Abigail’s Smile, a Family’s Faith, and a Community That Cares

A Front Royal family facing one of the most difficult chapters of their lives is finding strength, encouragement, and support from the wider community.

On Sunday, January 11, at 11 a.m., Rivermont Baptist Church will host a special worship service centered on the journey of three-year-old Abigail Stallard and her family. The service will highlight Abigail’s medical journey, the faith that has carried her parents through years of uncertainty, and the road ahead as the family prepares for a major surgery this spring at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Pastor Justin Dove, joined by his wife Hannah, invited the Stallards to be honored guests during the service after learning more about their story through family connections at the church.

“This is a family walking through something most of us can’t imagine,” Dove said. “Their story is inspiring, and we wanted the community to hear it, pray for them, and support them in practical ways.”

A Long and Difficult Journey

Abigail was born prematurely with 22q duplication syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect multiple systems in the body. From the beginning, her life has been marked by medical challenges, including breathing complications that required a tracheostomy to keep her airway open.

While the trach saved Abigail’s life, years of reliance on it have caused a partial collapse of her trachea. The upcoming procedure at Boston Children’s Hospital is designed to repair the airway above the trach, allowing doctors to eventually remove it and help Abigail breathe on her own.

“It’s our biggest step yet,” said Abigail’s mother, Adriana Stallard. “This surgery is necessary, but it’s complex and high-risk. We’ll be in Boston for about a month, and there’s a lot we have to prepare for.”

Despite everything, Abigail is full of energy and personality. During the interview, she explored the studio, played with her siblings, and showed no signs of slowing down. “She’s just like any other three-year-old,” Adriana said. “Curious, happy, and always on the move.”

Her father, Devin Stallard, added that Abigail’s attitude gives the entire family strength. “She doesn’t let any of this define her,” he said. “She just keeps going.”

Faith, Family, and Financial Realities

While major pediatric hospitals may cover some of the medical side of care, along with insurance, families still face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Travel to Boston, extended lodging, meals, time away from work, and the transition back home after surgery all create financial strain that insurance does not cover.

“That’s where community support becomes so important,” Pastor Dove explained. “This is help beyond the hospital walls.”

The January 11 service will include a video presentation chronicling Abigail’s life so far, followed by the Stallards sharing their story in their own words. Attendees will have the opportunity to offer encouragement, prayer, and, for those who feel called, financial support to help ease the burden during the family’s extended stay in Boston.

A Story Already Touching Lives

Many in the community may recognize Adriana Stallard from her book, Abigail’s Journey: Family and Faith in Raising a Child with 22q Duplication, which she discussed previously with the Royal Examiner. The book details her pregnancy complications, emergency hospitalizations, the difficult medical decisions surrounding Abigail’s birth, and the role faith played when hope seemed fragile.

Since its release, Adriana has heard from parents across the country facing similar diagnoses. “If our story helps someone feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing,” she said.

Pastor Dove echoed that sentiment. “This isn’t just about one family,” he said. “It’s about reminding each other that no one should have to walk through something like this alone.”

An Invitation to the Community

The Stallards’ story is one of perseverance, faith, and the quiet courage of a child who has already overcome more than most adults ever will. Rivermont Baptist Church hopes the January 11 service will be both a moment of reflection and a call to action.

“This is who we’re supposed to be as a community,” Dove said. “Showing up, standing together, and helping carry the weight when it gets too heavy for one family.”

Event details:

• What: Special worship service honoring the Stallard family
• When: Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Rivermont Baptist Church, 575 Catlett Mountain Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
• Why: To share Abigail’s story, offer prayer and encouragement, and support the family ahead of her April surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital

As Abigail prepares for the next step in her journey, her family hopes to carry with them not just medical expertise, but the strength of a community that believes in hope — and in her.

A Mother’s Faith and Perseverance: Adriana Stollard’s Story of Hope and Healing