[baddmammajamma]

***Warning: Post mentions death of child/drowning***


Today, December 10th, is the 8th birthday of Hannah -- the Purple Princess -- and daughter of EBer hannabug (Kat). As many of you know, Hannah died 5 years ago, in a backyard pool drowning.

I don't know Kat in real life, but over the years, her devotion to keeping Hannah's memory alive through tireless efforts to educate others about the importance of water safety has really touched my heart. Kat & her husband set up Hannah's Foundation, Australia's only drowning prevention, awareness & family support services organization, and she has been very active on EB in providing knowledge and support to those in need.

From my EB friendship with Kat, I do know that what would mean the most to their family on this very bittersweet day is that Hannah be remembered.

So please, if you have a spare moment today, here are a few things you might do to honor Hannah:

* Read one of Kat's heartfelt and information-laden threads on EB and help keep it bumped. This is a recent one that is quite compelling:
http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...=928003&hl=

* Check out the Hannah's Foundation web site and share the information with your friends and loved ones:
http://www.hannahsfoundation.org/

* "Like" the Hannah's Foundation Facebook page and share it:
https://www.facebook.com/HannahsFoundation

And most of all, keep yourself, your kids & your loved ones safe, especially as we enter the summer season of water activities...never swim alone! Supervise, supervise, supervise, and make sure that appropriate barriers are in place.

Please help me keep this message active.

Thank you, thank you for your support,

BMJ

[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

bump

in the relatively short time I've been on EB I've seen how passionate hannahbug has been about this message, and her threads have educated me and made me more vigilant about safety around water.

Happy Birthday Hannah. Sending good vibes to the family on what must be a terribly difficult day

[soontobegran]

Happy Birthday sweet little Hannah, much love to Kat and family xox

This post has been edited by soontobegran: 10/12/2012, 07:44 AM

[Pooks*potters]

Thanks, BMJ.

Happy heavenly birthday to Hannah.

Such an important message, I know our family has firm rules in place around DS being in/near water, many are inspired by the education and awareness hannahbug has given me.

[zedgirl]

Happy Heavenly Birthday Hannah.
Thank you to Hannah's Mummy and Daddy, your story and message has/is making a difference

[JustBeige]

Thank you Kat for continuing to share your message so passionately. I hope today is as good as it can be.

[WibbleWobble]

Kat, Andrew and family, thinking of you all and your precious Hannah today.

[lsolaBella]

Happy Birthday Hannah. Thinking if you Kat and your family.

The tireless work you do in Hannah's memory is very important and has helped make my DH open his eyes to my extreme water safety stance, even in the bath.

[lady lady]

Thanks for posting. I think this just gave me a little "wake up call/ reminder" that I might have needed ... whilst always usually vigilant around water, since having DD#2 6 weeks ago I must admit I have been known to quickly duck off to change a nappy/ grab the dummy when DD#1 is in the bath.

Hannahbug I can't possibly imagine what you have felt since that day... but I can say I just read your story and I listened. Thank you for sharing.

This post has been edited by lady lady: 10/12/2012, 08:17 AM

[**Xena**]

Happy Birthday beautiful angel. Taken too soon but you continue to save lives