Remembering Hannah: #HannahStrong

One day. One moment. Their life, their purpose changed forever.

They were a close-knit family of four – single father Jason Wesche and his three darling girls -Hannah, Rachael, and Kaitlyn – who treasured life’s simple pleasures. Many moments were shared laughing and playing together. Helping and bringing smiles to others made them feel good. Jason worked hard, juggling his responsibilities between work and raising his girls to be happy, confident, strong, and caring.

Hannah, the youngest, celebrated her third birthday on January 11. Jason described her to me as, “one of the most joyful kids ever – definitely not shy. She always wanted to try and do things for other people. She just loved everybody, and especially kids.”

It was at 7:00 am on March 8, 2018, when he dropped her off at her next-door babysitter. Minutes later a call came in to 911, and they would later learn that the little girl with her whole life ahead of her was shaken and struck while in the care of her sitter. The trial will begin soon.

Shortly after, Jason shared on a GoFundMe page, “Hannah was born on January 11, 2015. I fell head over [heels] for her and she stole my heart. Raising Hannah and watching her blossom into a bubbly fun loving little girl has been more than I could ever ask for. I am beyond devastated that I am having to say goodbye to my Angel. This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I will fight for my baby and justice will be served.”

From tragedy comes inspiration

Sometimes, the strength of the human spirit amazes and inspires me,

Three months later, as the trial is preparing to begin, the Wesche family is channeling their strength into a newfound mission in honor of their dear little girl who was horrifically taken way too soon, in a way that no child should have to endure.

Just launched, the Hannah Strong Foundation is a new nonprofit organization that Jason told me will be reaching people across the globe. Its new website explains its purpose as,  “helping make the world around us a better, happier place for children of abuse and or neglect. With the help of our tireless staff, we organize fundraisers, community events, and in-depth training sessions for our volunteers. We use the mass majority of our income that we raise to help fund various organizations and hospitals including but not limited to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Life center, and other child related services.”

Their very first fund raiser is coming up on Sunday, July 1 from 3 to 7 pm at French Park in Cincinnati. There will be kids’ games and a 31 ft slip and slide, plus hot dogs and a silent auction for adults. Bring your whole family!

Watch for their upcoming announcements on ways you can be involved, and fund-raising events to attend. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.hannahstrong3.com.

#HannahStrong