HANNAH - from the Hebrew meaning, 'God has favored me'
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
My name is Hannah and I have cancer. There isn't an explanation as to why I became sick. All I know is God has a plan for each of us and for each plan there is a purpose. Some of us know what our purpose in life is and others will never find it. Then there are those like me who accomplish it without even realizing it. My journey with cancer will not and has not been without purpose. It is through my illnes that I have helped doctors understand this disease a little more so they may find a cure. It is through my illnes that I have opened the eyes to those around me to how precious life really is. Something we all too often take for granted.
It is through my illness that some of those around me have realized that life is too short to be afraid of our feelings. My cancer has been beaten back by the power of love. It is the most powerful of emotions, one not to be afraid of, but to be embraced. To be loved by someone unconditionally and completely is to reach into your soul and feel warmth.
It is through my illness that I have shown there is no guarantee for the future--only dreams for it. Whether the future be just another day or another 75 years, we should all dream big and live fully everyday.
It is through my illness that I have seen the strong cry, only to find more strength.
It is through my illness that some of us who haven't talked to God in awhile have once again began to pray.
It is through my illness that I have joined the hands of those familiar to those of strangers, to form one long chain. I have already accomplished so much in such a short amount of time and each day I continue to touch the hearts of many.
That is my purpose. -Written by Miss Gina for our Hannah
We thank ALL of you for your thoughts and prayers. Hannah is truly blessed to have so many that care for her. We hope that this site will help keep all of Hannah's Helpers informed of her progress.
On March 12, 2004, Hannah was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, stage IV (meaning the cancer had spread throughout her body). She has had 6 rounds of Hi-dose chemotherapy and in July, surgery to remove the primary tumor. She went through a stem cell translplant(similar to bone marrow transplant)in September and 12 rounds of radiation therapy in November. On Nov. 18th, she was officially in remission (NED). She completed 6 months of Accutane treatment and was doing very well. Her 6 mth post-transplant scans were all clean, except for a small spot on her brain MRI. We scanned a month later, that spot had doubled in size. Two weeks later, we were at Shands for a brain biopsy. There were complications, a large clot had developed in her brain, emergency brain surgery followed. Her recovery was pretty quick but we knew time was of the essence. We decided to take Hannah to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NY. They have a different approach and are recognized as one of the leaders in NB treatment.
This is an insidious disease. Probably present at birth, it grows until symptoms develop that require attention. By that time, the disease is widespread. Seventy-five percent of the cases are diagnosed in children under the age of two. Hannah does not fight this alone...500-600 children are diagnosed with it each year in the US. She received induction chemo at Tampa Children's Hospital, by outstanding oncologists: Dr. Rossbach, Dr. Wynn and Dr. Tebbi. She has also been treated at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Her tumor resection, stem cell transplant, and brain surgery were all done there. Drs. Beierlie, Pincus, Staba have all cared for our little one with great skill.
At the end of July, we went to NY for treatment at Sloan-Kettering for radiation and chemo, under the care of the Neuroblastoma Team docs: Dr. Kushner, Dr. Cheung, Dr. Kramer, & Dr. Modak. We will be making many return trips to NY for further treatment.
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, so make a donation to Lunch for Life!!! For those who would like to make a donation to help fund research to find better treatment and possibly a cure for neuroblastoma, there is a program called Lunch for Life that has raised over $500,000 by asking people to donate $5 (the cost of a lunch). It's really not that much, but if everyone who visits this page donates, that would be awesome! Power in numbers!
Another very worthy cause is the Ronald McDonald House. Many families, including ours, have benefited greatly from this charity. They have 250 "Houses" across the country where families can stay during treatment of their sick child. To donate to, or find out more about RMH, click here.
PLEASE give blood, it will help someone in need, just as Hannah has been helped by others. Truly, "Life is in the blood".
Please visit us regularly and sign the guestbook so we'll know who's praying for Hannah.
TREAT it & BEAT it! Michael and Family
To see other NB Warriors like Hannah, click here. Then click on the Neuroblastoma Warriors link on the page.
A special group of ladies, Diva's of the Net, have made a special page for Hannah on their website. To visit, click Hannah's Easter Page
I found this little movie on YouTube. I don't know who the chilren are, but I thought it was a touching video and song.
Write your local congressman about funding childhood cancer research. The new proposed budget actually cuts funds for research.Click HERE to write your local representatives. It's easy, only 5 minutes of your time to make a diffrence for a lifetime.
THANK YOU-THANK YOU - THANK YOU
Thank you to all who donated to the Cure Kid's Cancer Challenge. We exceeded our goal and raised $1,400!!! The event itself raised over $75,000 for the Sunshine Project!! And this was the first year! Sunshine Project
Thanks to all the teachers, students, and parents at Bayshore Christian School for raising over $3,000 for the Loneliest Road Campaign! Great Job!
Thanks to all who have donated to Lunch For Life in Hannah's name for the Giving Tree. To see Hannah's Giving Tree, click Here
To see additional pics of Hannah, click HERE. They can be downloaded from that site as well. NEW pics added 12/17/07!
Journal
Sunday, May 11, 2008 7:54 PM CDT
Happy Mother's Day!!! We hope that all you mothers enjoyed your special day with loved ones.
Hannah is doing fine. However, this past week has brought some bad news for some of our dear friends. Emily spent some time in the hospital and is home now, but on pain meds as her liver is swollen. Jenna will be having brain surgery to remove the "spot", still unsure as to what the "spot" is. And, Hannah's grandpa, PappyD, had surgery to put in a port and he will start chemo on Monday. We ask you to pray for Emily to be free from pain, for Jenna to have no complications with her surgery and that they can confirm that there is no nb, and for Pappy as he starts his chemo.
Hannah is getting excited about summer coming. School will end in about 2 weeks. She will be spending time going to different camps; art camp, dance camp, swimming camp, acting camp. It will be a variety summer, along with vacation time with mom & dad.
Please continue your prayers for: Emily-Home from the hospital, on pain meds Taylor - another chemo cycle this week Justin-In NY for radiation Olivia - supposed to be coming home from the hospital-infection www.carepages.com -- page name=livilulu Jenna - Heading to NYC for a brain surgery/removal of the "questionable" spot - pray for NO nb
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