Brittanie Siobhan Hansen

As you know, I used to live in Florida performing at Disneyworld. While there, I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing, amazing people, including my dear friend Madison Hansen, and her older sister Brittanie. Brittanie moved back to Utah in October and has not been able to return to Disney, and this morning, she surrendered to her battle with cancer. She was 26 years old, and lived a very full life. Though I spoke with her family this morning, Madison announced it to her general friends this evening.

"As I'm sure you all know, my sweet sister Brittanie Siobhan was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer back in October. After a long, hard battle with no complaints, her fight ended this morning around 8:30. She was very peaceful and there was no struggle. Her breathing stopped and shortly after, so did her sweet little heart. We know she is dancing with angels and watching over us while we grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the life. We are planning on having the funeral next Saturday, March 13th. There will also be a viewing the night before at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful. I will confirm the times and let everyone know the location of the funeral. If you would like to, please join us as we celebrate her beautiful life. Thank you all for everything you've done for our family over these last months. Please watch the Salt Lake Tribune and the Davis County Clipper for the obituary for funeral details. We love you all."

Death. Its such a strange thing. I have not had much experience with death, though more than others, and as I sit and contemplate the life of my dear friend, I can't help but go through intense periods of emotion and numbness. It's so strange to not have control over emotions and reactions. We knew this was coming, and we all had time to prepare for it. To be honest, I decided I didn't have time to deal with it this week, and so I kept shoving it in the back of my heart for another time to deal with. Well, now is that time. I can't explain the thoughts that go through my head. But I do know that this week will bring the 9 of us Florida friends closer than ever before, and I pray that Brittanie's family, ESPECIALLY my dear friend Madison, find/feel peace and love for the Lord and the experiences they have been given. Its an odd perspective: trying to feel love for the Lord for "allowing this to happen". But in my short life experience, I feel that there really isn't another way to feel about it. But that's just personal. Rest in Peace Brittanie. We love and will miss you.