Gateway Golfers...You Can Make A BIG Difference in a Little Child's Life.

Fort Myers, FL
by Ed Ryan

What goes through a little girl's mind? A little girl that cannot speak. A little girl that cannot move. A little girl that cannot play. 9-year old Hannah Grant has spent the past three years trapped inside a princesses body that will not function the way a 9-year old's body should.

Hannah, her mom and her big sister were involved in a life-changing car crash when a driver plowed through a red light here in Fort Myers. On her way to a happy birthday party, the accident put an end to all happiness for Hannah and her family. The little girl is now in a vegetative state as a result of her brain injuries. 

The family has tried several medical procedures hoping for a smile or a nod or a word. Now, they believe, Hannah communicates by blinking her eyes once or twice. Her family went to Peru to try stem cell treatments. They also put Hannah in a hyberbaric chamber to help her. But nothing has worked.

She currently receives therapy several times a week as the family hopes something, anything, will work to bring the full life back into their 9-year old girl. A few days ago, Hannah and her Mom Lynn traveled to Lourdes France hoping for a miracle. Spring water from the grotto is believed to have spiritual healing powers. Hannah will be immersed in the baths there.

Hannah was nominated to go on the special trip, then selected by a committee. The trip is completely paid for by the organization who selects those who are ill and in need of help. Her family prays the healing power from the water will be the miracle they need for Hannah to talk to again.

On Sunday, May 23rd, at River Hall, a Golf tournament will be held to help raise money for the Hannah Grant Assistance Fund. Entry fee includes 18 holes of play, golf cart, lunch and a player gift bag. The cost is $75.00 for an individual, $150.00 for a twosome and $300.00 for a team of four. To register please contact Tina Smith at 476-9845. Or download a FORM HERE. The forms can be faxed to 239-337-7711 or mailed to Tina Smith / 2100 Rockfill Road, Fort Myers, FL 33916

I don't know about you but it's difficult for me to look at these pictures and keep it together. It's much easier to look away and pretend it's not real because she's not ours, right? It's not right. There go those questions again. Those questions they all say will be answered some day. Please. I've heard that explanation one too many times. She's only 9. There is no good answer.

Imagine the torture her big sister and parents must be going through. She's here but she's not here.

How many times have we  we innocently waited for a light to change in Fort Myers? How many times do we drive our kids to a birthday party packed with happy kids who don't have a care in the world other than how to keep their phones charged? So, we get to play a little golf to help. I'm thinking it's the least we can do.

If you know a golfer, please forward.
If you are a golfer, I'm not, so steer clear when I start swinging. My ball could wind up anywhere.

Again, to register a team, contact Tina Smaith at 476-9845. See you at River Hall.

Check out Hannah's Dad Scott on Facebook