Hannah's 7th Birthday

Greetings,

Well where do I begin.......... Today is Hannah's 7 th Birthday!! Can not believe we are on the third Birthday with Hannah in heaven.  It just is not fair.. Not fair to Mama and Daddy, Emily, Jake or to Hannah.. Life with never be right for us again. We did try and have a ok day for Hannah's birthday but it hurts like hell!! 

We got yellow balloons to release for Hannah at her graveside.. Emily and Jake colored on them and attached pictures on them for Hannah.  Auntie Kayla got beautiful flowers for Hannah's garden at her headstone.  We ate all of Hannah's favorite foods and had a great cake with yellow flowers!!!

Over all it was an ok day but it still hurt like hell.. There is an emptiness in our hearts that will never go ago.  We miss you Baby Girl!! Please continue to watch over Emily and Jake and keep them safe.. 

We also want to Thank family and friends who have helped us through this day, we could not have done it with out any of you.  The kind words, the shoulder to lean on to and the hugs.. It means more then you know.. Thank you all again for your continued support.. We love you all.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!! 

Mama loves you with all of my heart!!

XOXO 

Going to Sick Kids Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Hannah's 6 Birthday, Mama and Daddy are going to be going Sick Kids for the radio-thon. We will be on Mix 99.9 FM around 9am then on Easy Rock 97.3 FM around 9:30am. Then Mama, Daddy, Emily, Jacob with Grandma and Grandpa will be going down to Hannah's grave to let balloons go. Then have some cake and celebrate Hannah's birthday. This will be the third year at the radio-thon and the second year with Hannah having her angel wings. I will be taking pictures and post a update tomorrow.

Thank You To Everyone

Dear Family and Friends;

We would like to take this time to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who traveled Hannah’s journey with us. We would like to try to thank each and everyone but if you are not mentioned by name please remember you have not been forgotten. You are in our prayers and our hearts.
Auntie Melanie…...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… We can say thank you a million times over but that still would not be enough. The fundraiser, Hope for Hannah website, Hannah’s great BIG 4th birthday party at Chuckie Cheese. For all your hugs, love and support you have given us and continue to give us. Thank you again and again
All the wonderful staff, doctors, nurses, Child life specialists, volunteers, and the clowns, Mary Sunshine at sick kids. A very big hug and thanks goes out to Drs. Cox, Doyle, Grasses, and Whitezman. Nurses on 8A and 8B that managed to handle “Myself” (Stephen) at all those late night times, with medicines time, changing and late night chats, and all the support) To all the parents of Hannah’s friends at 8A and 8B your support was always there and we appreciated each and every hug, wink or your words you gave us.
Credit Valley Hospital doctors and nurses that helped Hannah thru her time there when her little brother Jacob was born. (Arranging a visit with him while Mom was on the top floor and Hannah on the bottom floor) Kathleen, Hannah’s main home care nurse, Thank you for you support and patience with all of us. We needed every bit you give us.
All the support from CAW Local 1285, Laurie, Tracey and all Chrysler Canada workers for the blood drives and fund raisers in Hannah’s honor and Hannah’s memory. Also thank you for Hannah’s return trip to Sick Kids by limo. The Workers for “Cancer Prevention” from CAW for their annual fundraisers to help childhood Cancer Organizations. (This year donations going to Camp Ooch) The many blood drives created by Canadian Blood services in Hannah’s honor/memory.
To the many new friends we have now at Wal-mart for allowing Hannah to go on her “Late” night shopping sprees. To Tony, his family and friends at PCO Orkin for all the generous gifts. Especially the beautiful DORA jeep. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tie Domi, Wade Belak for the open door to watch them practice and meet them. For the great bag of goodies, that Tanya prepared for Hannah and little sister Emily. The picture from Tie and the signing of Hannah’s jersey by Wade, thank you.
All the wonderful people and water life friends at Mairneland for opening their gates in the middle of winter (Feb. 06) so Hannah could meet and feed “Willy the Whale” The radio-a-thon friends at CFRB 1010 and 97.3 Easy Rock, who helped us tell Toronto and the GTA about Hannah’s journey at Sick Kids. For all those people who gave so generously thru the radio-a-thon, Thank you, thank you.
To City TV, Kevin and Frank for coming to the hospital during March Break with bags full of toys for Hannah and all her friends on 8A as they could not be a part of March Break Camp Week at Break Fast TV. All the students at King’s Masting Public School who made birthday cards and sent well wishes to Hannah’s website. We sat with Hannah and read each and everyone. (Cards and emails) Thank you for all the laughs and smiles you gave Hannah and us. All the women at King’s Masting who made home cooked meals and delivered them to us. Your kindness was so greatly appreciated, thank you Glenda. The teachers that did the “Teddy Bear” fundraisers in Hannah honor and memory. For the meals, they delivered after Hannah’s passing.
To Natalie and Fiona at Turner and Porter, the duck pond, duckies, quilt, duckie material, and of course the duck bath at Hannah’s graveside. We know that you both did much more; you went above and beyond your regular duties to help us thru this difficult time. All the family and friends that supported and participated in the “Relay For Life” in Hannah’s memory. Hannah’s life long friend “CAMERA FREAK” Kevin thanks for “All the Flashes”. Uncle Tom for the Beautiful Buttons and T-Shirt we all wore during the relay.
To Uncle Eric, thank you for all the support and love you gave Hannah and us. (And for bring me “Stephen” down to earth with your words and hugs) Carrie and Angie for all the words, support, and love you gave me. (Karen)
To the Cullen, Lewis, and Smith families a very big hug to each and everyone for the time you gave us for Hannah’s fundraiser. To Minister Stephen Peak and all the members of St. Bride’s Church. The blessing you did for Hannah, the Friday night Baptism for Emily and Jacob, the service for Hannah’s funeral. It was all so touching, Bless all of you.
Thank you, to Alexandra, Abigail, Noah, Emily, and Jacob for all the love in the world you have given us and continue to give us. We love you all and thank you. Thank you all for continuing to keep Hannah alive in your hearts.
How do we say THANK YOU to Dad, Mom, Kayla, Ken, and Melanie? Your love, hugs, support has gotten us thru this long journey. Saying thank you for everything you all did or said or gave us just is not enough. We want you all to know that, we love and cherish each and everyone of you! Thank you a million times over.
Thank you to each and everyone who visited Hannah at the hospital or at home. Hannah loved each one of you, and she loved life all together. We also have to thank each other (Stephen/Karen) for all the love and support we gave each other and are continue to give.
Finally yet importantly, we want to THANK “Our Little Sunshine Angel” Hannah for teaching all of us not to sweat the little things to live life to the fullest. We will always love you and talk to you aloud and in our hearts. You were and are truly a gift from God. It is time for you little one, Hannah to run and play with the butterflies. Until we meet with you again. We love you!


