Whiz Kid Hannah Maunsell Doesn't Let Cystic Fibrosis Define Who She Is

Hannah Maunsell is a pretty typical 9-year-old girl.  She loves her friends and family, she enjoys dancing, basketball, softball, jumping rope and hula hooping.  Her favorite activity is swimming.  Her mother says, "She is brave and kind, a free spirit.  She goes after what she wants...she is very independent."

And what does Hannah want?  Hannah wants to find a  cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  She'd appreciate your help, too.  Every year, the team Heroes for Hannah participates in the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.  This walk raises money to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Hannah was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 12 days old.  She's been hospitalized 12 times.  While Hannah may look like a healthy little girl, it takes a considerable amount of therapy, medicine and a feeding tube at night to keep her that way.  Cystic Fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic disease and isn't contagious.   CF has damaged her lungs, pancreas and other internal organs.  CF never stops, so Hannah never stops fighting it.  Hannah doesn't complain and bravely faces down CF all day, every day.

Her mom Jenn says, "Hannah's key to awesomeness is that she doesn't let CF define who she is.  She is fearless and stubborn and has a very positive attitude."  Hannah's not a victim; her plan is to let Cystic Fibrosis be HER victim.

Medford can be a hero by walking with team Heroes for Hannah on May 21, 10 a.m., in Wakefield at Lake Quannapowit, or by donating to this year's walk.