Dear Family and Friends,

The Hanna Family has been inundated with requests about how their friends, family, co-workers, and others can support them during this unimaginable time. While Laura and Sean are not the type to ask for help, we know how much peace of mind this fundraiser can bring during such an uncertain and overwhelming time.

Your support — whether through a donation, a message, or simply sharing this page — means the world to this family and will help ease the financial burden as they focus entirely on Brixen’s healing.

Please read on for a brief summary of Brixen's journey so far as well as a link to the CaringBridge page that her parents are updating daily.

During a family trip to Candlewood Lake, Ohio, Brixen suddenly became confused, drowsy, and unresponsive after swimming. Her dad, Sean, called 911 after a doctor in the family noticed her condition worsening. A CT scan revealed brain bleeding, and she was flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for emergency surgery. Since then, she has undergone three separate brain surgeries, an MRI, multiple CT scans, and an angiogram. She has been in an induced coma for seven days as her care team continues to manage brain swelling and drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. She recently developed an infection in her brain’s ventricular fluid, so is being treated for that. There are one to two nurses in her room at all times, ensuring she is closely monitored. Her condition remains very serious, but she is receiving continuous, intensive care.

There’s still no clear cause for what happened to Brixen, but she is an incredible fighter — and so are her parents, Laura and Sean. This journey will be a long one, and Laura and Sean haven't left her side. Currently, Charlie remains in excellent care with family back in Northbrook. In addition to everyday expenses, continued medical care, and countless unforeseen costs, part of your support will ensure greater ease with getting Charlie back and forth to Columbus to be with his mom and dad and sister.