Thank you to everyone,
Stephen and Karen


WE LOVE YOU MONKEY!!

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY HANNAH EARNED HER ANGEL WINGS

04/23/07 - AT 5:13 P.M. ONE YEAR AGO TODAY HANNAH EARNED HER ANGEL WINGS IN HEAVEN. IN MEMORY OF HANNAH'S PASSING HER FAMILY, ALONG WITH THE HELP OF REV. PEAKE SAID A PRAYER AT HER GRAVESIDE. LOOKING BACK OVER THIS PAST YEAR SO MUCH AS HAPPENED YET TIME SEEMS TO HAVE STOOD STILL AS IF IT WERE ONLY YESTERDAY THAT WE WERE ALL GATHERED TOGETHER AT HANNAH'S BEDSIDE. ALTHOUGH THIS YEAR HAS BEEN VERY HARD FOR KAREN AND STEPHEN AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY HANNAH HAS SHOWN HER PRESENCE IN SO MANY WAYS. TONIGHT AT THE GRAVESIDE STEPHEN WENT TO RELEASE 1 BUTTERFLY BALLOON BUT FOR SOME REASON IT DIDN'T WANT TO FLY AWAY. THEN DURING THE PRAYER FOR HANNAH IT BEGAN POURING RAIN SO HARD. VERY SYMBOLIC OF THE MOMENT SINCE WE WERE ALL SHEDDING TEARS FOR MISSING HANNAH. HANNAH WAS SHEDDING TEARS OF HER OWN 10X MORE FOR MISSING US. WHEN RETURNING TO HANNAH'S GRAVESIDE AFTER THE STORM HAD PASSED JACOB WAS PLAYING ON THE GRASS WITH HANNAH'S BALLOON WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE, WITH NO WIND PRESENT THE BALLOON TOOK OFF INTO THE SKY. WE ALSO RELEASED 1 YELLOW BALLOON AND SEVERAL PINK BALLONS IN A BOUQUET WITH A DORA WATCH ATTACHED. HOPEFULLY SOMEONE SPECIAL WILL FIND IT. IT'S AMAZING HOW THE MEMORIES LIVE ON EVEN AFTER SOMEONE HAS LEFT US. BUT WITH THESE LITTLE CONSTANT REMINDERS THAT HANNAH IS WITH US THE MEMORIES WILL NEVER FADE AND HANNAH WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU HANNAH FOR ALL YOU HAVE TAUGHT US AND FOR THE LOVE YOU GAVE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MOMMY AND DADDY'S SUNSHINE ANGEL AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A RAY OF HOPE AND AND INSPIRATION TO US ALL. WE LOVE YOU HANNAH!!!WE KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US ALL!!!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!!

