Our Inspiration - Hanah Rae

In July 2004, our two year old cousin, Hanah Rae Friel of Naperville, Illinois, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Since that time Hanah has received extensive medial treatments including chemotherapy and radiation. Hanah was also the second recipient in an intensive clinical drug therapy trial co-sponsored by Children’s Memorial Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hopsital.

Hanah has made amazing progress over the past three years. She finished her treatments in July 2005 and has been in remission since. Hanah still has four years to go until she is truly cancer free, but her prognosis continues to be excellent.

We have learned a lot from this little girl. In spite of all the doctors, tests and hospital stays, Hanah’s spirit remained strong and her blue eyes never stopped dancing. She showed incredible spirit and fight. Hanah continues to flash her impish grin, winning the hearts of everyone she meets.

Hanah’s parents say that they are proud to know that Hanah is an inspiration and encouragement to others. Even though Hanah is only five and a half years old she has a strong, outgoing personality and a caring spirit. Her sense of humor and laughter bring a smile to those she meets, and she is truly fearless about life.

Hanah is little, but she has touched the hearts of so many people in a big way. As she grows she will better understand the impact she has had others. Hanah is the inspiration for our journey, and we will embrace our mission with the same drive and determination she shows every day in her quest for a cure.

Hanah's Update - January 2009

Spend just five minutes with Hanah and you’ll quickly see how well she is doing. Funny, inquisitive and high energy, Hanah continues to brighten up any room she enters. Hanah is currently a first grader at Peterson Elementary School. An avid reader, Hanah is a big fan of Junnie B. Jones and anything to do with Sponge Bob. When asked why she loves to read Hanah replied “because it helps you learn and get information about that book and makes you really smart”! Her favorite subject at school is, of course, PE so she can “run and play and scream”. Don’t even think about trying to keep up with her!

In November 2009 Hanah made her acting debut in Annie. Juggling two roles of Molly the orphan and Sandy the dog, Hanah said she liked being in Annie because “she likes to sing the songs and be up on stage and see everyone up there”. According to Hanah “Tomorrow and Maybe is my favorite Annie song”. Big sister Autum was at every practice to make sure Hanah had her dance moves and songs just right. With another play starting in January 2010 who knows….Broadway may be in Hanah’s future.

Throughout the year Hanah spent plenty of quality time with her parents and sister, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Whether camping or swimming in the summer or making a snow fort or a snowman in the winter, it’s hard to imagine that four years ago Hanah couldn’t even play outdoors. She loves spending time with her family and is eager to always meet new friends. The recent holidays were a joy for the entire family, and Hanah made sure Santa and his reindeer had enough treats to keep them going on their world tour. You might see Hanah running around the neighborhood sporting her new Sponge Bob snuggie or hear her cheering wildly as she beats her family in Mario Kart.

Hanah’s health has been doing wonderfully well. During her annual visits she will continue to be checked for any signs of recurring cancer. This past summer Hanah was transferred to the STAR (Survivors Taking Action & Responsibility) program. The STAR program will help focus on the long range effects chemotherapy and radiation have had on things like Hanah’s growth and her heart and kidney functions. According to Hanah’s mom, Sara, “it is a wonderful feeling to have graduated to the STAR program! God continues to bless Hanah in so many ways.”

One of the lingering side effects of Hanah’s treatments is her hearing loss. This loss has not affected Hanah’s ability to interact with other children, she does well in school and she is able to express her thoughts without any problems. For example, she proudly states her favorite color is “pink, purple and yellow”! Hanah works with an audiologist through the school district, and her hearing capacity has increased to 80% in the classroom. In addition, Hanah is seen twice a year for a hearing evaluation. The school team also meets with Hanah’s parents twice a year to make sure Hanah’s educational needs are being met.

As you can see, Hanah continues to make amazing progress. Although small in size, she is an incredible source of encouragement and inspiration for all.