"OK everybody, let's all sneeze!"

As I sit here typing, I can "hear" Hannah gleefully urging us to play one of her favorite games. We always humor her, giving big fake achoos as her laughter fills the room and our hearts. Despite all the challenges she has faced in life, Hannah radiates joy, faith, and bravery.

But now, Hannah and her parents need more than our silliness.

After several ER visits and tests, Hannah was ambulanced to UPMC Pittsburgh Neuro ICU on March 30 and underwent surgery to correct a malfunction of her shunt valve. While this surgery was successful, Hannah's body has since been battling several issues, including electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, nausea, and pain. Perhaps most difficult for her family, she lost the ability to speak, respond, or move independently, and it will be a long, slow road to determine if and how much she regains these abilities.

First, we want to thank you all for your prayers! They mean so much to our family. God is faithful, and Hannah is slowly improving. She and her parents now face the challenge of a new normal while making sure her physical health continues to improve. Maria and Todd have always been amazing at understanding what Hannah needs and making sure she gets it; this will be no different as they work selflessly and tirelessly to ensure Hannah has the best quality of life possible.

In the immediate future, Hannah will require a special transport van to return home as she is in a wheelchair. Maria and Todd will be adding a ramp to access their house and will need to rent a handicapped accessible vehicle. They have been gifted a used hospital bed to set up in their home and will be purchasing bedding for it. Because she has lost most of her mobility, Hannah requires adaptive leg braces and many other specialized personal care items to help with her overall health and well-being. Maria and Todd will also be seeking out specialized doctors and therapists, which may require them to travel, stay in a family house or hotel, and purchase meals. None of this is covered by insurance. Maria and Todd would be blessed by any donations you are able to give and will use all monies to continue to care for their beloved daughter as she heals and strengthens.

Thank you in advance for anything you can contribute, and as always and foremost, thank you for your support and prayers.