'Celebrating Teens' Photo Challenge

This week's photo challenge, over on i heart faces, is "Celebrating Teens" ... well, I say, it's about time! Let me introduce you to one very amazing teenager ... Hannah.  We've known Hannah ever since the world was blessed with her presence, 16 years ago.  She comes from a very special family that  we've been blessed to have known, for over 27 years.  Well, two years ago, her older sister, Elizabeth, began experiencing mild bruising, which got progressively worse.  Other major symptoms began showing up, causing much concern.  To make a very long story short, after the initial doctor visits, and following the ordered lab work, she was hospitalized, and all the testing began to find out what was causing these symptoms.  A bone marrow biopsy confirmed a very severe case of Aplastic Anemia ... in other words, her body was no longer capable of making it's own healthy blood.  The doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant, and, the search was on for a donor.  Friends, and family, had begun praying round-the-clock.  After the testing had begun with her family to find a donor, they didn't have to look far ... they found a perfect match ... her sister, Hannah!  She was more than happy about this ... to be able to help her sister get well!!  The transplant was scheduled for July 31, 2008, and they both came through the procedure very well.  Hannah bounced back fairly quickly, but, the long road to recovery lay ahead for Elizabeth, with some ups, and downs, and moments of deep concern for her, as her body was healing ... but God watched over her, and heard our prayers.

It has been almost 2 years, now, and with the miracle of Hannah's perfect match, and much prayer, Elizabeth is doing wonderful today!  I could share so much more here ... there are so many layers to this story ... one I have to mention ... due to the treatments she had to undergo, which would cause the loss of hair, Elizabeth had her beautiful, waist length hair, cut for Locks of Love, and, again, in loving support of her sister, Hannah sat by her side, getting her beautiful, long, hair. cut, as well!  These girls are both so very special to so many people, and I wanted to share a bit of their story here, with you.  

So, this is Hannah ... the teen I've chosen ..... and I'm celebrating her!  It's actually her birthday month, too!  She turned 16 on June the 8th!  Happy Birthday, Sweet Hannah!  Oh, and on a side note about her attire you see her in, here ... well, both Hannah, and her brothers, were quite comically dressed up to welcome Elizabeth home from a Christian retreat, a couple of months ago! It was definitely a memorable homecoming! =)

There are many more teens waiting to be celebrated over on i heart faces.  To get there, just click the logo below, and scroll to the bottom of the page for all the links ... and let the celebration begin!