The Changing Story roundtable and gallery reception is March 27, 6:30 p.m. | JRH auditorium and gallery

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY VJ&P

BECOME A PART OF OUR PROUD TRADITION

ChallengE Accepted

8-year-old Gabriella Bilbrey has overcome the challenges of her disability since birth. Born without fully devleoped legs, Gabi’s physical therapist encouraged her to participate in the local climbing gym’s children program, and for a year she has returned every week. Despite her disability Gabi lives life like any ordinary child refusing to let her condition define her.

This story was documented by Freshman Bradi Hawkins of Lawrenceburg, KY during her first photography class in WKU Visual Journalism & Photography program.

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. Gabi has an American Girl doll in her bedroom that reflects her disability. Though she wears prosthetic legs she says she does not like them because they hurt. “She’s unstoppable, incredibly energetic and all over the place,” Betsy said.
Gabi Bilbrey rock climbs at Redpoint Climbing Center during her first level climbing session on Nov. 13, 2025. Gabby’s physical therapist informed the family about the center’s climbing program for children. “At first she said she didn’t know because she was afraid of heights,” Gabi’s adoptive mother Betsy Bilbrey said. “But she went to the very top the very first time. She did it, and then she liked it.” Now in her second year with the program, Gabi attends climbing sessions every Wednesday.
Gabi holds coach KC Ciresi’s shoe while the team does leg stretches before rock climbing at Redpoint Climbing Center on December 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 climbs to the top of the boulder wall during her first level climbing class on Dec. 3, 2025. The boulder wall is the hardest wall for her to climb due to her balance.
Gabby Bilbrey rock climbs at Redpoint Climbing Center during her first level climbing session on Nov. 13, 2025.
Gabi’s physical therapist informed the family about the center’s climbing program for children. “At first she said she didn’t know because she was afraid of heights,” Gabi’s adoptive mother Betsy Bilbrey said. “But she went to the very top the very first time. She did it, and then she liked it.” Now in her second year with the program, Gabi attends climbing sessions every Wednesday.
Gabriella, ‘Gabi’ Leeanne Bilbrey, 8, swings in her backyard after school in Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 12, 2025.
Gabi was adopted two days after her birth in 2016. 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.
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