Hannah’s Legacy

Hannah Joy Olson

Countless individuals, families and friends have experienced the loss of a loved one and share an understanding of the deep and resounding emptiness that often follows. Hannah Joy Olson’s family remembers the pain and sadness that flooded their hearts and minds when hope and courage was extinguished. Despite a lifetime of medical challenges, their daughter, Hannah, remained a “bright light,” sharing her optimism as she embraced a zest for life, and helped others navigate some of the same challenges she had worked so hard to overcome.

When Hannah was only two weeks old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and when she was 11, a portion of her lung was removed, causing her to miss the first month of sixth grade. Later, while a freshman at Mount Mercy University, Hannah began to experience severe complications while dealing with seasonal flu, coupled with her existing cystic fibrosis. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the top of the lung transplant waiting list. Her lung transplant surgery in 2006 was deemed a success; however, the anti-rejection medicine came with an ugly side effect—cancer. In 2007, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began chemotherapy, undergoing treatment for five months.

Despite these challenges that depleted her energy and often her enthusiasm, Hannah clung to her faith and optimism as she pursued a career in social work—a pathway that showcased her passion for justice, her commitment to service and her ability to empathize with those facing overwhelming challenges. Hannah completed her degree at Mount Mercy and went on to earn a master’s in social work the following year. She had fulfilled her dream and was poised to inspire others to do the same.

Sadly, in 2011, Hannah lost her hard-fought battle and passed away at age 25. To mark the tenth anniversary of her death, Hannah’s family sought a meaningful way to further honor her memory and secure her lasting legacy. They decided to establish the Hannah Joy Olson Endowed Scholarship. By permanently endowing this scholarship, students in the social work program at Mount Mercy will receive critical financial support in perpetuity. Every scholarship recipient will be reminded of Hannah’s spirit and courage and her framework of gratitude. These pillars of strength will reflect Hannah’s faith and dedication to help others and are embodied in Hannah’s favorite quote: “When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile.”

It seems Hannah’s legacy is secure for years to come, as countless students receive her smile and are fueled by Hannah’s model of gratitude and inspiration.

To learn more about leaving a legacy and impacting others through education, contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu.