On February 18th, 2007, Hannah Garner, a 17 year old teenager, was enroute to youth choir practice at church when her vehicle overturned and caught fire. Upside down, bleeding, and pinned in the vehicle, Hannah called her mother and told her that she had had an accident and was trapped and burning. A couple stopped and attempted to upright the van, but they were unable to free Hannah because of the dash that had collapsed and trapped her legs. The first police officer to arrive, also a volunteer firefighter, saved Hannah’s life by using available fire extinguishers to keep the flames from engulfing her. After more than two hours of heroic and concerted effort by the Sylvan Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Hannah was freed and airlifted to the hospital. Hannah suffered a broken pelvis, forehead laceration, multiple compound fractures in her legs and feet, and 3rd degree burns over 50% of her body. She has already had two surgeries on her legs and several burn procedures. Many more are in store for this precious 17 year old as she fights to recover. Hannah is no stranger to hospitals. She was born with Spina Bifida, a tethered spinal chord that affects the kidneys, bladder and bowel. Her family, Rusty and DD and brother Dustin, has felt the burden of medical expenses and procedures throughout her lifetime.

Because of the accident, the Garners have lost their primary vehicle, and their present home is not suitable for future needs for Hannah.