A Great Big Smile for Hannah

Hannah began exhibiting alarming medical symptoms in May of 2005 when she was just 11 years old. By September of that year she was given a diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma and began 6 years of chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and a subsequent diagnosis of Secondary A.M.L. (Leukemia), a result of the chemo. Other side effects of treatment included weight gain from steroids, Graft vs. Host disease from a bone marrow transplant, multiple infections and chronic pain.

Through it all, Hannah endured with courage, resilience, sarcasm (!) and humor. She is now cancer free, but as she says, “cancer fun is never done.” A frequent reminder of the struggle are severe dental issues caused by her years of chemical interventions. In the past 3 years, she has had 11 teeth removed when they became infected or broken, significantly affecting her ability to chew, and perhaps more significantly, her willingness to smile.

We all know how important a smile is, especially our own. A recent (December 11th) treatment plan from Paradise Dental Group gives $8,200.00 as an estimate of cost to repair Hanna’s smile. She currently has about$3,000.00 in outstanding dental debt, so we hope to raise $10,000.00 toward resolving this lingering side effect of childhood cancer. Thank you for contributing whatever you can!