For the past year, Paradies Lagardere has teamed with Miracle Flights to offer an exclusive airplane plush toy, Skyler, in airport retail stores across the United States. Since its debut, every Skyler plush purchase has directly supported providing free commercial flights for children and families traveling to access life-changing medical care far from home.
The companies first introduced the collaboration at the 2025 Airport Experience Conference in Washington, D.C., as Paradies Lagardere CEO Gregg Paradies unveiled Skyler to the public.
“Skyler was created by our own Paradies Lagardere toy buyer and division merchandise manager. After learning about the incredible work Miracle Flights does, they developed Skyler as a way to support the cause,” says Sandra Garcia, buyer of electronics, travel accessories and luggage for North America at Paradies Lagardere.
She adds that Skyler sales generated $60,000 in donations to Miracle Flights in 2025. “We’re excited to say 2026 is already on track to surpass that. Our goal is to keep growing the program, expand Skyler’s reach and increase the donations we’re able to provide.”
Miracle Flights says these simple travel retail plush sales make a big impact by removing barriers to providing kids with critical health care services.
“Skyler represents more than a plush toy; it represents compassion in motion,” says Leslie Baron-Mosley, CEO of Miracle Flights. “Over the past year, this partnership with Paradies Lagardere has helped transform everyday travel moments into life-changing journeys for families navigating serious medical challenges. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to innovation, generosity and shared purpose.”
Paradies notes that these plush sales help to create meaningful connections beyond the airport experience.
“Our partnership with Miracle Flights and the launch of Skyler reflect our commitment to making a real difference in the communities we serve,” he says. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that each Skyler sold helps a child reach critical medical care. This collaboration demonstrates the powerful impact that purpose-driven retail can have when it aligns with a mission that truly changes lives.”
Since 1985, Miracle Flights has provided over 170,000 free flights and coordinated over 102 million miles of travel for families needing specialized medical care. As Paradies Lagardere’s partnership with Miracle Flights enters its second year, both organizations say they remain focused on expanding awareness, increasing retail participation and deepening the program’s impact nationwide. Travelers can purchase Skyler from participating Paradies Lagardere airport retail locations nationwide.
