Check out this week’s Riley story from the Riley kid herself – Hannah Jacobs!
Hi…I’m Hannah Jacobs. First of all I would like to thank all you for everything you are doing for Riley! You are making a difference! My story started July 17, 1995…the day before I was born. This is when my family found out that there was something terribly wrong. This is when they found out that my spine didn’t form correctly…I had Spina Bifida. My mom had an emergency C-section the next day at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. I stayed there for the next month.
Then I became a “Riley Kid”! For the first year I had appointments at least once a month, and I would see several doctors at each appointment. I have had surgeries from head to toe. Too many to count! The one great thing at Riley, no matter what kind of specialist you need, they have the best! That makes it easier for your Mom and Dad, knowing that their child is in the best hands! These doctors and nurses have become part of our family. My dad says that Dr. Cain knows me inside and out! I’m not sure what my life would be like without doctors like him.
Riley has done so much for me, that I decided I needed to give back…that is where BSUDM came into my life. My sister Amy told me that I needed to come to this dance marathon. We had so much fun and met so many wonderful new friends! Amy became more involved in this amazing fundraiser and asked me to start one at my high school! With the help of some outstanding students at PHS we held our first dance marathon last year, raising over $11,000 for the kids at Riley! Last month we had our second DM at PHS…raising over $20,000! Yes the PHSDM ROCKS!!!
I have had the honor of being named one of eight Riley Champions for 2013! I will always be a Riley Kid and proud of it! FTK!