Livermore Teen, 19, Loses Lifelong Battle With Cystic Fibrosis

LIVERMORE, CA — A Livermore teen who suffered from cystic fibrosis has died. Hannah Hewitt, 19, who was adopted at the age of three and one of seven children in her family, lost her battle to breathe on Oct. 7, according to her mother.

Hannah's cystic fibrosis, although diagnosed early, was not treated properly during her toddler years. As a result, Hewitt's body suffered damage as the disease had already begun to attack many of her smooth organs. The Hewitt family also adopted three other children, all with special needs or disabilities.

In a previous Patch article, Hannah's mother Beth Hewitt said, "The addition of a child to a family is a gift regardless if that blessing is through a birth or an adoption. Hannah, our first adoption and fourth child, is no exception."

Known for her smile, Hannah loved dance, art and 4-H. Despite being in and out of the hospital her entire life, she graduated from high school and cosmetology school.

“She was a profound warrior, one that people took notice of,” Hewitt said. “I think it was her captivating smile that summoned the recognition of those who had the special opportunity to gaze upon it. Beyond that was her characteristics of tenacity and vivaciousness that beckoned a spectator's eye to watch what she might do next. She had CF, but it surely didn't have her.”

Over the past three years, the East Bay community rallied to help the Hewitts through various fundraisers after the family moved to a ranch between Livermore and Tracy that turned out to be a "money pit." A GoFundMe page was established to help Hannah’s family recover from the medical and funeral costs.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe