Abilene Christian University graduate Hunter Hanner (’05) was born with chronic granulomatous disease, a rare blood disorder that left his body unable to fight off infection. Despite a poor prognosis, Hunter beat the odds and made it to adulthood, settling into life as an Abilene businessman and father of three who is married to Jennifer (Hathorn ’05). Yet his body contained a medical time bomb, so to speak, that could take it all away in an instant.
Earlier this year, the Hanners decided to try a risky bone marrow transplant, which would provide the only real hope for a cure and the best hope for a future for the couple and their three young sons.
In the video below, KTXS-TV co-anchor Braid (Sharp ’05) Blanks tells the moving story of the Hanners’ decision and where they are today.
Hunter’s parents, Mark (’80) and Jana (’81) Hanner, are former co-presidents of the ACU Parents’ Association. Jennifer is the daughter of Howard (’81) and Jacki (Dods ’08) Hathorn. Jacki is assistant to the director of ACU’s First-Year Program.
To follow Hunter’s progress, visit Jennifer’s blog, And Then There Were Three.