EDIT to add Update:

An update on life.

We desperately need your help! We got through the holidays, it was a dark time for us as everyone else joyously celebrated. We truly appreciate everyone who tried to still make it special for her despite her injury.

We face many different struggles daily. We are still at a point where care is needed 24/7, so a return to work for both parents isnt a possibility for the foreseeable future. We are trying to navigate becoming a 1 income family now, along with all of the out of pocket medical expenses that insurance wont cover. As you can imagine, this leaves our household struggling to make ends meet. We are still not at a point where return to school is an option, and when it is it will look very different for her. Every day is different, and some days we take it hour by hour.

We have been referred to and advised of many different options for therapy, and treatments to try and help Hannah to be able to potentially overcome her traumatic brain injury and its effects. Unfortunately, these all seem to be things that her insurance will not cover. On top of our primary and neurology we have now been asked to try the following: PT, OT, massage therapies, neuropsychiatry, TBI occupational therapy, and cognitive rehab as well as many alternative therapies. It has been suggested she have a gym membership to be able to access an array of light gym equipment and classes especially yoga.

These are all things that they think could help lead to some cognitive repair (not to mention possibly help her spirit!). We have nonstop appointments and even trips back to the emergency department due to ongoing complications and symptoms of her TBI.

We are struggling everyday with the burden that this act of violence has placed on our daughter and family. We appreciate any help you can offer in this time of incredible struggle.

Hannah's story:

Hannah is a 15 year old sophomore. She is a dedicated cadet of the SKHS NJROTC Wolf Battalion. She has dreams of enlisting in The US Navy with high hopes of being accepted to the military working dogs program.

On Thursday November 20, Hannah woke up for school, she put her uniform on and headed to school full of excitement for her Battalion inspection later that day where she had hopes of being recognized for her efforts. Her life would drastically change just hours later.

She and another student (also a proud cadet in the NJROTC) were victims of a violent act by another student.

Thanks to the quick actions of the 2nd victim, Hannah is still with us. We spent the next 8 hours in the trauma unit still wondering if "this is it."

Hannah received several stitches in the back of her head and was diagnosed with a TBI (Traumatic brain injury) that could alter her life forever.

She and her family will be faced with many upcoming challenges and medical bills.

We are asking for any help you find in your hearts to give.

Another way you can help is by contacting the SKHS, the South Kitsap school district and the Port Orchard Police department. Please demand that they all be held accountable, demand justice for the 2 students that were victims, more response training amongst the staff, and request more support for the other students who witnessed this harrowing scene.

Some children know school as their only safe place and that has now changed for them. No child should ever experience this.