Our beautiful, loving warrior daughter, Hannah Hunt, lost her fight with brain cancer on August 30th while surrounded by her family at home after a nearly three year battle with this tumor. Hannah was born on August 1, 1998, the youngest child with three older brothers. She lived her entire life on Bainbridge Island with her family and her beloved dogs and cats. With her sweet, kind, fun nature, and beautiful smile, Hannah loved her friends as much as she loved her family. Many girls regarded Hannah as their "best friend".
Prior to her illness, Hannah was very active in dance, soccer, tennis and all things having to do with friends. While the last three years of her life were more limited due to intensive treatment, she continued to love movies, music, games, yoga and dance, and spending time with friends. Hannah also loved school and was an excellent student at Montessori Country School, Wilkes Elementary, and Sakai Intermediate School where she completed the 6th grade.
As her cousin said, Hannah "fought harder and lived more fully than many people do in their entire lives." Another friend said, "Hannah absolutely loved life and knew how to make the best of things." Just as Hannah was an inspiration to so many, we are grateful to the support our family received throughout her illness.
Hannah was a gift and a blessing to her family and to all who knew her, touching others with her hope, her courage and her love. Hannah's bright warrior spirit did not lose the battle, but rather helped teach others how to love and how to care for each other. We miss her dearly but will forever hold her in our hearts.
Hannah is survived by her father, Bill Hunt, her mother Reba Ferguson, her brothers Andrew and Ryan Hunt, as well as Adam (and Alexis) Hunt of NYC. Her Aunt Linda Ferguson, cousins Caroline, Annie and Chris Ferguson of Bainbridge Island, and Uncle Claude Ferguson; Uncles Rick, Dave, and Stephen Hunt and families of California; and Great Aunt Ruth and Uncle Dewey Mann and families in WV. Hannah was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Vincent and Ann Hunt of Lodi, CA and maternal grandparents, Jim and Reba Ferguson of Cincinnati, OH.
A celebration of Hannah's life will take place on September 12, 2010, 6 pm at Grace Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hannah's memory may be made to the Olson Lab Research Fund at Seattle Childrens Hospital, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145 or http://secure.seattlechildrens.org.
Taken from Hannah's CaringBridge page ....
Hannah's story began on October 21, 2007 with headaches and a variety of unusual symptoms which were tough to diagnose. My mother's instinct knew something was wrong. So did Hannah. On November 5th, during a final trip to the clinic, a CT scan revealed that Hannah had a brain tumor. We were immediately sent to Children's Hospital in Seattle. Following brain & spinal MRI's, she was admitted to the hospital. Hannah faced all of these tests (and this new information) bravely, calmly and with eyes wide open— she was much tougher than her parents. The next day, a team of gifted neurosurgeons successfully removed the whole tumor between her cerebellum & brain stem. As Hannah recovered, we awaited the pathology report, finally to discover that the tumor was a malignant anaplastic medulloblastoma. Following further recovery on Children's inpatient rehab unit, Hannah received radiation and chemotherapies over the course of the next year. In addition, she is participating in a nationwide research study for children with high risk medulloblastoma. Hannah was randomly selected to the arm of the study in which she receives all available treatments, including a trial drug - Accutane - which is new for this type of tumor.
Hannah remained cancer-free for 18 months post diagnosis. On May 13, 2009, during a regular MRI scan, we discovered that Hannah's cancer had returned. She began taking an oral chemo which enabled her to continue her life at home and at school which was very important to Hannah. After 6 months of this new treatment, an MRI showed evidence of 5 small tumors in her brain. We then opted for gamma knife radiation to these tumors, followed by a change in oral chemotherapies. As her tumor has continued to show signs of slow but continued progression, we have changed treatment courses 3 times since her relapse. We continue to explore additional treatment options as we pray for a miracle. Hannah believes that she can once again beat this cancer.
We are comforted and held up by an unbelievable outpouring of love and support from Bainbridge, not to mention from friends & family across the country. Not in a million years would we have chosen this path for Hannah but we will walk it with her. We believe in her strength to heal her body, in her feisty, independent spirit, in the love she shares with her many friends and family. Someday we may discover why God has chosen Hannah to take this path for some very special purpose. We are so grateful for your thoughts & prayers, your gifts both practical & soulful, and for the love you are sending to Hannah as well as to her brothers Adam, Ryan & Andrew. Although Hannah's story began as every parent's worst nightmare, it has become a story of love and caring and why we are all here for each other.
August 30th, 2010
It is with deep sadness, that I write to tell you that our beautiful, brave, and beloved daughter - Hannah Rebecca Hunt - passed away this afternoon. She died peacefully in her bed while Bill and I were holding her. Hannah can now dance freely, surrounded by great Love. I will write again soon with details for her life celebration.
