This is Kevin- Hannah’s stepfather. Jenean, Nolan and Hannah have asked me to help keep everyone as up to date as possible as they all stay focused at the hospital and Jenean and Nolan give Hannah and her doctors their undivided attention. At this point, there are more questions than answers. First, Hannah is still in the ICU. She has had several ups and downs over the past 24 hours. She has had some drug reactions and negative responses to medication which have provided several scares. Hannah has regained some feeling, but it is not consistent and it is unclear how much mobility she will have. They know that Hannah has a spinal cord trauma. She has some feelings in her legs, but it is sporadic and still unknown what the long term prognosis is. They are doing hourly tests on Hannah’s feeling and lower body strength. The doctors have said that the spinal cord can be unpredictable, but that the next day or so will be very telling and provide some indications of her future mobility.
During surgery the doctors had already removed some pieces of her bone and vertebrae in order to place the screws and rods, which had to be removed before ending the surgery. As a result, her spine is considered “fragile” and there will have to be another spinal surgery in Hannah’s future. It is no longer the goal to straighten or correct her curve. At this point, they just need to stabilize her spine and curve so that is can be secure. It is unclear when that surgery will be. They need to wait and give her body and spinal cord some time to heal. The timing of that surgery will depend on what nerves and strength Hannah is able to regain.
In the meantime, we are all waiting while Hannah fights. Many people have asked about how she is doing emotionally. As you would expect, she is devastated. Not only at the struggle and fear associated with her legs, but also with the fact that this seems daunting, and scary and never-ending. Many people have tried to call her and reach out to her- all of the love and concern is very appreciated. Jenean and Nolan are making sure she knows she has an army of people standing behind her- which your comments and messages have helpfully shown her. At this time it is hard for her to respond so please do not be offended if she does not answer or reply right now. Just know that your love and support are impactful and appreciated. She did specifically ask for us to update the blog and let people know what had happened. Please continue to send her all the love you can.
When I talked to Hannah tonight- she told me that one of her favorite Ortho Residents was a former Naval Academy Midshipman like her Uncle John and through conversations with him, she was reminded of her favorite motivational speech, which she asked to listen to tonight. She re-watched Admiral McRaven’s speech at U of T in 2014. At the end, Hannah agreed with her mom that she was not going to be afraid of the circuses. If you don’t know what that means, watch the speech and then be amazed at the sheer fighter in our Hannah. She has some fight left in her- and we are all here to love and support her. – Kevin (aka Clark)
Here is the speech Hannah watched tonight if anyone is interested:
Hannah Defying Gravity 
Continued prayers for Hannah & her family! 💜😘🤗
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Thank you for the update. I believe in Hannah! And I believe in your family!
This is a hard road. One of the reasons it’s so hard and scary is that no one can tell you exactly what will be around the corner and how long it will take. I have experience with this feeling. It’s really hard to accept and to slow down your thinking to moment by moment…. hour by hour… day by day.
You will all get through this. On the other side of this is a deeper bond of love and an endless well of strength that none of you knew was within you.
I’m thinking of you guys all the time. When I do, I use the following prayer, which my dad taught me when our family went through something similarly difficult….
May Hannah be filled with loving kindness, May she be healthy. May she be well. May she be peaceful and at ease. May she be happy.
I’m saying it now for each one of you.
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We are praying for you Hannah. I picture large angel wings around you to give you comfort as you heal and preparing you for the next challenge. You have lots of prayers and love being sent continuously to give you even more strength and courage moving forward. ♥️
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Thank you so much for the update, I am beyond impressed with Hannah! It is very hard sometimes to remember she is only 12, her spirit, heart and inner strength are truly amazing. That video was so befitting what she and your family are going through, not sure whether to call her a Warrior or Seal at this point, guess the name is synonymous! Hold on to that hope, don’t ring the bell and know we are all singing with you! You will overcome the obstacles before you and you will be stronger because of it. While the journey isn’t going to be an easy one you will SUCCEED, you aren’t in this battle alone, family and friends are by your side through this all. Sending Love and Positivity to you All!❤️
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Hannah is a fighter, you can clearly see that. Sending prayers to the whole family.
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Hannah, for you to be inspiring all of us as you are now, you are showing how you will come through these challenges stronger, healthy, and living well as you go through the circus of these days. Cheering for you and your whole wonderful family. .
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Hannah, many, many prayers are being lifted for you. I know you are afraid, but you are NOT alone….draw from our belief in you and our hope for the strength you need. So many of us believe you can beat this, that YOU can prevail. You are a light that no shadow can block.
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Stay strong Hannah!!
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Hannah – we are praying for you!! God will help you!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Hannah~ You and and your family are constantly on our minds. River said to, “try to stay strong and hang in there you will be alright. I will keep you in my prayers.” Hannah you are a fighter physically and emotionally and an inspiration to all of us!❤️
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Praying for you and your family
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Although I read this update when it was posted, I was not able to watch the video of Admiral McRaven until just now. Thank you for sharing that inspirational speech! Although I’ve heard his name, I was unfamiliar with the speech or his work. Watching the video literally brought me to tears, most especially when I heard the explanation of the circuses. You, Hannah, are such an inspiring person.
BTW, I’m going back upstairs to make my bed.
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