Student Celebrates Cancer-Free Life by Giving Back to Her Community

The Salvation Army in Saint John, NB, received a heartwarming donation from Hannah Gallant, a grade 11 student celebrating five years of being cancer-free by raising donations for those in need.  

Each November, Hannah and her family and friends gather to reflect on her journey and celebrate another year of being cancer-free. To mark the occasion this year, they collected socks, mittens, jackets, hygiene products, and so much more for their community.    

“It is not just about celebrating my recovery but also giving back to those in need,” shared Hannah. “We wanted to make sure that people have the necessities to keep up with their hygiene and keep warm this winter.”   

With plans to continue this tradition of collecting donations for her annual remission date, Hannah hopes to inspire people to do good for others. “I celebrate every year because I recognize how fortunate I am to be healthy and now have the ability to give back to those who are not.”  

Hannah is well-known in her community and the greater Maritimes for sharing her journey of recovery and helping others as a motivational speaker since she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine. Through her passion project, “Lou Lou’s Lemonade,” she raised money for leukemia research and purchased iPads for the different wards at the local hospital where she received treatment. Hannah and her mom, Tammy, have also volunteered with The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign, which inspired them to donate to the Saint John location, stating, “Anything helps, and I know that everything is going to go to someone in need.”    

Serving others is at the heart of The Salvation Army’s work, and Hannah’s attitude toward life exemplifies what it means to “Giving Hope Today.”