This happened to my grandma. Years ago, I signed her up for a TWA (!!) account and the miles expired last December due to lack of activity. I wrote a letter to AA pleading her case (she's old, she doesn't understand frequent flier programs, I'm PLT, etc.). I got a very nice letter back saying that AA would make a one-time exception and would reinstate her points if she had activity in the next six months.
FYI, I made a donation to the Park Service (telephone, not online) and 5 weeks later I am still waiting for the points. Called AA a few days ago, and they told me it takes 6-8 weeks to post them. (Maybe I should have made the donation online?... would that have been better...?).
But I have had success in pleading nicely.
