The Cover Artist – Anna Henning, 14 years old
In October of 2004 the life as the Henning family knew it would be changed forever when their youngest daughter, Anna Henning, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. At the time Anna was only 11 years old. After discovering the tumor, doctors at Children’s Hospital had to perform immediate surgery to remove it. Following surgery, Anna’s recovery was right on track, however 10 days later everything changed. Anna suddenly developed a systemic infection and went into a coma. She spent seven weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Children’s Hospital.
“There were several occasions during her stay in ICU that we came close to losing her,” said Claire Henning, Anna’s mother. “However, she eventually came out of the coma and began showing gradual improvements.”
After spending a total of four months in Children’s Hospital she was finally able to go home. However, prior to her discharge from the hospital she was diagnosed with profound muscle weakness, which caused her to be unable to speak or walk.
“The doctors said she would be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life and that we should consider an assisted living facility for Anna,” said Claire.
The Henning family would not give up that easily. They immediately began working with UAB’s Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Children’s Hospital two days a week for more than one year. Anna has now worked her way to physical and occupational therapy once a week. Three years later Anna has gone from an unresponsive state to developing basic motor skills such as talking, writing, drawing, coloring and learning to walk with assistance.
After seeing how much Anna’s condition has improved over the last three years, the doctors have no longer put limits on how well she will continue to improve. The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders is honored to have Anna’s artwork featured on the cover of this year’s Parade of Homes Plan Book and the Association prays for Anna’s full recovery.
From left to right : Anna Henning and Mary Kathryn Fletcher
Anna Henning as she finds out she is the winner!
© 2009 The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
