July 23, 1988 – May 29, 2015, Ontario, Canada
When we think of Hannah, we always remember her amazing smile. She was such a mischievous, courageous, loving girl. She put her whole heart into everything she did; she never gave up. Her strength gave us strength. She was the strongest person we knew.
Like many children with NBIA, Hannah's life was too short and she traveled a difficult road. Her life was filled with pain and dreams not realized. Despite all of this, Hannah was happy, with that big, beautiful smile and a deep love for life and her family.
Hannah's life may seem unfair, but God had a plan for her. Her life meant something great and wonderful, and, she had a purpose to fulfill in her short time with us. She taught us about strength, commitment, determination and undying love.
The day she was born, we remember hearing her before we saw her. That loud, intense cry let us know Hannah had arrived. She was an absolutely beautiful child, with gorgeous red hair and the temper and determination to match. Hannah loved life and everything it had to offer. She saw the beauty in all things. Flowers, birds, horses, art and chocolate were among her favorite things.
Hannah was an extremely protective older sister to Daniel, Jaimie Ann and Sadie. She loved them wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Hannah wanted to try everything. Even when her body was failing, she persevered, completing high school, participating in a fashion show, bungee jumping, riding horses, running cross country and swimming. When her right hand stopped working from dystonia, she taught herself to draw and write with her left hand.
Our lives have been changed forever having known and loved Hannah. She inspired many people with her strength and determination. She gave us more then she knew. It is because of Hannah we have the NBIA community in our lives. It is because of Hannah we have two more precious daughters to love, and we thank her for that. We thank our families, friends, doctors, nurses, caregivers and teachers who gave her peace, love and support. They made her journey joyful and helped make her life amazing.
We feel so blessed to have had 26 precious years with Hannah. We miss her very much. We miss the life she should have had, we miss her smiling face and we miss her hand in ours. Her journey here is over. She is at peace and she is free, but she will live on in our hearts always, never to be forgotten, always loved.
- Mom, Dad, Daniel, Jaimie Ann and Sadie
