What is it about a portrait that causes one to pause? It’s the opportunity to see inside another person, to glimpse their struggles and pain without thinking of our own. I love the power of a portrait; perhaps it’s why photography excites me. Through photographs I get to be a storyteller and I am thrilled to share with you this first chapter of the Illumination Series.

Hannah is hilarious, loving, sarcastic, sensitive, a lover of Christ. Hannah brightens a room quicker than anyone I know. Her presence never goes unnoticed and the people that spend time with her don’t leave untouched.

I met Hannah in elementary school and even at a young age Hannah seemed different to me. She has always had a maturity to her and a sense of perspective that takes many people a lifetime to grasp. Her strength can only be explained as God given.

Hannah has ITP and has been sick for over 11 years. Basically her body sees itself as bad and is killing her platelets off. Platelets are what controls bleeding and the average person has between 150,000 to 400,000. Internal bleeding often occurs when platelets drop around 50,000. Hannah’s platelets stay below 10,000 so she is at constant high risk of internal bleeding. The physical toll this disease takes on her is exhausting. The doctors tell her she should  be dead. No one walks around with the number of platelets she has and lives. Her life is a miracle.

Hannah’s strength in the midst of pain is a testament to the faithfulness and love of Jesus Christ. Hannah can’t go a single minute without relying on this strength and it’s her dependance and love for her Savior that inspires so many. I have never doubted that Hannah’s life is appointed for a divine purpose. I hate seeing her pain and struggle, but I ‘ve never doubted her purpose. Why? Because Hannah has a closer grip on Heaven because of her pain. It fuels her and it fuels those around her. It reminds us to look up and to live for Heaven where all tears will be wiped away. We weren’t made to live for this life, but instead to live for eternity. Hannah’s pain is given purpose because of the testimony she is to her faithful Savior. She radiates His love.

Her God given strength will inspire you, I guarantee it. All you have to do is pause.

Hannah is currently in the hospital and craves your prayers. You can donate to Hannah’s medical bills here and read more about her journey with ITP on her blog.