Jane VanZuiden of Morrison, IL, is understandably proud of a granddaughter who recently was graduated from Riverdale High School in Port Byron, IL. Hannah Pettit, 18, earned a scholarship to attend Blackhawk College in Moline, IL, and dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher. She is employed at two financial institutions: First State Banks in Hillsdale, and Erie, IL. The best cause of joy is that Hannah remains cancer free.
When Pettit was nine, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in her knee. She received 18 chemotherapy treatments. The disastrous effect of these treatments was serious and irreversible damage to her young heart.
Now, when the future should be calling to her with the excitement of college and a future career, Hannah Pettit is spending her summer vacation in the hospital, awaiting a heart transplant. For two weeks, she has been a patient in the University of Iowa City Hospital.
This recent health crisis began for Hannah around prom time, when she contracted a virus. That led to a blood clot in her heart. Surgery to install a balloon in the heart was performed on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, followed by medication administered around the clock. Doctors believed this would keep her stable until a new heart became available. Unfortunately, this device failed.
Pettit is at the top of the transplant list, which indicates the critical need.
“The left side of her heart is completely shot,” reported Jane VanZuiden on Wednesday, July 3, “and the right is compensating.”
“On Friday, June 21, they put in another one, said VanZuiden.” The young woman was the first to feel the improvement. She told her grandmother, “This is the best I have felt” in a long time.
And so, the waiting continues with Hannah’s status somewhat stronger. High-tech machines continually filter her blood, keeping her tethered and able to move only from bed to chair.
This ordeal is shared by the entire family: parents Jeff and Eileen (Klount) Pettit and sister Meghan of Port Byron; grandparents Arlyn and Jane VanZuiden and John and Vonnie Pettit of Port Byron.
VanZuiden asks that well-wishers “pray for Hannah, that she is given enough strength to continue on her journey of life. Also pray for the donor family that will give such a wonderful gift of life to Hannah.” Prayer chains have begun.
Through Sunday, July 14, 2013, the John Deere Classic golf tournament, at TPC Deere Run, will alert people to this young woman’s health situation. On hole 10, a banner allows participants to benefit Hannah. Pork chops, drinks, and beer will be available for purchase.
A benefit fund has been established to help with Hannah Pettit’s medical expenses at these Illinois banks:
- First State Bank of Albany
- First State Bank of Erie
- First State Bank of Hillsdale
- First State Bank of Port Byron.
Contact Jane VanZuiden at 815-772-2763 for additional information or to offer support.