What a Month!

As I walked the hallways of my high school, part of me wanted to run out, drive back to Elmhurst, and present at the College. The other part of me knew the reality of the situation. I was an alumnus coming back for career day. The feeling of accomplishment washed over any reminders of the loneliness that enveloped my high school days. I was not in high school; I was back for career day.

 
I had four presentations that day. I would start by telling them about the work I did for Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region, River North Business Association, and finally the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. I encouraged the high school students to get a mentor such as Dr. Sullivan Morgan of Elmhurst College and that their goals should scare them. 

 
Genevieve, David, and Mom accompanied me during the first presentation and helped me answer some questions. It was such a great feeling to have their support. The teachers allowed Genevieve to stay with me for every presentation which was amazing! It's one of the greatest memories I have with Genevieve. The Thompson girls reigned at Glenbrook South High School that day! I want to thank Mrs. Bolf, Mrs. Smith, and Ms. Simon for inviting me to career day. It was a blast! 

 
If that wasn't enough for one week, my sorority sister invited me to speak at her elementary school class two days later! We were discussing the book Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper. It's about an elementary school student who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a communication device to speak. The kids were amazing and asked fun questions. They were in fourth and fifth grade which is such a fun age to be around.

 
Most of you know my family and I went to D.C. and advocated for a cure for dystonia. We spoke to Democrats so we were preaching to the choir. We didn't meet any resistance. Even the advocates who met with Republicans didn't meet any resistance. We were all very grateful. I believe funding for the National Institute of Health should be a bipartisan issue regardless of whose sits in the Oval Office. I truly believe we took a step towards a cure this week.I congratulate all my fellow advocates on a positive, successful trip.

To top it all off, I was featured on Microsoft Chicago Blog! If you are so inclined, please feel free to read my post there: http://bit.ly/2nbSu5I.
 

I am so very grateful for all my family does for me. A neighbor of ours commented on Facebook that behind every great woman is a good family. That sums it up perfectly. 

 
Love, 
Hannah!