03/28/07 - HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!! CAN'T BELIEVE THAT TODAY YOU WOULD BE 5 YEARS OLD! WE ALL WENT TO YOUR GRAVESIDE TODAY AND RELEASED 5 YELLOW BIRTHDAY BALLOONS. WE KNOW THAT YOU WERE WITH US. WE SAW THE RAINBOW YOU LEFT IN THE SKY AND THE BALLOONS FLEW RIGHT TO IT. IT WAS A VERY EMOTIONAL DAY FOR EVERYONE. ESPECIALLY YOUR MOMMY AND DADDY. THEY WERE ABLE TO SPEAK ABOUT YOU TODAY AND HOW PROUD THEY ARE OF YOU ON THE SICK KIDS RADIOATHON. THEY MISS YOU SO MUCH. WE HAD CAKE AND SANG FOR YOU, WE KNOW THAT YOU HEARD US. BUT THINGS JUST AREN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. I THINK ALEXANDRA SAID IT PERFECTLY TODAY. AFTER WE LEFT YOUR GRAVE SIDE SHE SAID "THIS PARTY WOULD BE MUCH MORE FUNNER IF HANNAH WAS HERE!!" EXACTLY!!! THINGS WOULD BE HAPPIER FOR US BUT WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE HAPPY AND AT PEACE IN HEAVEN. YOU ARE A TRUE INSPIRATION TO US ALL. WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO BE GETTING OVERWHELMING ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS DRAW FROM YOUR STRENGTH AND COURAGE AND WE KNOW THAT WE CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING, JUST LIKE YOU. MOMMY AND DADDY GOT AMAZING NEWS TODAY FROM THEIR VISIT TO SICK KIDS. THE DOCTOR SAID THAT BASED ON ALL YOUR FINAL TEST RESULTS YOU HAD ACUTUALLY BEAT THE CANCER. YOU WERE CANCER FREE. THE BONE MARROW HAD TAKEN AND THINGS WERE PERFECT. IT WAS THE PNEUMONIA THAT CAUSED THE COMPLICATIONS. SO CONGRATULATIONS HANNAH!!!!! YOU PROVED YOURSELF TO BE THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER AND YOU WON!!! WE HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU AND WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT WE CAN BE AS STRONG AS YOU. WE HOPE YOU HAVE THE BIGGEST CAKE WITH YELLOW FLOWERS UP IN HEAVEN. WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH TODAY BUT WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT SUFFERING AND YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE. SWEET DREAMS SUNSHINE AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY. WE LOVE YOU NOW, ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!!!!!!

HANNAH'S WINGS

04/30/06 - IT WAS ONE WEEK AGO TODAY THAT HANNAH EARNED HER ANGEL WINGS IN HEAVEN. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY TO OFFER YOUR SUPPORT TO KAREN, STEPHEN AND THE BEST & ELIAS FAMILIES. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SERVICE AND A TRUE TESTIMONY TO THE LOVE AND LIFE OF HANNAH MACKENZIE ELIAS. HER MEMORY WILL BE KEPT ALIVE THROUGH HER WEBSITE. CONTINUE TO SIGN IN HER GUESTBOOK, EMAIL, LOOK AT PHOTOS AND OFFER YOUR WORDS OF SUPPORT. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE DAY RUN SMOOTHLY. YOUR SPECIAL TOUCHES AND HELPING HANDS MADE IT MORE BEARABLE & OFFERED COMFORT TO THE FAMILY. AFTER THE SERVICE AT HANNAH'S GRAVESIDE 50 YELLOW BALLOONS WITH YELLOW RIBBONS WERE RELEASED. THIS BALLOON RELEASE WAS SYMBOLIC OF HANNAH'S WISH TO TRAVEL. SINCE HANNAH WAS NEVER WELL ENOUGH AND NEVER GOT HER WISH TO VISIT MICKEY MOUSE WE ATTACHED A NOTE TO EACH YELLOW BALLOON SO WE COULD TRACK HANNAH'S TRAVELS. WE ASKED PEOPLE WHO FOUND A BALLOON TO LOG ON TO HER GUESTBOOK AND LET US KNOW WHERE THE BALLOONS WERE FOUND. SO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!! IT HAS BEEN A VERY EMOTIONAL WEEK FOR KAREN AND STEPHEN BUT WITH THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS THEY ARE MAKING IT ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!

