Wish child wins national award for "Indomitable Spirit"

Massachusetts girl honored by Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America for "Hanna's Hearts of Hope"

When Hanna was just seven years old, she was diagnosed with stage IV Burkitt's lymphoma.  Hanna fought through months of treatment and persevered all the way to the gates of the Magic Kingdom, where her wish to visit Disney World® was fulfilled.

Hanna returned home with a heart full of hope and a new dream to fulfill.  She felt inspired to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, to help other children with life-threatening medical conditions experience hope.

With help from her dad, Hanna filled a heart-shaped walnut shell with melted crayon to create a beautiful necklace.  She told her parents that she wanted to make and sell more necklaces - and donate the proceeds to the Foundation.  Hanna created a website to share Hanna's Hearts of Hope with the community!

Recently, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America presented Hanna with the Lori Schultz-Betancourt Indomitable Spirit Award.  To date, Hanna has raised over $12,000 for children's wishes in Massachusetts!  This national award honors Hanna's creativity and courage as she shares the power of the Make-A-Wish mission across Massachusetts and beyond.

Click here to visit Hanna's website, where you can learn more about her story and purchase a necklace for $10.