Sunday, February 14, 1999

Abby's Days In The Sun Real-life Cinderella

Abby must wear a cooling vest under her NASA-designed suit. (Gary Landers photos) | ZOOM |

        In some ways, Abby is a living, breathing Cinderella. The only way she can venture into Florida's harsh sunlight is to wear her NASA suit. But it allows only short jaunts before she must rush to get indoors.

        The suit blocks out deadly ultraviolet rays. But it also retains heat. It forces Abby to wear a special cooling vest and neck band prevent overheating, which could lead to a heat stroke.

Abby doffs her hood while on an indoor ride. | ZOOM |

        In all, the suit — with its vest, cold gel packs, socks, pants, hood, tinted goggles, face mask and leather gloves — weighs about 5 pounds.

        “Cinderella” has three hours in the sun before the gel thaws.

        “It's not easy, but it's worth it for all the things it allows her to do,” her mother says.

NEXT: Rude stares, comments hurt

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Main story
'Someday, Abby, someday'
'Look at all that water'
Real-life Cinderella
Rude stares, comments hurt
Sundown brings freedom
World opening for Indiana boy, too