prom night the following year, during which the survivor is seen joyfully posing for the camera wearing a blue dress for a special day. A spirited woman now, Annabel celebrated her 22nd birthday on September 11, 2024, surrounded by the love and care of her family and friends. On the occasion, Christy expressed how proud she and Kevin are of Annabel.
Expressing what a blessing it is to be a mother to Annabel — their beacon of “joy, grace and fun!” — Christy shared several pictures of the 22-year-old, where she is happy and excited about her special day. The Beams are a tight-knit unit that cherishes the bond they share with each other. From birthdays, anniversaries, and academic achievements to holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, they don’t miss a chance to get together and create fun memories. Thus, from what we can tell, Annabel is leading a wholesome and healthy life, with immense support from her family. Her miraculous story is featured heavily on the media circuit as an ideal example to highlight the idea of miracles. Her mother believes that her experience could serve as a source of inspiration for young Christians who are having a crisis in faith. Having said that, debates around the nearly supernatural healing incident still crop up from time to time, with some people even doubting claims of a miracle.
Annabel Beam is Now a Psychology Graduate
In May 2025, Annabel Beam graduated magna cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University, a Christian university in Texas. Interestingly, Annabel chose to pursue a degree in Psychology. It’s only natural that she chose to pursue higher studies in an institution that reflects her personal values. Christy also confirmed that her daughter’s degree in the field is based around the specific area of child-centered psychology, a relevant field considering the context of Anna’s life. The proud mother celebrated her daughter’s achievement, claiming that she was behind in academics due to her history of illness, but fought her way through adversity to come out on top.
The young graduate also has a minor in Sociology and hopes to become a child life specialist at Cook Children’s Hospital, where her healing journey began years ago. Annabel’s goal is likely to help children who are facing issues of their own. Her lived experience and the hardships she faced during her time in hospitals would probably help her care for kids better. Today, the 22-year-old bright and compassionate individual continues to live with her faith intact and hopes to lead a meaningful life.
Read More: Kevin and Christy Beam: Where are Anna Beam’s Parents Now?