04/24/06 - FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HANNAH HAVE BEEN MADE TODAY. HANNAH'S LIFE WILL BE REMEMBERED BY ALL THOSE SHE TOUCHED. HANNAH'S OBITUARY WILL BE IN THE TORONTO STAR ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY (25TH & 26TH OF APRIL). FOR ALL THOSE WHO LOVED HANNAH AND WOULD LIKE TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS AND OFFER CONDOLENCES TO KAREN, STEPHEN, EMILY & JACOB AND THE BEST & ELIAS FAMILIES THERE WILL BE A VIEWING HELD AT TURNER & PORTER FUNERAL HOME, 2180 HURONTARIO STREET, MISSISSAUGA FROM 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2006. A CELEBRATION OF HANNAH'S LIFE WILL BE HELD AT ST. BRIDE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1516 CLARKSON ROAD, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2006 AT 10:30AM. THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS MESSAGES OF SUPPORT THEY ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND HAVE PROVIDED MUCH COMFORT. REST IN PEACE HANNAH!! YOUR STRENGTH & SMILE LIVES ON IN EVERY HEART YOU'VE TOUCHED. YOU ARE A TRUELY AMAZING ANGEL AND HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS IN HEAVEN. WE LOVE YOU, NOW AND FOREVER!!!

A TRIBUTE TO HANNAH!!!

04/23/06 - A TRIBUTE TO HANNAH!!! She fought all she could but it was just to much for her to bare. At 5:10pm today Hannah went to HEAVEN! With all her family present around her Hannah found true peace!!! She has earned her ANGEL WINGS and is the most beautiful and precious angel in heaven. Thank you to everyone who has supported her through this difficult year. Your prayers will never be forgotten. Hannah's strength and courage will live on FOREVER. She has inspired so many people and touched so many lives. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND HOW HARD YOU FOUGHT. KAREN AND STEPHEN, MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO GO ON. MAY THE SMILES OF EMILY AND JACOB AND THE MEMORIES OF HANNAH HELP YOU LIVE EACH DAY. YOU ARE AMAZING PARENTS, WE CAN SEE WHERE HANNAH GOT HER INNER STRENGTH. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! HANNAH, GOD WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU. YOU ARE HIS PRECIOUS CHILD!! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE LOVE YOU HANNAH, FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!