With much love and gratitude,
Reba, Bill, Andrew, Ryan, Adam and Alexis
Prior to her illness, Hannah was very active in dance, soccer, tennis and all things having to do with friends. While the last three years of her life were more limited due to intensive treatment, she continued to love movies, music, games, yoga and dance, and spending time with friends. Hannah also loved school and was an excellent student at Montessori Country School, Wilkes Elementary, and Sakai Intermediate School where she completed the 6th grade.
As her cousin said, Hannah "fought harder and lived more fully than many people do in their entire lives." Another friend said, "Hannah absolutely loved life and knew how to make the best of things." Just as Hannah was an inspiration to so many, we are grateful to the support our family received throughout her illness.
Hannah was a gift and a blessing to her family and to all who knew her, touching others with her hope, her courage and her love. Hannah's bright warrior spirit did not lose the battle, but rather helped teach others how to love and how to care for each other. We miss her dearly but will forever hold her in our hearts.
Hannah is survived by her father, Bill Hunt, her mother Reba Ferguson, her brothers Andrew and Ryan Hunt, as well as Adam (and Alexis) Hunt of NYC. Her Aunt Linda Ferguson, cousins Caroline, Annie and Chris Ferguson of Bainbridge Island, and Uncle Claude Ferguson; Uncles Rick, Dave, and Stephen Hunt and families of California; and Great Aunt Ruth and Uncle Dewey Mann and families in WV. Hannah was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Vincent and Ann Hunt of Lodi, CA and maternal grandparents, Jim and Reba Ferguson of Cincinnati, OH.
A celebration of Hannah's life will take place on September 12, 2010, 6 pm at Grace Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hannah's memory may be made to the Olson Lab Research Fund at Seattle Childrens Hospital, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145 or http://secure.seattlechildrens.org.
Taken from Hannah's CaringBridge page ....
Hannah's story began on October 21, 2007 with headaches and a variety of unusual symptoms which were tough to diagnose. My mother's instinct knew something was wrong. So did Hannah. On November 5th, during a final trip to the clinic, a CT scan revealed that Hannah had a brain tumor. We were immediately sent to Children's Hospital in Seattle. Following brain & spinal MRI's, she was admitted to the hospital. Hannah faced all of these tests (and this new information) bravely, calmly and with eyes wide open— she was much tougher than her parents. The next day, a team of gifted neurosurgeons successfully removed the whole tumor between her cerebellum & brain stem. As Hannah recovered, we awaited the pathology report, finally to discover that the tumor was a malignant anaplastic medulloblastoma. Following further recovery on Children's inpatient rehab unit, Hannah received radiation and chemotherapies over the course of the next year. In addition, she is participating in a nationwide research study for children with high risk medulloblastoma. Hannah was randomly selected to the arm of the study in which she receives all available treatments, including a trial drug - Accutane - which is new for this type of tumor.
Hannah remained cancer-free for 18 months post diagnosis. On May 13, 2009, during a regular MRI scan, we discovered that Hannah's cancer had returned. She began taking an oral chemo which enabled her to continue her life at home and at school which was very important to Hannah. After 6 months of this new treatment, an MRI showed evidence of 5 small tumors in her brain. We then opted for gamma knife radiation to these tumors, followed by a change in oral chemotherapies. As her tumor has continued to show signs of slow but continued progression, we have changed treatment courses 3 times since her relapse. We continue to explore additional treatment options as we pray for a miracle. Hannah believes that she can once again beat this cancer.
We are comforted and held up by an unbelievable outpouring of love and support from Bainbridge, not to mention from friends & family across the country. Not in a million years would we have chosen this path for Hannah but we will walk it with her. We believe in her strength to heal her body, in her feisty, independent spirit, in the love she shares with her many friends and family. Someday we may discover why God has chosen Hannah to take this path for some very special purpose. We are so grateful for your thoughts & prayers, your gifts both practical & soulful, and for the love you are sending to Hannah as well as to her brothers Adam, Ryan & Andrew. Although Hannah's story began as every parent's worst nightmare, it has become a story of love and caring and why we are all here for each other.
August 30th, 2010
It is with deep sadness, that I write to tell you that our beautiful, brave, and beloved daughter - Hannah Rebecca Hunt - passed away this afternoon. She died peacefully in her bed while Bill and I were holding her. Hannah can now dance freely, surrounded by great Love. I will write again soon with details for her life celebration.
With much love and gratitude,
Reba, Bill, Andrew, Ryan, Adam and Alexis
Our beautiful, loving warrior daughter, Hannah Hunt, lost her fight with brain cancer on August 30th while surrounded by her family at home after a nearly three year battle with this tumor. Hannah was born on August 1, 1998, the youngest child with three older brothers. She lived her entire life on Bainbridge Island with her family and her beloved dogs and cats. With her sweet, kind, fun nature, and beautiful smile, Hannah loved her friends as much as she loved her family. Many girls regarded Hannah as their "best friend".
Prior to her illness, Hannah was very active in dance, soccer, tennis and all things having to do with friends. While the last three years of her life were more limited due to intensive treatment, she continued to love movies, music, games, yoga and dance, and spending time with friends. Hannah also loved school and was an excellent student at Montessori Country School, Wilkes Elementary, and Sakai Intermediate School where she completed the 6th grade.
As her cousin said, Hannah "fought harder and lived more fully than many people do in their entire lives." Another friend said, "Hannah absolutely loved life and knew how to make the best of things." Just as Hannah was an inspiration to so many, we are grateful to the support our family received throughout her illness.
Hannah was a gift and a blessing to her family and to all who knew her, touching others with her hope, her courage and her love. Hannah's bright warrior spirit did not lose the battle, but rather helped teach others how to love and how to care for each other. We miss her dearly but will forever hold her in our hearts.
Hannah is survived by her father, Bill Hunt, her mother Reba Ferguson, her brothers Andrew and Ryan Hunt, as well as Adam (and Alexis) Hunt of NYC. Her Aunt Linda Ferguson, cousins Caroline, Annie and Chris Ferguson of Bainbridge Island, and Uncle Claude Ferguson; Uncles Rick, Dave, and Stephen Hunt and families of California; and Great Aunt Ruth and Uncle Dewey Mann and families in WV. Hannah was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Vincent and Ann Hunt of Lodi, CA and maternal grandparents, Jim and Reba Ferguson of Cincinnati, OH.
A celebration of Hannah's life will take place on September 12, 2010, 6 pm at Grace Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hannah's memory may be made to the Olson Lab Research Fund at Seattle Childrens Hospital, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145 or http://secure.seattlechildrens.org.
Taken from Hannah's CaringBridge page ....
Hannah's story began on October 21, 2007 with headaches and a variety of unusual symptoms which were tough to diagnose. My mother's instinct knew something was wrong. So did Hannah. On November 5th, during a final trip to the clinic, a CT scan revealed that Hannah had a brain tumor. We were immediately sent to Children's Hospital in Seattle. Following brain & spinal MRI's, she was admitted to the hospital. Hannah faced all of these tests (and this new information) bravely, calmly and with eyes wide open— she was much tougher than her parents. The next day, a team of gifted neurosurgeons successfully removed the whole tumor between her cerebellum & brain stem. As Hannah recovered, we awaited the pathology report, finally to discover that the tumor was a malignant anaplastic medulloblastoma. Following further recovery on Children's inpatient rehab unit, Hannah received radiation and chemotherapies over the course of the next year. In addition, she is participating in a nationwide research study for children with high risk medulloblastoma. Hannah was randomly selected to the arm of the study in which she receives all available treatments, including a trial drug - Accutane - which is new for this type of tumor.
Hannah remained cancer-free for 18 months post diagnosis. On May 13, 2009, during a regular MRI scan, we discovered that Hannah's cancer had returned. She began taking an oral chemo which enabled her to continue her life at home and at school which was very important to Hannah. After 6 months of this new treatment, an MRI showed evidence of 5 small tumors in her brain. We then opted for gamma knife radiation to these tumors, followed by a change in oral chemotherapies. As her tumor has continued to show signs of slow but continued progression, we have changed treatment courses 3 times since her relapse. We continue to explore additional treatment options as we pray for a miracle. Hannah believes that she can once again beat this cancer.
We are comforted and held up by an unbelievable outpouring of love and support from Bainbridge, not to mention from friends & family across the country. Not in a million years would we have chosen this path for Hannah but we will walk it with her. We believe in her strength to heal her body, in her feisty, independent spirit, in the love she shares with her many friends and family. Someday we may discover why God has chosen Hannah to take this path for some very special purpose. We are so grateful for your thoughts & prayers, your gifts both practical & soulful, and for the love you are sending to Hannah as well as to her brothers Adam, Ryan & Andrew. Although Hannah's story began as every parent's worst nightmare, it has become a story of love and caring and why we are all here for each other.
August 30th, 2010
It is with deep sadness, that I write to tell you that our beautiful, brave, and beloved daughter - Hannah Rebecca Hunt - passed away this afternoon. She died peacefully in her bed while Bill and I were holding her. Hannah can now dance freely, surrounded by great Love. I will write again soon with details for her life celebration.
