A devastating incident has turned into a beacon of hope as the tragic death of Hannah Glass, a 19-year-old Wisconsin college student, is now giving life to others. Hannah, who suffered from a severe peanut allergy, passed away after an allergic reaction to a gluten-free brownie on November 5. Despite the heartbreak, her family’s decision to donate her organs has saved multiple lives.
A Fatal Allergic Reaction
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Hannah, a freshman at Maranatha Baptist University, unknowingly consumed a gluten-free brownie containing roasted peanut flour, a substitute for wheat flour. Her father, David Glass, explained how the ingredient likely masked the presence of peanuts.
“The second bite, she knew something was wrong,” David shared with WISN12.
Hannah immediately broke out in hives and became violently ill, symptoms her family said were consistent with past allergic reactions. She called her parents to alert them and took Benadryl to manage the reaction. However, this time, the situation quickly escalated.
Escalating Medical Emergency
After lying on her stomach to rest, Hannah began experiencing severe shortness of breath and discomfort. Her condition deteriorated further, leading to a collapsed lung, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Her parents rushed to her Watertown campus, administering her EpiPen and calling 911. First responders worked to save her life, but Hannah’s heart stopped several times on the way to the hospital. She was placed on a ventilator as doctors discovered critical brain swelling. Tragically, her body was unable to recover.
A Heartbreaking Decision
On November 10, Hannah’s parents made the difficult decision to remove her from life support. “The majority of her brain was unmistakably, critically, and terminally damaged,” her family shared in a heartfelt post.
In the midst of their grief, the Glass family chose to honor Hannah’s memory by donating her organs, turning their loss into a chance to save others.
A Life-Saving Legacy
Hundreds of people, including family, friends, and hospital staff, gathered for an emotional Honor Walk at Froedtert Hospital as Hannah was wheeled into surgery for organ donation. Her gift has already saved four lives, giving others the chance to thrive despite their own critical conditions.
“No parent should ever have to feel this way. If we can spare others this depth of pain, at our expense, we must do it,” said her father.
Hannah’s mother, Janean, echoed the sentiment: “She was an amazing, amazing girl. I’m thankful to see how many lives she has touched and will continue to touch.”
Remembering Hannah
Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the strength of the human spirit. Through her family’s selfless decision, her legacy lives on, bringing hope to those in desperate need.
