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 - March 2008
When asked about Hanah's progress over the past year, Hanah’s parent’s, Terry and Sara quickly answered with a smile on their faces “Excellent!” They explained to us that Hanah continues to develop as a normal five year old. “She is very active and is involved in several activities,” most recently she can be found tapping her way into the hearts of everyone she meets. Hanah attends school four days a week, and has appointed herself the five year old “room mother.” We are all impressed with her ability to recognize when someone needs a helping hand or a hug, and it is clear she is destined for greatness in the future.
Hanah continues to have a visit with her oncologist every six months for testing; CAT scans, bone scans, and cardiac tests. Permanent hearing loss is one of the negative treatment outcomes Hanah must deal with for the rest of her life. Outfitted with bilateral hearing aids, Hanah can better hear the birds sing and decipher conversational speech. Don’t whisper any secrets in front of Hanah as she doesn’t miss a beat!
We asked Terry and Sara about what still worries them. They explained to us that ever since Hanah was diagnosed, there is a feeling of worry that never goes away. Every time Hanah develops a cold or has an unusual complaint, there quickly comes a sense of panic. They overcome this by working with Hanah to support other families that are going through the same treatment. During Hanah's visits with the doctor, she visits with other families who are newly diagnosed. One look at the smile on her face and you can see why she is a source of encouragement and hope.
Hanah is very happy and gets stronger every day. Terry and Sara have a heartfelt sense of appreciation towards the community. “Our family has been truly blessed by the support we have received. Asking for and accepting help from others is not always easy. Being on the receiving end of such love is sometimes overwhelming. Saying thank you can never be enough for the gift of life that Hanah has been blessed with.”
