Hannah was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma cancer when she was 15 years old. It was found in her talus bone, between her heel and her ankle. Hannah thought she had a sprained ankle. It wouldn’t go away. After many trips to the doctor we finally were able to pin point it. It wasn’t a reoccurring sprain, it was bone cancer. Her symptoms were fairly mild. When I think about it at that time, I did notice Hannah was tired more often and she had small lingering headaches, all symptoms of cancer. Had I have known then what I know now. She immediately started aggressive therapy and radiation to control the cancer. Three months later she had her leg amputated just below her knee, and her battle started. After months and months of radiation and chemotherapy the cancer returned in her lungs. She did not give up. Hannah continued living her life gracefully with cancer for the next five years. She passed away with dignity in February of 2008. She was 20 years old.

Hannah was an amazing athlete. She didn’t let her illness define her or hold her back. She went on to play sports for Hagerman High School for the next 3 years. She played volleyball, basketball, track and golf. She took on the challenge to overcome her illness and her impaired physical limits, but in a very short time, there were no limits according to Hannah. She was remarkable. She graduated from Hagerman High School a year early and continued her interest in sports by helping the Hagerman High School coaches with their teams. She later was asked to coach the Jr High Volleyball team. What an honor. She was so excited. Hannah took her job seriously. She was proud to be a coach and so very proud of her team. Hannah had a unique way with everyone. She was able to not only coach these young girls but also help them in other ways. She did all she could for her “girls”. Hannah organized fund raisers for her team to help buy warm ups for them. She wanted the team to be proud to be out on the floor. She always felt that if they were proud and felt good about themselves than they would be able to accomplish anything. That was “Hannah’s Hope”.

Hannah was not only a great athlete but she was a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, individual and young women. She was full of light and life. Hannah was the greatest little sister. Her relationship with her brothers and sister was very unique. Hannah had a very light hearted spirit about her. She made us all laugh so hard at times when dealing with her prosthetic or her loss of hair and her little bald head, she laughed at herself in hopes to ease those around her. Many times when we were in Houston and Hannah was taking radiation & chemotherapy she would feel guilty for not “not being as sick” as the rest of the young people on her floor. At times she would sit out in the hall on the floor because she felt so guilty. This was Hannah! Her nursing staff and doctors where always excited to see her after long periods of absence. They couldn’t wait to see what color of hair Hannah was going to have or what crazy outfit, blanket or shoes she may bring along. Hannah always had BIG stories to tell them all, about her friends and family in Idaho, and the traveling she was going to do. She always had something to tell them. All those who Hannah came in touch with admired her strength and her ability to be comfortable in her own skin. She taught us all many lessons of life and gave us all strength to hold on and not give up.

We are so proud that we are able to carry on “Hannah’s Hope” through this Foundation. We are incredibly grateful to all of you who supported her wish last year and will continue to do so. Hannah started this fund 2 weeks before she passed away. She took her savings and started this account and I promised her that we would get the job done for her. Her mission is to give all of our young people the chance to be leaders and be proud of who they are. Hannah felt that if it started on “the court” then it would carry on through their lives and make a difference.

It is an honor for us to be able to spread “Hannah’s Hope” throughout the Magic Valley and beyond. This year we are able to pass it forward to nine different schools in the valley, we will be able to sponsor a scholarship and make a full wish to Wishing Star. Hannah would be so proud of all us for making her wish come true. See you at next years Rock Chuck Derby!

Sandee
Hannah’s Mom