Making an Angel mobile

Angel Hansen’s tiny feet were so disfigured on the day she was born that they turned upward nearly 180 degrees — an arrangement that had her toes nearly scratching her own calves, her father recalls.

“Some doctors call it severe club feet, but, for conversation’s sake, we can say they were severely deformed,” Doug Hansen of Costa Mesa said.

Angel’s feet were one of many complications doctors had identified in utero in the months leading up to her birth, though, in spite of the projected problems, Doug and his wife, Jen Hansen, opted to move forward with the delivery.

Since then, Angel has undergone seven intensive surgeries in six years, including two aimed at straightening her feet and increasing their mobility.

Throughout, the Hansens have shown an unwavering dedication to Angel, including starting a children’s charity in her name, countless hours of doctor’s visits and organizing the construction of a city playground at TeWinkle Park to accommodate special needs children. Construction is expected to be completed in June.

While always optimistic and loving, the family is quick to acknowledge that Angel is unlikely to ever walk on her own.

Doctors hope these surgeries, including one to remove superfluous foot bones that took place last weekend, will improve her ability to move short distances with a walker.

“She probably won’t stand for an hour at a time, walk more than half an hour at a time,” Doug Hansen said. “I could see her walking with a walker for 15-20 minutes or so, but that’s probably about it.”

After a weekend in the hospital, Angel seemed to be recovering well at her home Monday, with the telltale casts around both of her feet loudly clunking together to her bubbly giggles.

Doug and Jen, on the other hand, seemed exhausted as they recounted tales of providing late night care for their daughter.

“Last night she was up around 3:30, and never fell back to sleep,” Doug said. “We’re supposed to keep her legs elevated. I’m sure that’s been a little hard on her; she’s been in some pain.”

Upon her recovery, however, Angel can look forward to a resoundingly positive welcome back from her first grade classmates at Newport Heights Elementary.

Her teacher, Jessica Wells, said the class, who missed Angel immensely during her brief absence, had prepared get-well cards for the 6-year-old.

“We always have kids coming from other classes to volunteer with and help Angel,” she said. “They are always concerned if she’s not here.”

“She’s just sweet and always smiling; such a girly girl,” she added. “I think it’s great for both sides, because they are learning to accept other kids while she is getting interaction with her peers ... she just has a tendency to make people totally fall in love with her.”

Those interested in contributing to Angel’s Charity, a group started by the Hansens to aid children with physical disabilities, can visit their website at www.angelscharity.com.

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].