Natalie Kitroeff

Allie and her parents reviewed the evidence, talked it over, and started researching where she could get care.

And so I just remember both of us would, like...

We spend a couple of days tracking down, you know, like I tried, we each tried a couple different places in Georgia.

I remember he spent like, he was on the phone with like four different people, like getting it to happen.

We got insurance to approve it.

We got all of the stuff and then we're ready to make the appointment.

And the last person we talked to says, oh, we can't provide care for you.

A youth from Tennessee, we're not allowed to do that border because of your laws, I guess, or I don't know.

Half the country had bans like the one in Tennessee, and so a lot of clinics had closed.

The ones that were still open had long waiting lists, and many of them wouldn't accept Allie because at 14, she was too young.

They'd stop taking anyone under the age of 16.

We couldn't find anyone who would give care to her.

But then they had a breakthrough.

One clinic called back.

And there had been a cancellation, and we were able to go in, like, I think that was on a Friday, and we were able to go in on a Monday.

They'd landed a spot at the clinic at the University of Virginia.

It was eight hours away from their home in Tennessee.

Do you remember the first time that Allie goes to the clinic and what it was like when she starts care?

Yeah, I was proud.

I feel like I can see you getting emotional just about thinking about that moment.