One of the promises Holly made to Hannah was that she would never stop sharing her story or let anyone forget her vibrant spirit. She pledged to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis in hopes of contributing to finding a cure for those living with this disease. She also vowed to advocate for the importance of organ donation by sharing how Hannah’s lung transplant saved her life.

That is the main mission of the Hannah Goetz Foundation: to provide scholarships to students at Windsor and Smithfield and to support families affected by cystic fibrosis.

Recently, the Hannah Goetz Foundation had the privilege of presenting our first senior scholarships at Windsor High School and Smithfield High School! Hannah attended Windsor for two years before transferring to Smithfield, where she graduated a year early in 2019. Our wish was to give back to students at these schools and use this opportunity to spread Hannah’s story.

To apply for this scholarship, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, participate in at least one Virginia High School League activity, and show proof of being an organ donor. Applicants also write about an individual in their life who inspires them and reflect on Hannah’s story after reading about her on our website.

On May 27, 2025, we were honored to present our very first Hannah Goetz Foundation Scholarship to Abigail Worrell from Smithfield High School! Her reflection on Hannah’s life moved us deeply, and we felt she truly understood the importance of empathy, perseverance, and advocacy—values that shine through Hannah’s story. Abigail wrote beautifully about someone who inspires her and how that experience taught her to lead with compassion, courage, and unconditional love. Reading her words reminded us so much of Hannah and what she believed in.

On June 5, 2025, we had the privilege of presenting our second Hannah Goetz Foundation Scholarship to Tyler Wood at Windsor High School! Tyler’s application stood out because he demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining positivity and a strong work ethic in the face of adversity. When we created this scholarship, we hoped students would use the opportunity to reflect on Hannah’s life. What we did not expect was for a student to recognize the quiet, often invisible hardships that caregivers of sick loved ones face.

When reading Tyler’s reflection on an individual in his life who cared for two elderly loved ones, Holly felt seen in her own experience caring for Hannah. We care for our loved ones not out of obligation, but out of selfless love—an aspect of these situations that often goes unrecognized. Chronic illness is a complex experience that affects every member of a family, not just the individual with the diagnosis. Through his reflection, Tyler touched on a crucial goal of the Hannah Goetz Foundation: to support the families of those with CF because we know the challenges they endure.

We are so proud of our scholarship winners and grateful to our donors!