In 2008, Hannah was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder known as Orthinine Transcarbamylase Deficiency (O.T.C.). Her liver cannot process protein efficiently and therefore ammonia builds up in her blood and poisons her brain. To control the disease she must adhere to a very strict diet as well as take a number of dietary supplements & medications four times a day. Hannah's family is financially responsible for her medication.
In 2011, Hannah was admitted to the hospital with complications from a stomach illness and had to spend five days there. During this time they learned that the medication she was on was not doing enough to control her O.T.C. The decision was made to transition her to a new drug. The cost was so extreme that their private insurance denied the request for coverage. That's when Variety stepped in and helped with the cost of Hannah's medication.
With Variety's support, Hannah was able to make a swift recovery. She's now able to focus on being a kid. Her thought processes are more clear and she has even jumped up several reading levels in school!
