Donations In Action

Dwayne Smith feels incredibly blessed to have his daughter Hannah in his life. He nearly lost her in a car accident.

On the day before her 18th birthday, Hannah was on her way home from a friend’s house when she lost control of her vehicle, flipping it several times. She was ejected and the car came to a stop on top of her lower torso. Two witnesses to the accident called for help and tried to get her out. When Hannah reached the hospital, she had internal injuries that would require surgery but was expected to recover.

Unfortunately, a tiny tear in her stomach caused sepsis, a serious infection that caused swelling, organ failure, and terrible pain. It was a serious threat to her life. Hannah underwent multiple surgeries and spent more than seven weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she fought to stay alive. Through it all, Hannah’s family stayed with her and prayed for her recovery.

“I was so afraid for Hannah, but her doctors and nurses fought for her like I thought no one else could,” Dwayne recounted. “I’m forever touched by how they loved and cared for my little girl.”
There was one nurse who was very special to Hannah. Commila Hamman, an ICU nurse, would visit Hannah and talk to her regularly. Even when Hannah was in a coma, when Commila came into the room Hannah’s blood pressure and vital signs normalized. Commila brought a small, stuffed toy duck in an Easter basket for Hannah that did not leave her side. Whether she was in pain, going to a procedure, or awaiting surgery, it was a constant comfort.    

Hannah beat the septic infection and finally left the ICU. After several more surgeries, she is healthy and returning to her normal life, and is even attending college. Her healing experience, and the scars she received from her ordeal, will stay with her. That’s why she and Dwayne agreed to become a voice for Where Giving Counts.

“Where Giving Counts would have been a huge blessing for us,” Dwayne said. “My family and I rushed to the hospital and someone was always there to be with Hannah. Blankets or simple items to make the constant waiting easier would have made a world of difference for my family. Hannah’s nurse Commila even gave her a stuffed animal out of her own pocket. It would be wonderful if the funds were available for more acts of simple kindness like that.”

You can help. Select an item and make a tax-deductible gift to Where Giving Counts now!