The day our son was born, my sister-in-law came to visit at the hospital. After she left, we realized she had lost her necklace in our brand new baby's basinet. We returned the necklace a few days later. Shortly after that, our sweet little baby Hans was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. There is no cure. My sister-in-law came to visit as soon as we returned from the specialists at the children's hospital. She gave me a Giving Key necklace, which read "Hope." She told me that she has so much hope for Hans and for his life.
After we got into the routine of doctor appointments and specialists and medications and therapies, we dove into the world of fundraising to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. It was obvious that our team would be called Hope For Hans. In those beginning weeks and months, it was so hard to tell people how sick my baby was. But people would always ask why I was wearing a key around my neck, or what it said on the key. This Giving Key opened paths for me to talk about Hans and cystic fibrosis. Telling people and spreading awareness has become much easier for me since then. Our son is now 19 months old and he's doing so well! And now when people ask about my necklace, I jump at the opportunity to talk about cystic fibrosis and educate others. I am full of hope for Hans and others with cystic fibrosis, and the day that a cure is found, I will pass my key onward with joy.
-Jen
