The Nine Factor

I just wanted to share someone very special to me. As you all know, I work in a cancer center. Everyone automatically shudders at those words almost visibly. I actually get asked quite frequently how I could stand to work in that environment. What most people don’t realize is that most of the patients don’t even look sick at all. I wouldn’t know myself, if I had not read their chart, and the obvious fact they’re at the cancer center. I’ve met so many fascinating people and grown close to family members. However, there is one at the top of my list. Last year in March, a sweet blond haired, seven year old beauty entered my life, and I will never be the same.

In March 2008 I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Hannah. She is unlike any child I have ever met. She cracked jokes, and cut up with the staff. It seemed she was much older than her seven years. She told us all about this program she started called Army Angels. She had started a prayer list for the soldiers fighting overseas. One day she decided she wanted to do more. She got a contact and started collecting items like pens, pencils, crayons, and such for the soldiers to give to the children in the war torn countries these brave guys are fighting.

Oh, did I mention that we treat kids? We don’t see as many as St Jude, but we see all of the kids in the Knoxville area. I love being able to help the little ones. They are usually really shy and timid at first. The poor things have been poked and prodded so much by the time they meet us, who could blame them. There has been one that was different. That’s right-Miss Hannah. She did anything we asked of her without even a whimper from the get go.

Well, this brave little girl has another project she is actively involved in. She is calling it “The Nine Factor”.
Knoxville’s Ride for Kids is approaching. This is a cause that is near and dear for Hannah. She has a team, but she’d really appreciate a donation as well.
Nine children are diagnosed with a brain tumor every day. So, in honor of those nine children, Hannah has come up with a system. If nine people donate $9 each and convince nine more people to donate at least $9, then in three rounds she could raise more than $7,000.
You can check out her website.

Please consider donating the nine dollars. Most of us spend more that that at a fast-food restaurant. If you would rather get involved in a local event, you can find more information about the ride for kids at http://pbtfus.org/rideforkids/

Thanks to Hannah’s sweet Mom-Tracey for giving me permission to write about one of my favorite girls! Hannah has truly been a breath of fresh air for all of us.