Notre Dame's Head Coach and former New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis and his wife Maura founded Hannah & Friends in recognition of their daughter Hannah, who has been affected by developmental disorders.
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A Mother's Letter
When I was seven months into my pregnancy with Hannah, the doctors told me she had Polycystic Kidney Disease and wouldn't live for more than a few days. more...
Watch an interview with Maura Weis
from the Hannah and Friends office
View Photos of Coach Weis' visit with soldiers in Germany and the Middle East
Charlie Weis Appointed To President's Committee For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Irish football head coach one of 13 people appointed to two-year term by President Bush
Coach Weis is sworn into President's Committee For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Miles from the Sideline
A Mother's Journey with her Special Needs Daughter
By Maura Weis
Learn more about Miles from the Sideline
Maura Weis discusses "Different Abilities"
I would like to share with you the phrase that I like to use instead of disabilities. The phrase is “different abilities”. I say this because I know first hand how people with so called “disabilities” really just have different abilities. My daughter Hannah has global delays and was originally diagnosed with Autism so she fits in the disabilities category. Now let me tell you what she has done in her 12 years with disabilities.
Hannah has taught me how to truly love someone unconditionally. She has taught me patience. She has deepened my faith in God. She has inspired me to write a book about our journey together. She has inspired me and Charlie to help others in need and not just think of ourselves by starting our organization Hannah and Friends. All of these lessons I have learned thru a child who couldn’t say “mommy” until she was 9 years old. The lessons learned through our friends with different abilities are what God has put us on earth for. Their lives are very difficult and they are not given much credit for having the hardships of mental or physical limitations. They work harder than any of us and they manage to be grateful and happy. How many of us can say the same?
Many people I am sure have felt bad for us for having a child with disabilities but I say “we are the lucky ones”. God has chosen to give us the gift of Hannah, our special angel who keeps life in proper perspective.
As she grows, so do I. The thing that always gets me is the public’s perception of a person who has different abilities. You would think with all of the awareness that is out there about people with Autism or Global delays that they would be more compassionate. Yet this is not really the case. I know people do not like talking about this, but as Hannah’s mom I can tell you it needs to be addressed. I have been in stores where people stare at my daughter and judge her and it hurts. To me, she is 100% perfect in every way. She is not the one with the problem. She may have a melt down and not one person will smile a compassionate smile or offer any assistance. Can you imagine having your child have problems and now you have to deal with these types of situations?
This is one of the reasons we started Hannah and Friends. We want to change the mind set of “normal people.” We want them to know that people with disabilities are people too. If a person has autism it does not mean that they do not have feelings, they do, they just cannot communicate them to us all of the time. Communication is a key issue for many people with different abilities. Can you imagine going one day without speaking? Now can you imagine how difficult it is for them everyday. Compassion is here in our community or we would not be able to build our farm in South Bend so soon.
Read "Perfect Souls" by Maura Weis
Hannah & Friends Farm Update
With the cutting of a giant red ribbon in front of the fireplace, dreams became reality. Another chapter was written, and one was just getting started in the history book of Hannah and Friends. On Saturday, August 16, the Frank Eck Rec Center, the main building of the Hannah and Friends Farm, was unveiled to the public with an open house. Visitors were greeted with a reception that captured the peaceful vision that Hannah and Friends Chair Maura Weis has for the farm. Some visitors talked amongst themselves and enjoyed refreshments, while others toured various rooms in the center, as a pianist played in the background.
Several special guests, both expected and unexpected, joined in on the festivities including Indiana 2nd District Congressman Joe Donnelly, board member Richard Nussbaum, and Coach Charlie Weis, Maura's husband and vice chair of Hannah and Friends among others. A short program was held at 11 a. m. to recognize everyone who assisted in making the Eck Rec Center a reality. It became apparent through the tone of the presentation how thankful the Weises, and Hannah and Friends, are to the community for its generosity. The day as a whole was a complete success, and marked the beginning of a community that will serve adults with "different abilities" for many generations to come.By Chris Bankowski
Hannah & Friends Farm Frequently Asked Questions
View plans for Hannah & Friends Farm
Update from Maura and Charlie Weis
This year for Hannah and Friends has been simply “Amazing”. We have purchased 30 acres here in South Bend for the farm and residential homes. We had our ground breaking ceremony on August 4th and it was very special. Hannah actually made it to the ceremony and she clearly liked being the star. She had the biggest smile on her face as she lifted the shovel and received applause from all of our friends. It was a great day for Hannah and Friends and it could not have happened this quickly without your generosity. I may be considered the chairman of our organization, but I know the chairman is really God. Whenever we need something or someone, God seems to send them our way and we are genuinely blessed. Continue...
