I have been amazed at all the emails, messages and texts I have received asking about Hannah. Many from people like me who never met her. So many questions about who she is, where she is from, how I know her, what was causing her to be sick, etc. I'll try to answer them here for my blog readers.

My sister Misti and her husband Jerry lived in Magnet Cove up until last year. Jerry was the girls basketball coach and Hannah was his manager. (Hannah's dad is the superintendent of MC) Misti says she fell in love with Hannah almost immediately. She talks about how she just "stood out" from the crowd. How her sweet smile and personality could just light up a room. Misti and Jerry have one daughter Sophie and as you can imagine, they were a little selective when finding a babysitter for her. Hannah was the perfect choice. Sophie loved Hannah and so did my sister and Jerry. As Misti has said "Jerry thinks she hung the moon"! The ballteam at Magnet Cove took a trip to Branson and my sister invited Reagon to go along with them. Reagon had such a great time and she told me she remembers Hannah the most out of all the girls on the trip. When Hannah was diagnosed with a brain tumor last Feb, Misti started putting her on prayer lists and that is where I came to know Hannah. Since putting Hannah on my blog and facebook, I have been simply blown away at the emails I have received. Emails from people who I know are not saved..asking every single day for an update on Hannah...telling me things like 'they are praying for her' or 'reading their bible more'. I know her life has changed them, just as it has changed me.

I've also received several emails asking "what can I do to help?" or "how can I send something to the Sullivans". Almost all of Hannah’s medical expenses were covered by Brad’s school insurance but her mother Jill has worked very little (as a contracted therapist, she did not have sick leave to fall back on). A special account has been set up at Summit Bank in Malvern. Donations can be made at any Summit Bank in AR. This money will be directly available to the Sullivan’s and would be used to pay off debt that has built up while Jill was not working. Any remaining funds would be used for a Hannah Sullivan Memorial Scholarship which will either be given through Magnet Cove High School or Ouachita Baptist University, or possibly both. Here is the contact information for this special account:“Special Account for Hannah Sullivan” #1310035249Summit Bank P.O. Box 610 Malvern AR 72104 Attn: Sharon Wilson

I hope you will prayerfully consider contributing to this account.

Below is a Jan 09 summary from Hannah's mother. This will help explain the "what caused her to be sick?" question I have received from several readers. Please continue to pray for this family.

In February of 2008, Hannah began having some very unusual symptoms, including severe headaches and nausea in the mornings, double vision, and dilated pupils. We took her to our regular doctor, who referred us to an ophthalmologist, who referred us to a local hospital for an MRI. The MRI was done on February 20th, and indicated the presence of a tumor in the pineal region of Hannah's brain. We entered Arkansas Children's Hospital the next day, and on February 25th, surgery was done, the tumor was successfully removed, and sent off for a biopsy. She remained in the hospital for about six days following the surgery. When we returned about a week later for suture removal and to find out the results of the biopsy, we were told that the tumor was a Grade IV glioblastoma multiforme, a particularly aggressive type of cancer. We met with our oncologist (Dr. Robert Saylors) that day, and he told us that this type of tumor was extremely rare in a girl Hannah's age (she was 16 at the time), but because she was so young and healthy, he felt that she had a 60-80% possibility of a cure. Hannah began a 6-week series of radiation treatments to her brain and an oral chemotherapy regimen. For several months, all went well...she completed her sophomore year with honors, enjoyed a fun summer, and began her junior year in the fall. MRIs were done every two months, with an "all clear" each time.In September, she began having symptoms which were eerily similar to what she had experienced in February. An MRI was done, about a week earlier than was scheduled, and the results were not good. On September 25th, all four of us went to meet with Dr. Saylors, and he explained to us that her cancer had returned, in the form of multiple tumors in her brain and spine. He outlined a new treatment regimen which we were to begin immediately, but told us with tears in his eyes that even with treatment, her chance of cure was less than 5%. On the way home, we decided as a family that we would only share that 5% number with immediate family and a few very close friends and then disregard it, because we don't believe that our God is a God of percentages. Hannah began a series of 20 radiation treatments to her brain and spinal cord, and was to begin a new IV chemotherapy regimen within a month after completing radiation. The radiation was quite effective in shrinking the tumors; however, it took such a toll on her body that we were unable to begin the chemotherapy as scheduled due to extremely low blood counts. She was finally able to start the chemotherapy treatments the week before Christmas, and she is scheduled to receive a total of four (one every two weeks) to be completed on February 2nd. At that time, a scan will be done to determine the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and to help determine what her treatment plan will be from that point. We feel that she is in very good medical hands at Children's Hospital, as this is the same chemotherapy protocol that she would be receiving if we were at St. Jude's or Duke.We've had a bit of a setback just over the last couple of weeks, in the form of worsened double vision (she's had some double vision ever since the surgery) and a greater feeling of being off balance, which has made reading impossible and walking somewhat difficult. An MRI done on January 4th showed a return of cancer cells in the area of the original tumor. This area cannot be re-radiated, and another surgery is not possible. We are proceeding with the chemotherapy treatment plan, which our oncologist acknowledges will need intervention from God to be effective. Hannah's mind is as clear as ever, her wit is sharp, and her faith is strong. She continually tells us not to worry about her...that she is going to be "just fine." The more bleak Hannah's medical situation appears to be, the more glory God can receive by providing a miraculous healing. He is an amazing God, and we know, without a doubt, that He is able to heal her, no matter what the medical doctors may say. At the same time, we do understand that in His sovereignty, He may choose to heal her by taking her to heaven. And when viewed from an eternal perspective, we know that her future is secure. Our job, as those who love her, is to boldly pray for her healing, and to be ready to accept her Father's will for her life. How great our rejoicing will be if He chooses for her to remain on this earth for many more years...and what an amazing testimony she will have! Far more difficult will be the "sacrifice of praise" we will give if He takes her home sooner than we would choose (I think I finally truly understand that phrase).

