Hannah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in August 2024. An avid runner on her club cross country team, she began having persistent knee pain during training. At first, her family thought it was a typical sports injury, but imaging at a sports medicine appointment revealed something far more serious—a tumor on her knee and tibia. A surgical biopsy confirmed it was cancer.
In November 2024, Hannah underwent surgery to remove the tumor and received a full knee and tibia replacement. Thankfully, her surgeons were able to keep her limb intact. Because of her implant, though, she won’t be able to return to competitive running or the other sports she loves like basketball and lacrosse. Right now, she’s working hard with her orthopedic surgery team and physical therapist to regain movement and strength in her leg. She wears a full-length brace and is still working on bending her knee.
Hannah began chemotherapy immediately after her diagnosis. She completed two five-week cycles before surgery and is currently working through four more post-surgery cycles. Due to the intensity of her treatment, most of her chemo is done inpatient. She and her family spend three to four days at Nationwide Children’s Hospital during three out of every five weeks. It’s become their second home.
Hannah is expected to complete treatment in March or April of 2025.
Life for her family has changed dramatically. Hannah has a 13-year-old sister, and navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of long-term inpatient care has been incredibly difficult. While both parents have flexible jobs, her mom has had to take leave and reduce her workload to care for Hannah. She’s also missed much of her 4th-grade year, keeping up through one-on-one tutoring and the occasional video call with her classmates.
Despite everything, Hannah shines. She’s active, funny, and full of life. Her personality is sparkly and bright—she loves making people laugh and never lets go of her joy. Her personal mantra is “never lose your sparkle,” and she lives it every day.
She’s a huge fan of Ohio State football and basketball, the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, Taylor Swift, and singing along to her favorite songs. Even in the hardest moments, Hannah’s sparkle lights up every room she’s in.
Hope session by Heart Sung Photography | Instagram