Strike Out Hannah Oakes' Medical Bills

Do you remember when you were 16? First summer job, learning to drive, hanging with friends, playing on a sports team, visiting colleges, becoming aware of who you are as a person? Well, that is exactly what life looked like for Hannah Oakes until Friday, July 8, 2022.

Hannah, at 16, is a hard-working student and gifted athlete. She plays Varsity softball, basketball and volleyball for Dixon High School. She also plays competitive softball for a travel softball team, the Carolina Cardinals Red, located in Siler City. This Spring, while running her non-stop schedule, she began experiencing a persistent cough and general fatigue. Her mom and dad, April and Jason, thought it best to have a doctor check her out, just to be safe.

Initially Hannah was given the surprising diagnosis of Pectus Excavatum in June. This is a chest wall defect where the breastbone grows inward versus outward and can compress the heart. As part of the course of diagnosing and treating the Pectus Excavatum, Hannah had an echocardiogram to determine how her heart was functioning. This appointment was supposed to be routine. The doctor was supposed to get back to April sometime in the next week. Instead, within 10 minutes of leaving the office, April and Hannah were told that she had a life-threatening, congenital malformation of her heart called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy that would change everything for their family and Hannah’s life.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) makes it hard for the heart to pump blood because the heart muscle thickens (think body builders who have thick muscles but are not fast runners.) We have all heard about star athletes on the football field or basketball court who go into sudden cardiac arrest. These are people with undiagnosed HCM. It is a genetic disease (rarely a spontaneous mutation) passed from parent to child. And now, Hannah has been diagnosed with HCM as well as Pectus Excavatum.

So what? How can that one diagnosis possibly change things for Hannah? First, since the moment she received the diagnosis, she has had to cease significant exercise. She can walk, casually ride her bike, or relax in the pool with friends, all the while maintaining a safe, low heart rate. Keeping up the intense training to prepare for the summer softball season, high school sports teams, state and national tournaments, and college recruiters has been out of the question. Everyone in her family must be certified in CPR and they have to have a defibrillator in their home. Because at any moment, her heart may not be able to keep up with her. She has had to go on medicine to help increase the work of her heart.

And here is the worst thing about this diagnosis. Hannah will always have to live with this. There is no “cure.” She is looking at having to have multiple invasive tests, medication for life, and potentially invasive surgery. What she should be doing is pitching to victory on the softball diamond, focusing on her studies or prepping for prom. Instead, she is looking at a life of physical and social limitations.

April and Jason are devastated for her. They have supported her dreams and passions, on and off the field. They spend most of their free time coaching, driving to practices, games and tournaments. They live a life focused on their family. And there is the real possibility that their younger daughter Lily, may also be affected by HCM.

Jason is a retired Wilmington Police Detective. He spends his time coaching and substitute teaching for Onslow County. April is the Practice Manager for White and Johnson Pediatric Dentistry. They choose to live their life with dignity, morality, community and connection. Hannah’s diagnosis is personally and financially devastating. Since her initial symptoms in the Spring, they have spent thousands of dollars to help find answers for her. And unfortunately, this is just the beginning. More tests and treatment will be needed, more specialists at Chapel Hill and Duke will be consulted, and more time away from work and school will be necessary to help Hannah. And of course, if you are working to pay medical bills, you most certainly don’t have the funds to help your bright and aspiring child get ready for college.

Hannah has a long road ahead of her. But she is strong in spirit and determination. She will no doubt use the same strength of character she has shown on the softball diamond to chart a new life and course for herself. However, that will take help from all of us. Support her with friendship, a needed laugh and your positive thoughts. Also consider helping to support her parents financially, April and Jason Oakes, so they can focus on her medical journey and her path to her new normal. Any little bit helps. If you have played on a team with Hannah, coached Hannah, taught Hannah, worked with Hannah, then you know that she is quiet but resilient. Please consider helping Hannah and her family.