Before most people have even begun to shape the community around them, Hannah Forstell had already become its light. She was only 18 when cancer took her life, but in those short years, she became something rare and enduring to this town: its sunshine. Not in the sentimental sense, but the truest one. She lit up spaces simply by being them, brought warmth to chilly environments, and clarity to life’s toughest challenges. Her story is not just a life gone too soon. It is a story of how, even in her toughest moments, she remained a source of unrelenting light to everyone around her.
Hannah Forstell, an active member of the Manchester community, passed away on April 4 of this year. Hannah was known across town for her many admirable traits, most notably her unmatched strength. At just 13, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Despite days filled with countless medical appointments, procedures, and surgeries, she continued having a positive attitude. She and her family even managed to use their story to spread awareness of childhood cancer. Through social media pages titled “Forstell Strong,” they shared their experiences battling an aggressive form of cancer. This activism, combined with Hannah’s beautiful spirit, resulted in unwavering support from the community surrounding her.
Liam Murphy, a member of this supportive community, was one of Hannah’s closest friends. Naturally he mourned her loss, but continues to emphasize the importance of celebrating Hannah’s life and legacy.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Hannah’s legacy is her character. Liam believes the best way to describe Hannah can be done using a single word: sunshine. “She lit up every single room she walked in and she brightened people’s day, even people she didn’t really know.”
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Hannah, even as just an acquaintance, knows this to be an accurate representation of her character.
Karla Daha, another one of Hannah’s closest friends, adds onto Liam’s description of Hannah.
“The first word I think of when I think of Hannah is sweetheart. She had the biggest heart out of anyone I knew and always spread her love. No matter what she was going through, she was always the sweetest being ever.”
Her sunny disposition and sweet nature left a lasting impact on her loved ones.
“Hannah had a huge impact on me. She changed my life. Knowing her was special,” Karla shares.
She continues, “She showed me how to push through any and every situation and to be calm while doing so. Anytime something was going wrong, she had a solution. She showed me how happiness is more important than anything in life. She also taught me that no matter what, love yourself, focus on you before others.”
The effect she had on her loved ones is undeniable. However, her story lives on through other individuals, too. Throughout her life, Hannah became an influential member of the Manchester community.
Karla explains this reality perfectly. “The impact that Hannah had on the Manchester community as a whole was incredible. She brought together so many people. Whenever she was around everyone kind of gravitated towards her, joining together, compared to when she wasn’t there people would kind of be separated. She knew how to break the ice, and bring people together. Hannah spread her love and kindness daily. I genuinely think she made Manchester happier as a community.”
As the whole community continues to cope with the loss of Hannah, it is imperative we continue to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
To continue properly honoring the entirety of Hannah’s identity, Karla shares little pieces of her that the community may not know.
“Hannah loved butterflies and the color pink. She loved old dad rock and Frank Ocean, she loved the beach more than anyone else, she loved sunsets, her family, her friends, her pets, her community, and of course squishmellows.”
Even though most people knew her for her strength, kindness, and maturity, it is crucial to keep these little pieces of her identity alive to properly memorialize her. When you notice a butterfly, see the color pink, or hear a Frank Ocean song begin to play on the radio, remember Hannah’s light. As a community, we carry little pieces of her light inside of us. Together, through these memories of Hannah, we can work to continue emulating her legacy of love.
