Young Patient Brings 5 Million Pop Tabs to Hospital

February 20, 2009

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Six-year-old Hannah said it took "a little while" to collect the tabs, which will be redeemed at a local recycling plant. The funds will then be used  to buy items for the hospital such as video consoles, games and books for patients.

Representatives from the hospital and Egypt Shriners, the Tampa chapter of Shriners International, were there to greet Hannah and her family as she bounded out from the van. Members of Shaddai Shriners in Panama City drove the family from their home in the Florida Panhandle to Tampa, along with a trailer filled with can tabs.

Hannah also brought along a news crew from  WJHG Channel 7, who have been documenting her efforts.

"We want to thank Hannah and her family for this generous donation," said Chet Tharpe, chairman of the hospital's Board of Governors and a member of Egypt Shriners. "This is no small feat... we just cannot thank them enough."

Hannah's original goal was to collect 1 million pop tabs by February 2009, and she met that goal by November 2008.

After delivering the tabs and helping Shriners, friends and family unload more than 130 five-gallon jugs full of tabs, Hannah was off to her  appointment, which included a stop in the physical therapy department to be fitted for new braces.

Hannah is receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children for a condition known as in-toeing, or severe pigeon-toe, which affects the bones in her legs and feet as she grows. The braces help keep her feet and legs in alignment. "I can run really fast, now," said Hannah.

"Hannah has a tremendous giving-spirit," said Beth Demas of the hospital's public relations department. "We appreciate all her efforts on behalf of the hospital."