04/20/06 - Hannah still remains it the I.C.U. Yesterday she had a procedure done. They did a needle biopsy from her right lung and aspirated some of the fluid. There has been some decrease in the amount of swelling. The specimen results from the biopsy are not yet available. During the procedure Hannah had 4 units of plateles and the doctors actually had to stop her from breathing for approximately a minute to gather the sample. There was some bleeding during the procedure but the doctors were able to get it quickly under control. Hannah is receiving high doses of morphine as well as a medication that helps her to forget what is going on. Although she is not concious the doctors believe she can hear when spoken to and a have encouraged Karen and Stephen to continue to speak to her as they have before. Hannah is on TPN. She is not getting any feeds through the G-Tube because test results show that the lining of her stomache is to thin as a result of the chemo and could perfortate. Hannah's urine output has decreased again so today she has had a catheter reinserted so that her urine output can be more consisely measured. She has had no fever but is TOTALLY SEDATED. She is also receiving a muscle relaxant and a medication that paralysis her. This allows the machine to do ALL THE BREATHING FOR HER and will allow her lungs and heart some time to REST AND RECOVER. Doctors are concerned with Hannah's blood pressure it has been dropping VERY LOW at times. They are giving her 3 medications for her blood pressure. Hannah is receiving 65% oxygen. Between Friday and Sunday Hannah has had so many procedures done she earned 15 BRAVERY BEADS in just 3 days! WOW!! ON A POSITIVE NOTE Hannah has a full skin rash on 75% of her body which is caused from the GRAFT VS HOST. She is on a small amount of steriods just to control the itching, but doctors want this to occur so that the NEW BONE MARROW is fighting to TAKE OVER! Karen and Stephen have had a VERY TRYING AND EMOTIONAL WEEK!! They know that Hannah is RECEIVING AMAZING CARE FROM ALL THE DOCTOR'S AND THE NURSES IN THE I.C.U. but on the other had have felt a loss of control. Until now they were doing all of Hannah's personal care and now feel very HELPLESS. Although, after a very long time of not sleeping well, Karen and Stephen are able to leave the hospital in the night TOGETHER for about 6 hours and get SOME VERY NEEDED REST!!! Hannah's blood counts have also started to rise which is a positive sign. KEEP THE FAITH. THIS IS ANOTHER LITTLE HURDLE THAT HANNAH JUST NEEDS TO GET OVER!! Karen, Stephen and Hannah you are ALL AMAZING AND STRONG. KEEP PRAYING AS WE WILL WITH YOU!!! Karen and Stephen be reassured that you are AMAZING AND WONDERFUL PARENTS AND THE STRENGTH THAT YOU SHOW TO EACH OTHER AND HANNAH IS ADMIRED BY US ALL. YOU ARE DOING THE BEST THAT YOU POSSIBLY CAN AND HANNAH WILL THANK YOU FOR THAT WHEN SHE IS OLDER AND BE PROUD TO HAVE SUCH LOVING AND DEVOTED PARENTS!!!! STAY STRONG AND KEEP FIGHTING HANNAH!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

04/18/06 - Hannah took a turn for the WORSE overnight. Her heart rate is increased dramatically to over 200. Hannah has fluid building up around her lungs which is restricting them from expanding completely. Therefore her breathing has become shallow and her heart is overworking. Hannah was transfered to the I.C.U. at 1:00 this morning. She was intubated (a tube inserted down her throat to help her breath) and has been sedated to keep her asleep so there is no risk of her pulling out the breathing machine. This will allow Hannah`s lungs to get some rest and her heart to not have to work as hard. After a few hours on the breathing machine Hannah has already shown signs of improvement. Her heart rate has dropped down to the 150`s and her oxygen which was given at 100% is now only needed at 66%. Doctors are optomistic about Hannah`s progress and are hoping that she will only be in the I.C.U. and on the breathing machine for 24 - 72 hours if all continues to go well. Hang in there Hannah. Our prayers are with you!!!!!!

FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS!!

04/17/06 - FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS!! Hannah´s kidney function test done today showed POSITIVE RESULTS. Hannah has NO KIDNEY FAILURE and her kidneys are functioning normally! Things were touch and go for a while as Hannah`s oxygen level was dropping and as of yesterday was going to be admitted to the I.C.U. Hannah came through the procedure fine on thursday and did not have to go to the I.C.U. The results from the test showed the spots on Hannah`s lungs were due to BACTERIAL PNUEMONIA, not to the cancer (MORE GREAT NEWS) Although Hannah´s oxygen level is decreased and she has been put on 100% oxygen via mask she is still pulling her own. Hannah has a rash starting on her body that doctors feel MAY BE the early signs of GRAFT VS. HOST, another plus. Although it´s still too early to tell, when Hannah`s new bone marrow is fighting off the cancer cells this rash will occur. Let`s keep our fingers crossed! Otherwise Hannah has really PULLED HERSELF AROUND and is doing REMARKABLY WELL. She is able to eat and drink whatever she wants and has EVEN ASKED TO GO WALKING TODAY!! WAY TO GO HANNAH!!! YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE US!!! KEEP IT UP SWEETIE! THINGS ARE GOING YOUR WAY!!

A LOT OF NEWS TODAY!

04/13/06 - A LOT OF NEWS TODAY! Over the past few days Hannah has received many tests. She has been gaining weight DRAMATICALLY, not because of an increase in appetite. Hannah has been retaining FLUID. Her urine output has decreased and she is having some swelling in her face. Over the past three days she has gained over 4lbs. It is belived that Hannah's kidneys are not functioning at there FULL CAPACITY. Her blood work shows increased levels to a point where the kidneys will begin to shut down. Hannah was scheduled for a kidney function test today but due to some complications the test was not accurate and the results were inconclusive. The test will be redone over the next few days. This will determine if Hannah is in KIDNEY FAILURE and to what extent. Until then a catheter was inserted tonight so her output could be more accurately measured. It was a very UNCOMFORTABLE PROCEDURE for Hannah and took a few attemps. Hannah received 2 more blood transfusions today, one of platelets and one of red blood cells. Hannah had a chest xray today which showed the lesions in her right lung had increased in size and there were some lesions starting on the bottom of her left lung as well. Unsure if these lesions are due to the radiation, infection or clusters of cancer cells the doctors will be preforming a procedure tomorrow to gather a culture of the lesion for testing. This procedure is a FLUSH of the lungs. Hannah will be taken tomorrow to the operating room and put under anethestic. She will be intubated (a small tube inserted down her throat to help her breath. Another small tube with a camera will then be inserted. Following this procedure Hannah will be ADMITTED to the INTENSIVE CARE UNIT. She will require closer monitoring as the breathing tube may need to remain in for 24-72hrs. Hannah is also hooked up to a heart monitor which is detecting some type of murmur or irregularity in her heartbeat. This also could be due to the fluid retention. Hannah has been JAUNDICE for the past few days and has met the criteria for having hepatic V.O.D. (veno-occlusive disease). This is an uncommon complication following high doses of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. In patients with VOD, the blood vessels that carry blood through the liver become swollen and obstructed. This impairs the liver's ability to remove toxins, drugs and other waste products from the bloodstream. Pressure and fluids build up in the liver, causing swelling and tenderness of the liver. The kidneys may retain excess water and salt, causing fluid to build up in the body and swelling of the legs, arms and abdomen to occur. Once this disease occurs the chances for other systems to fail increase dramatically. Symptoms include increased levels of bilirubin (JAUNDICE), painful hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) and FLUID RETENTION. Hannah is receiving another medication to keep this condition under control. At the moment nothing is CONCLUSIVE until further test results are in. Let's stay positive and hope for the best. Hannah our prayers are with you. May you continue to find your strength in God's love as he is watching over you. Karen and Stephen, stay strong. Things may be very SCARY right now because there are so many UNKNOWNS. But remember Hannah is receiving the best care possible and she has AMAZING STRENGTH and DETERMINATION to get well. You both are also in our prayers today and ALWAYS!

04/10/06 - Hannah spiked a fever this morning (39.1) She has been given tylenol every 4 hours but the fever has not gone down yet. She was started on morphine this afternoon for the pain in her mouth and tummy. The urine culture taken on Friday when she had the blood in the urine tested positive for a strep virus so she was started on an antibiotic for that today. Hannah's G-Tube was draining a little today and when swabbed tested postive for infection. She also had a chest xray done today which showed some decreased air entry in her right lung and some brown spots. Doctors felt this may be a result of the radiation or it may be a fungal infection so they started her on an antibiotic for that. As of today Hannah is on 4 DIFFERENT IV ANTIBIOTICS. Her platelets taken this morning were only 7 so Hannah received a transfusion. About 8 hours later blood work was taken again and they had only gone up to 27 so she was given a second transfusion of platelets. The doctors want to keep her platelets above 30 because of the recent fever. Her hemoglobin also dropped this afternoon so Hannah was awaiting a transfusion of red blood cells. A very busy day for Hannah. Besides being on 4 antibiotics, morphine and given 3 blood transfusions Hannah found time to rest and watch tv. She doesn't yet have the energy to sit up and do crafts. That will come in time. Enjoy your sleep tonight Hannah. You deserve the REST!!!!

04/09/06 - Hannah is living proof of THE POWER OF PRAYER. Hannah continues to DEFY ALL ODDS. She has been doing EXTREMELY WELL so far. She made it through the chemo, radiation and the transplant with minor complaints. Thanks to all of you, your continued support & prayers with GODS HELP Hannah IS GOING TO BEAT THIS!!!!!! People all over the world who hear of Hannah's story are TOUCHED by her COURAGE and INSPIRED by her STRENGTH. Each one of those prayers are heared by God and have given Hannah the strength to fight each and every day. THANK YOU ALL!!!! Please continue your prayers as Hannah NEEDS THEM DAILY!! Hannah had a restful day yesterday. She spent most of the day laying watching TV. She is beginning to develop some mouth sores and thrush which are all side effects of the chemo BUT do affect her ability to eat. Hannah has had some JAUNDICE the past few days and did have some blood in her urine, which has cleared. All of these symptoms are side effects of the chemo and radiation. Otherwise, Hannah continues to have GOOD DAYS with love and support from Mommy and Daddy & video phone conversations with Emily and Jacob. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK HANNAH!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!

