HANNAH'S STORY

Hannah was born in Hayward, California in May 1994. She spent the first seven months of her life with a loving foster family nearby. Linda chose Hannah to become ours through the Adopt A Special Kid organization in Oakland, California, and Hannah joined our family of Linda, Lisa, Andy, Ricky and me in December 1994. ( We also found Andy and Ricky through AASK.)

Hannah was born with many physical problems, including an abnormal brain formation, cerebral palsy, almost total blindness and a seizure disorder. She couldn't talk and she couldn't walk. Although life was often hard for Hannah, she lived it to the fullest and brought happiness to everyone who knew her.

From the beginning, Linda strove to find the best doctors, therapists, teachers, clinics and hospitals for Hannah. Some of them became very special friends who loved her as did her many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandfather and babysitter Onica.

In the summer of 1998 Hannah suffered a broken leg, became weak and lethargic, and just seemed to give up. She died early one morning in September, sitting in the corner of the sofa while Linda made her breakfast.. It was probably pneumonia that caused her death. Our family was devastated.

This special place, Hannah's Haven, is dedicated in her memory.

Written by Gramma, Connie Hargreaves