<Tr> <Th> Box office </Th> <Td> $73.9 million </Td> </Tr> <P> Miracles from Heaven is a 2016 American Christian comedy drama film directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Randy Brown . It is based on Miracles from Heaven by Christy Beam, which recounts the true story of her young daughter who had a near - death experience and was later cured of an incurable disease . The film stars Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, John Carroll Lynch, Eugenio Derbez, and Queen Latifah . Principal photography began in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 2015 . The film was released on March 16, 2016 . The movie was financially successful, and although critical reception was mixed, Garner's performance earned general praise . </P> <P> Set in Burleson, Texas, between 2008 and 2012, the film centers on a 10 - year - old girl named Annabel Beam, daughter of Christy Beam . One day, Anna starts to vomit, and when examined by her doctor, he does not find anything abnormal . On March 20, 2008, Anna wakes up her family at midnight because of an intense stomach pain, severe enough that her parents decide to take her to the hospital . Doctors find no signs of illness, except to say it could be either acid reflux, or lactose intolerance, but Christy is not convinced by this . The following morning, Christy finally finds a pediatrician in the hospital that is able to diagnose Anna with an abdominal obstruction, and he tells them he must operate immediately or she will die . After the emergency surgery is performed, the doctor explains that Anna has been left with pseudo-obstruction motility disorder and she is unable to eat, so feeding tubes are needed for her nutrition . The doctor then tells the Beams about America's foremost pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Nurko, who practices in Boston, but explains it could take months for them to be seen . In January 2009, Christy and Anna travel to Boston despite not having an appointment with the doctor . </P> <P> Dr. Nurko has a last minute opening, and when Anna is subsequently examined at Boston Children's Hospital, the extent of her chronic illness is found . She then goes through extensive treatment . During this ordeal, Anna and her mother befriend a local Massachusetts resident named Angela, as well as Ben and his sick daughter, Haley . </P>

What disease did the girl in miracles from heaven have