04/06/06 - OVERALL IT WAS A GOOD DAY FOR HANNAH!!! She completed the FIRST round of her bone marrow transplant. Hannah received her transplant around 2pm this afternoon. 5 minutes into the transplant Hannah's blood pressure went way up reaching 170/110 and her heart rate dropped down to the low 40's. Hannah was immediately given a hydrocortisone medication as she had a BAD REACTION to the preservative used in the frozen stem cells. She also had some blood in her urine, all normal reactions to this preservative. Tomorrow prior to the transplant she will be given some benedryl, demerol, hydrocortisone and tylenol in order to counteract this negative reaction. Otherwise Hannah was VERY TIRED today, she slept most of the day. Her appetite has decreased quite a bit aswell. Hannah is now also experiencing the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation. It is taking a lot out of her. Karen and Steven have started there shift rotation. Karen spends the days with Hannah and Steve spends the nights. Because they are not able to sleep in the isolation room they stay at a nearby hotel to get some MUCH NEEDED REST and they aren't too far away if needed. Good luck again tomorrow Hannah our prayers are with you. MAY EACH DAY BE BETTER THAN THE ONE BEFORE!!!

04/05/06 - Today was Hannah's LAST DAY of conditioning. Tomorrow is TRANSPLANT DAY #1!!!!! This is VERY CRUCIAL in Hannah's recovery. She will receive 2 bags of frozen stem cells on Thursday and 2 on Friday. She is receiving MORE BONE MARROW in this transplant than the previous in hopes that the results will be better. Hannah's chemotherapy and radiation were SUCCESSFUL and she passed through them AMAZINGLY. Even suprising the doctors with her STRENGTH AND WILL. Her white blood cells have gone down to 0.4. Her platelets today were 49 and her hemoglobin 86. She is receiving blood transfusions about every 2 days. Still no apparent side effects from the chemotherapy. Hannah's skin is slightly red, similar to a sunburn BUT that is to be expected from the radiation. Tomorrow morning Hannah will be moving to the sterile transplant room. She will remain there until her blood levels start to improve and her polys are 0.5 or greater for a consecutive 3 days. The official test done to determine if the bone marrow transplant was effective does not take place until 30 DAYS POST TRANSPLANT. So we will not have those results until the first weekend in May. Until then Hannah will hopefully show signs of improvement and continue to progress to a FULL RECOVERY. If you had a chance to listen to the radio today on CFRB 1010 OR 97.3 EZ ROCK they were broadcasting live from Sick Kid's Hospital for their 20th annual radio telethon to raise money for Sick Kids. Karen and Steven were one of the families interviewed today and were able to share Hannah's story. The telethon will be going on for 3 days and MANY MORE stories will be shared from children and their families. If you would like to show your support and give to the Sick Kids Foundation or join the Miracle Club you can find more information at www.sickkidsradiothon.com. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW HANNAH!!! WE'RE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU!!!!

04/04/06 - Hannah has completed her 2nd day of radiation. Only 1 more to go. Hannah did AMAZINGLY WELL during her radiation sessions. She was able to lay still on her own and DID NOT require any sedation. Hannah was allowed a short break in between her front and back radiation which gave her a chance for a short cuddle and words of ENCOURAGEMENT!! Besides the DRASTIC MOOD SWINGS which are a result of the medication Hannah has been progressing well and her appetite has been increasing. Hannah continues to AMAZE US ALL. Just a short while ago doctors felt she may not even make it past the 2nd day of chemotherapy and LOOK AT HER NOW. Almost done all the conditioning and ready for her BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT on THURSDAY. YOU ARE GOING TO BEAT THIS HANNAH!! YOU HAVE PROVEN YOUR STRENGTH OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!

