A Gwinnett County swim team held a fundraiser on Thursday in honor of a 13-year-old teammate battling leukemia.
Hanna Slater is sitting out this season due to her illness. But if her swim teammates have anything to say about it, Hanna will still make a splash this season.
Next week marks the one-year anniversary of Hanna's diagnosis. She's spent eight weeks in the hospital battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She was undaunted when she lost her hair due to treatment.
"I was like, ‘Cool I can get whatever hairstyle I want with a wig. And when it grows back, I can wear it cute and short,'" said Hanna.
Through it all, she's kept her fighting spirit.
"If you haven't had cancer, then I don't think you know how tough it is," said Hanna.
Her attitude is setting an example for people of all ages.
"She's an inspiration to us all --- I'm just a proud dad is all," said Hanna's father, Adam Slater.
Hanna says that with the worst of her battle now behind her, she's focusing on blood cancer research. She's raising money to help find a cure by selling cup cakes, candy and bracelets.
"I want them to feel happy that I'm getting through it and that everything's going to be alright and know that other kids are going through and they're going to be alright too," said Hanna.
Nearly 200 members of the Wild Timber Team Extreme dedicated a swim meet in Sugar Hill to Hanna on Thursday. The pool's water was died purple to honor Hanna.
Hanna hopes to raise $5,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She plans on stopping her treatment in October 2013.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:48:59 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:53:05 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
Hanna Slater, 13, is battling leukemia.
