February 21, 2007



Strength Comes in Many Forms

Hannah Strength, freshman shortstop from Bessemer, and transplant recipient.

HANCEVILLE, Ala.- Wallace State Hanceville softball player Hannah Strength of Bessemer, Ala. is more grateful than most for being able to play the game she loves.



An upset stomach turned into something she never dreamed of having to deal with as she was rushed to the hospital at 9 years old throwing up blood. After CT scans, blood tests and ultrasounds, Strength was told that her liver was not absorbing blood, and she was diagnosed with an auto immune disorder. Her immune system was fighting with her liver and beginning to shut it down.



She was put on the transplant list and began the wait for a desperately needed liver. Miraculously, though the doctors told her she had months to live, her name went to the top of the list. Within two weeks she received a call saying that her new liver was waiting on her, and she was rushed to the hospital.



She was in the hospital for a month for the transplant and recovery. Following surgery, she battled through severe pain, unable to walk upright and too sore to let people touch her. But she fought through the pain to finally make it home, where she could really begin the healing process. There she began a five-month recovery motivated by her goal of playing softball again.



She admits she was terrified when she finally worked up the courage to ask her doctor about her softball career. Fortunately, he had good news when he told her that she would be allowed to play again, even in the rough environment of collegiate softball.



"I was so scared that he would say that I couldn't play anymore. I can't play sports like basketball, but he said that softball was fine," Strength said. "It took even longer for me to get the nerve to ask him about how long I was expected to live and if I could have children. I was relieved when he told me that I could live as long as a normal person, and that I would be able to have children."



Strength now has blood work done once every two months and visits her transplant doctor once a year for a check up on her liver. She takes eight pills a day, and though she is reminded by her parents and boyfriend every morning to take the pills, she admits she's forgotten a few times. Her boyfriend of 3 ½ years, Luke Houston, never fails to call her and has never left her side.



"He is amazing, and he's always there for me," Strength said. "He goes to doctor visits with me and helps me whenever I need it. Nothing about my transplant or situation bothers him."



Fortunately, complications have seemed to avoid Strength since she received the transplant. She's never had any problems, and her doctor said she is an incredibly healthy transplant patient.



"Most liver transplant patients have yellow skin, especially when they get sick," Strength said. "They are also normally not in the best of health. However, I've never become yellow, and the worst thing I've had to deal with when sick is slightly swollen cheeks."



Strength was able to begin playing softball when her recovery was complete, about five months after surgery, and hasn't had any problems playing since. At Wallace State, she works out just as hard as the rest of the players and is a completely normal member of the team.



"Hannah is a great player and a hard worker," said Wallace State coach Jayne Clem. "You would never know there was anything different about her if you didn't know she was a transplant recipient." Clem was unaware of Strength's story when she scouted her as a senior last year at McAdory High School. Learning about all she has been through impressed her even more. "I wish I had more just like her. She's a real asset to the team."



A passionate advocate for organ donation, Strength is often called to hospitals to talk to patients considering a transplant or before they have their surgery. She encourages everyone to consider becoming a donor.



"I completely support organ donors. I've had more than one heated discussion with my friends concerning the subject. It's something that I feel very strongly about, because an organ donor saved my life."



Her donor was a 5-year-old boy named Lucas who passed away in a car accident. Strength attempted to talk to the boy's mother, but respected the mother's desire to not discuss the event. She does want to thank Lucas and his mom for their sacrifice for her. "They gave me a second chance at life."

Strength practicing with the Lady Lions indoors on a rainy day.

Strength will be playing shortstop and serving as a utility player for the Lady Lions softball team this season.




CONTACT: Luke Brymer, Sports Information Assistant, Wallace State Community College, 256-352-8118

  Kristen Holmes
  Director, Communications and Marketing
  Wallace State Community College
  P.O. Box 2000
  Hanceville, AL 35077
  256/352-8118
  E-mail: Kristen.Holmes@WallaceState.edu