04/02/06 - SO FAR SO GOOD!!! Hannah has completed her 4 days of chemotherapy. So far the results have been GOOD! Her white count has dropped to 19 and she hasn't YET had any adverse side effects. According to the doctors the side effects don't usual appear till about 6 days after the treatment. Hannah has been up and about. Going out for walks in the hospital. Hannah's appetite has been improving with the medications. Hannah received her 3rd NEGATIVE test for VRE therefore she is no longer in isolation and can go all around the hospital with NO RESTRICTIONS. Once Hannah enters BMT on Thursday she will be restricted to the room again, but until then Hannah is enjoying the freedom. Hannah had a GREAT visit with Emily and Jacob today. She enjoyed the time spent with her brother and sister. Once Hannah goes into BMT the only contact she will have with them will be through the VIDEO PHONE at Grandma and Grandpa's. Hannah BEGINS her RADIATION tomorrow. She WILL BE receiving 20 minutes of FULL BODY RADIATION TWICE A DAY. 10 minutes on the front and 10 minutes on the back at 8am & 2pm daily for 3 days. Originally they were going to do everything except her lungs but examination of recent CAT scans showed small lesions on Hannah's lungs which the doctors feel may be dormant cancer cells. So they have decided to do the FULL BODY INCLUDING THE LUNGS. Hannah will have her feeds until 12am tonight then she will be on clear fluids until 5am and after that will be allowed nothing to eat or drink until the radiation is over. This is a PRECAUTION they will be taking in case Hannah is NOT ABLE to lay still for the radiation and needs to be put under anesthetic. Hannah was throwing up a bit this evening but continues to be STRONG. She has passed the FIRST HURDLE , ONCE AGAIN exceeding everyones EXPECTATIONS. You are REMARKABLE Hannah and have proven over and over again what STRENGTH and COURAGE and DETERMINATION you have to get better. Best of luck tomorrow, we will be praying that the next hurdle goes as well as the first. Sweet dreams, SWEETHEART. WE LOVE YOU!!

03/29/06 - Tomorrow is the BIG DAY. Hannah begins her conditioning for her bone marrow transplant. Today Hannah returned to Sick Kids in a LIMOUSINE (a birthday gift from Chrysler, Brampton where her daddy works) after a GREAT BIRTHDAY with her family and friends. Hannah enjoyed the ride so much she asked if she could go again on the WAY HOME!! Hannah, if you can KEEP ON FIGHTING & MAKE IT HOME you can ride in the BIGGEST LIMOUSINE there is. That's a PROMISE!!!!! Hannah had a full day of hydration today & blood work. She was quite tired today after a BUSY DAY yesterday. Hannah will start her 1st day of chemotherapy tomorrow. It will run over 1 hour once a day for 4 days, that takes her to Sunday. She will also be receiving many other IV medications to combat all the side effects of the chemo. She will continue to receive her feeds over 12 hours at night as long as she is able to tolerate it. As of now she is receiving approximately 3 cans per night. She weighed in today at 12.7kg (28 lbs) and her height was 100.4cm. After the 4 days of chemotherapy Hannah will receive full body radiation TWICE a day, anywhere from 3-10 minutes per session for 3 days at Princess Margaret Hospital, just a short walk through an underground tunnel. Hannah will be escorted on a stretcher accompanied by Mommy, Daddy, a nurse and anesthetiologist, a child life worker and a transporter (WOW!!). The only part of Hannah's body that will not receive radiation will be her lungs. That brings us to Thursday. Because of Hannah's size and age they will be dividing the transplant over 2 days. They have found it to have a higher success rate. Therefore she will receive 2 bags of fresh stem cells (frozen bonemarrow from previous donor) on Thursday and 2 bags on Friday. This procedure is done in a completely sterile and isolated room. She will remain in this room until the new bone marrow engrafts (takes to her body). With the last transplant it took 32 days. While in this room Karen and Stephen will be the only ones able to visit her. Because of the NEED FOR a CLEAN & STERILE ENVIRONMENT Karen and Stephen are not able to SLEEP IN the room with her BUT WILL be taking shifts with her DAY AND NIGHT. We wish you all the best for tomorrow Hannah. STAY STRONG, KEEP FIGHTING. YOUR MOMMY & DADDY ARE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AND ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET YOU WELL. THEY LOVE YOU SO MUCH & WANT TO BRING THEIR LITTLE GIRL HOME!!! You are always in our thoughts and prayers!!!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY HANNAH!

03/28/06 - HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY HANNAH! It's hard to imagine that you are ONLY 4 years old today. You have had to go through so much in your LITTLE life. Hannah's birthday wish was granted as she was released from hospital and able to spend her birthday at HOME with her family. Hannah chose a chocolate cake with flowers on it. She is to return to hospital on Wednesday, March 29. Enjoy your day at home Hannah!!