Update at noon on Thursday from Hannah's mom.......

Hannah's mother updated today that Hannah continues to slip closer to heaven. I read the story this morning after praying for Hannah of the rich ruler who ran after Jesus..searching for him because his daughter was near death (actually did die before he reached Jesus) and how through Jesus, she was healed that very day. In my mind I could just picture Hannah's parents running after Jesus, searching high and low for him, knowing that if they found Him in time, He would surely heal her. I believe in the power of Jesus. I know He can do more than we ask or think. The ruler asked Him to cure his sick child, and He raised back to life his dead child. Jesus can raise our souls from a state of sin and there is coming a day when He will raise our bodies from the grave. Hannah believes in this same Jesus, this same power.... and it is through her faith and storm that many have come to know Him. May God continue to be with this sweet girl and her precious family and may many more run to Jesus because of her.
Below is from Hannah's mother last night>>>>>
I recently read a book by Steven James titled Sailing Between the Stars: Musings on the Mysteries of Faith and in one chapter he deals with the question of why a good God would allow people to suffer in this world. I'd like to quote him here:"I am left with three choices: 1) I can give up on God and tell my heart that he doesn't exist, that he couldn't possibly exist, that life really is as senseless, random, and pointless as it so often appears. 2) I can believe that God does exist but is either too impotent (powerless) to stop the suffering, unaware of the suffering (foolish), unconcerned about those who suffer (apathetic), or just plain out to get me (malevolent). None of these kinds of Gods would be worthy of my worship or my life. 3) I can cling to the belief that God really is in control, and really does love me, and really does work good out of both the joys and the hardships, the rights and wrongs of the world. I can keep leaning on the invisible arm that has supported me in the past and trust that the one who can shape a star on the tip of his tongue can also shape blessings out of my pain.

"Hannah chose #3, and so do we. God is good, all the time!

According to Hannah's family, she has moved a little bit closer to heaven the past few hours.

Yesterday she received two exciting phone calls. One from Casting Crowns, the band that sings the song "Praise You in the Storm" He received word of Hannah's story and her prayer for a storm from church members in Atlanta.

(Below is from Hannah's mother)

He encouraged us all and commented about how her testimony was already touching lives and he believes there will be more lives touched in the future. We were able to let him know how much that song has meant to us and how God has touched our lives through their music.

The second call was from the winner of American Idol two years ago, Jordin Sparks.

Please remember Hannah's family in prayer today and all the days to come.

Hannah's mother closed her email with the following quote.

"Soon you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Don't believe it for a moment. I will be more alive than ever before."--D. L. Moody

May God be with them during this storm.

I have typed and deleted for five minutes now because I don't even have the words to say.

Please be in prayer for Hannah and her family at this time. She is in need of our intercessory prayers. Please stand in the gap for her.

Psalm 91
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust.

I have at least one child who appreciated my little Valentine plates. Kendall thought they were perfect. Reagon thought it was weird. One for two isn't bad.

Kendall and Jed worked on Valentines last night...High School Musical and puppy dogs.

As if you didn't know that already about me! LOL

On Monday I had an appt for a massage (Val day gift) at the massage therapist in Mt Ida.....conveniently located next to the Salvation Army thrift store. I arrived at my appt 20 minutes early. Ok, so I planned that just so I could make a "quick" run through the store. I only had $3 in cash with me (I use my debit card 99% of the time) so I knew I wouldn't be buying much. Well, $3 goes a looooong way in a thrift store. I go in with good intentions. Telling myself the whole time "you don't need that." "you have 3 storage units FULL of stuff already" "you live in 1000 sq feet" "you have no room for that"............but they place those 10 cent tables right out in the middle and I can't resist them! LOL

The girls do not have to be reminded every morning or every night to brush their teeth but they do have to be reminded to floss at night. No matter how much I remind them, they usually forget. I decided it was because the floss was in the cabinet instead of in view (out of sight, out of mind thing). I picked up this little 10cent glass bowl to keep out on the counter and they have been flossing every night since.
Picked one up for our bathroom as well....Yes, I know its a candle votive holder and I have some already but give me a break, they were only 10 cents, remember?

I thought this was so funny. We were going to Reagon's ballgame and I asked Jed to sit still so I could take a picture of him and he said "No Momma..I too tired"....then he closed his eyes and started snoring!!! I wish I had this on video....he is just soo funny sometimes!
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how much his hair color is changing? I think we may have another little redhead in our family. I really noticed it in this picture....

Remember when I said Jed was doing great with potty training? Well, the other day he was watching a new movie and did not want to miss a second to run to the potty. So he improvised. Instead of running to the potty, he dumps out his little toy bucket and proceeded to pee in it! Josh and I couldn't believe it. We were both laughing so hard and of course, I grabbed my camera.

I was folding laundry and helping Kendall with homework at the dining room table when I heard "Mom...come find me! I'm camping!!"

The girls were out of school for two days due to icy weather and quickly became bored to tears! You can only play Wii for so long! LOL Kendall loves crafts but all my craft and scrapbooking supplies are still in storage so we had to be creative. We decided to make a kaleidoscope out of an old pringles can. It was actually a lot of fun for her. We found an old compact mirror and busted it to use for the end, some old beads and glitter and aluminum foil. She had fun making it and it kept her busy for a while.

Nevermind the naked child in the background! LOL He was also doing "cwafts"