Hannah Nicole Harrill was born on May 9, 1999. At a very young age, she had difficulties sleeping and a very little appetite. Hannah's mother, Brandi, took her to several doctors but they told her nothing was wrong and that it was common for a younger child to show these symptoms. Finally, out of desperation, Brandi and Hannah's grandmother found a medical institute on the internet, Integrative Pediatric Therapy (IPT) in Dallas, which specialized in CranioSacral therapy. At two years old, Hannah started CranioSacral therapy and improved dramatically within weeks. For the next year, Hannah went weekly to the therapist and everything seemed great. Then, during a routine visit, Hannah's therapist informed Brandi that she felt something was affecting Hannah that she couldn't treat. She suggested that Hannah see a neurologist to check it out. On January 15, 2004, during a visit with the neurologist at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Hannah was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor located within the brain stem. At that time, she was showing no typical signs or symptoms that a child with a brain stem tumor would normally have. Everyone was shocked to hear the report, but thankful that God had led Hannah in the right direction to detect the tumor early. The neurologist immediately referred Hannah to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in February of that year.

St. Jude was anxious to treat Hannah and became her primary care provider. After a week of testing, the doctors decided not to do anything at that time because Hannah was doing so well. Hannah went an entire year with no complications and no treatment, visiting St. Jude periodically for testing. In February of 2005, Hannah became sick with a viral infection and did not recover quickly. She was taken to Medical City where she received an MRI of her brain and spine. The doctors noticed that the tumor had started to grow and had even grown through the brainstem and to the outside.

Medical City suggested immediate radiation and chemotherapy, but St. Jude wanted to do more testing to see exactly what they were dealing with. On February 28, 2005, Hannah underwent surgery at St. Jude to perform a biopsy of the growth on the outside of the brain stem. After studying Hannah's biopsy report, doctors determined that the tumor was a slow growing non-aggressive JPA (juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma). The family felt pleased and confident that because the tumor was non-aggressive, the doctors would be able to treat the tumor and monitor it closely. Although they knew that Hannah was seriously ill and that they had a long road ahead of them, they had lots of faith in the doctors and more importantly, in God. Last March, Hannah and her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Hannah underwent six weeks of radiation at St. Jude. Hannah did surprisingly well with the treatment, although she did lose some of her hair and lost several pounds due to loss of appetite and nausea. Hannah, being so strong and determined, recovered quickly and came home for the summer. She was ready to start the first grade at Austiin Elementary in Coppell, Texas that Fall. This past June and September, there were follow-up visits to St. Jude to check the affects of the radiation. Everything seemed fine. But, on December 27th during another follow-up appointment at St. Jude, an MRI showed substantial growth in formation and density of the tumor. The doctors were very surprised because Hannah had been doing so well up until that point. They began to doubt their earlier diagnosis of a non-aggressive JPA. After a conference call with Hannah's primary physician at St. Jude, Brandi and Derek found out the bleakest news they had received so far. The tumor had taken on the characteristics of a very aggressive brain stem glioma, the most dangerous tumor of its kind. The doctors informed Brandi and Derek that there is no known treatment that has been successful with this type of tumor. They limited a positive prognosis and encouraged Brandi and Derek to pray for a miracle. On Thursday, January 12th,2006 , Brandi and Derek met with a team of doctors from Medical City in Dallas to see if there was any variation in the diagnosis and to discuss possible experimental treatments to slow the growth of the tumor. The doctors strongly encouraged chemotherapy as soon as possible. Brandi and Derek contacted St. Jude for a second opinion, and they agreed. Because Brandi and Derek wanted to stay in Dallas, Hannah began treatment by doctors at Medical City and was no longer a patient at St. Jude. Beginning January 19th, Hannah received chemotherapy every Thursday at Medical City, with some breaks and different treatments in between. Slight loss of vision (eyes crossing), regressive coordination and loss of hair were the most evident side effects from the tumor's growth and chemotherapy. During this time, Hannah was hospitalized for retaining fluid on her brain and had surgery to insert a permanent shunt to drain the fluid from her brain into her stomach. That June, after several complications and disappointments, Hannah's parents made the most difficult decision.  They decided to let Hannah be at home and discontinue any treatment. At this point, she was unable to walk and was using a wheelchair to get around. Her speech was extremely limited due to complications in swallowing.  Although her bodily functions were slowly weakening, Hannah's spirit remained positive. On July 15th, 2006 at approximately 9 pm, a beautiful seven year-old named Hannah Nicole Harrill went to be with Jesus.  Her little body had fought for 18 hours that day, her heart beating at an unbelievable pace. Finally, with Derek and Brandi lying in the bed beside her, Hannah rested.  We will never understand God's reasoning for taking Hannah so quickly, but we praise Him for letting us enjoy her for seven wonderful years.  Hannah was a true angel in every aspect, serving a greater purpose.  In her short lifetime, she touched so many and we pray that her story continues to encourage more people to help others (especially children like Hannah).  Hannah's family has found peace during this difficult time through their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Their prayer is that, through Hannah's story, you grow closer to Him and find the purpose He has planned for you!  Back to Top

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