Faces of the Games

HANNA KLOVE, 10

Washington, DC

Hanna Klove

Baby Hannah’s life wasn’t the easiest. In and out of the hospital with health problems since birth, by the time she reached 18 months, a liver transplant was her only hope for survival. Despite her desperate physical needs, what Hannah needed most was a mom.

 

Kathryn Klove longed for a baby to hold and to love. But bearing a child of her own wasn’t a near-term possibility. Eventually, she settled upon adoption as a way to fulfill her maternal needs, since it offered her a chance to make a warm and happy home for a child who needed a mother’s care.

 

“The first time I saw Hannah, I fell in love with her, and I wanted to adopt her immediately,” Kathryn said. “I took her home on my birthday, and she was the best birthday present I have ever received.”

 

Hannah’s streak of good luck continued and she received a liver transplant at age two. She and her mom have attended several U.S. Transplant Games events, where Hannah has won medals in the long jump competition. “The Games are like a big family reunion,” says Kathryn. “Sitting at the opening and closing ceremonies is truly an overwhelming feeling. Not only because my daughter is happy, but I am a mother today, because someone made a huge sacrifice and gave my little girl the gift of life.”

 

Asked about the Games, 10-year-old Hannah, who plans to compete in the 2006 event, offers a thumbs up and says, “I like being with my friends and winning medals.”