With much love and gratitude,
Reba, Bill, Andrew, Ryan, Adam and Alexis
Prior to her illness, Hannah was very active in dance, soccer, tennis and all things having to do with friends. While the last three years of her life were more limited due to intensive treatment, she continued to love movies, music, games, yoga and dance, and spending time with friends. Hannah also loved school and was an excellent student at Montessori Country School, Wilkes Elementary, and Sakai Intermediate School where she completed the 6th grade.
As her cousin said, Hannah "fought harder and lived more fully than many people do in their entire lives." Another friend said, "Hannah absolutely loved life and knew how to make the best of things." Just as Hannah was an inspiration to so many, we are grateful to the support our family received throughout her illness.
Hannah was a gift and a blessing to her family and to all who knew her, touching others with her hope, her courage and her love. Hannah's bright warrior spirit did not lose the battle, but rather helped teach others how to love and how to care for each other. We miss her dearly but will forever hold her in our hearts.
Hannah is survived by her father, Bill Hunt, her mother Reba Ferguson, her brothers Andrew and Ryan Hunt, as well as Adam (and Alexis) Hunt of NYC. Her Aunt Linda Ferguson, cousins Caroline, Annie and Chris Ferguson of Bainbridge Island, and Uncle Claude Ferguson; Uncles Rick, Dave, and Stephen Hunt and families of California; and Great Aunt Ruth and Uncle Dewey Mann and families in WV. Hannah was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Vincent and Ann Hunt of Lodi, CA and maternal grandparents, Jim and Reba Ferguson of Cincinnati, OH.
A celebration of Hannah's life will take place on September 12, 2010, 6 pm at Grace Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hannah's memory may be made to the Olson Lab Research Fund at Seattle Childrens Hospital, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145 or http://secure.seattlechildrens.org.
Taken from Hannah's CaringBridge page ....
Hannah's story began on October 21, 2007 with headaches and a variety of unusual symptoms which were tough to diagnose. My mother's instinct knew something was wrong. So did Hannah. On November 5th, during a final trip to the clinic, a CT scan revealed that Hannah had a brain tumor. We were immediately sent to Children's Hospital in Seattle. Following brain & spinal MRI's, she was admitted to the hospital. Hannah faced all of these tests (and this new information) bravely, calmly and with eyes wide open— she was much tougher than her parents. The next day, a team of gifted neurosurgeons successfully removed the whole tumor between her cerebellum & brain stem. As Hannah recovered, we awaited the pathology report, finally to discover that the tumor was a malignant anaplastic medulloblastoma. Following further recovery on Children's inpatient rehab unit, Hannah received radiation and chemotherapies over the course of the next year. In addition, she is participating in a nationwide research study for children with high risk medulloblastoma. Hannah was randomly selected to the arm of the study in which she receives all available treatments, including a trial drug - Accutane - which is new for this type of tumor.
Hannah remained cancer-free for 18 months post diagnosis. On May 13, 2009, during a regular MRI scan, we discovered that Hannah's cancer had returned. She began taking an oral chemo which enabled her to continue her life at home and at school which was very important to Hannah. After 6 months of this new treatment, an MRI showed evidence of 5 small tumors in her brain. We then opted for gamma knife radiation to these tumors, followed by a change in oral chemotherapies. As her tumor has continued to show signs of slow but continued progression, we have changed treatment courses 3 times since her relapse. We continue to explore additional treatment options as we pray for a miracle. Hannah believes that she can once again beat this cancer.
We are comforted and held up by an unbelievable outpouring of love and support from Bainbridge, not to mention from friends & family across the country. Not in a million years would we have chosen this path for Hannah but we will walk it with her. We believe in her strength to heal her body, in her feisty, independent spirit, in the love she shares with her many friends and family. Someday we may discover why God has chosen Hannah to take this path for some very special purpose. We are so grateful for your thoughts & prayers, your gifts both practical & soulful, and for the love you are sending to Hannah as well as to her brothers Adam, Ryan & Andrew. Although Hannah's story began as every parent's worst nightmare, it has become a story of love and caring and why we are all here for each other.
August 30th, 2010
It is with deep sadness, that I write to tell you that our beautiful, brave, and beloved daughter - Hannah Rebecca Hunt - passed away this afternoon. She died peacefully in her bed while Bill and I were holding her. Hannah can now dance freely, surrounded by great Love. I will write again soon with details for her life celebration.
With much love and gratitude,
Reba, Bill, Andrew, Ryan, Adam and Alexis
