Honoring Hannah Bernard: Cape Canaveral Community Rallies for CRPS Awareness
The Cape Canaveral community is coming together to remember Hannah Bernard, a local girl whose life was tragically cut short in 2015 due to complications from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Her story continues to touch hearts across Brevard County, inspiring action and awareness about this often misunderstood condition.
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A Life Remembered: Hannah’s Battle with CRPS
Hannah Bernard passed away on December 17, 2015, after fighting Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a condition characterized by severe, burning pain that often affects limbs after injury or surgery. What makes Hannah’s story particularly impactful is how her vibrant spirit persisted despite facing unimaginable pain daily.
I’ve spoken with several community members who knew Hannah, and they all describe her the same way – resilient, kind, and always thinking of others even while battling her own challenges.
Community Support: Upcoming Memorial Fundraiser
Mark your calendars, Melbourne and Cape Canaveral residents! A special fundraiser honoring Hannah’s memory is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar, located at 116 Jackson Avenue in Cape Canaveral.
This event promises to bring together friends, family, and community members to support the Hannah Bernard Memorial Fund, which helps raise awareness about CRPS and provides resources for affected families in our area.
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What to Expect at the Fundraiser
- Live local music
- Silent auction featuring donations from Space Coast businesses
- Educational materials about CRPS
- Testimonials from families impacted by the condition
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others in our community while contributing to a cause that affects more local families than many realize.
Understanding CRPS: What Our Community Should Know
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome might not be a household name in Brevard County, but its impact is significant. This chronic pain condition most commonly affects arms, legs, hands, or feet after an injury or surgery.
Key Facts About CRPS
| CRPS Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptom | Intense, burning pain disproportionate to the initial injury |
| Additional Symptoms | Swelling, skin color changes, temperature sensitivity, motor dysfunction |
| Prevalence | More common in women; can affect people of all ages, including children |
| Treatment | Typically requires multidisciplinary approach (medication, therapy, psychological support) |
What makes CRPS particularly challenging is that many healthcare providers in our area aren’t familiar with its symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Hannah’s Legacy: How You Can Help
Hannah’s story reminds us that even the youngest members of our Cape Canaveral community can leave lasting legacies. Her family has worked tirelessly to ensure that other children with CRPS receive better understanding, treatment, and support.
Here’s how you can contribute to Hannah’s legacy:
- Attend the December 2025 fundraiser at Ellie Mae’s
- Share information about CRPS with your healthcare providers
- Support local families affected by chronic pain conditions
- Volunteer with the Hannah Bernard Memorial organization
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Local Resources for CRPS Patients in Melbourne and Brevard County
If you or someone you know is battling CRPS in the Space Coast area, these local resources may help:
- Parrish Medical Center Pain Management Program
- Health First Pain Management Specialists
- Space Coast CRPS Support Group (meets monthly)
- Brevard County Chronic Pain Alliance
Many families tell me they didn’t know where to turn after diagnosis. These local resources can make all the difference for Space Coast residents navigating chronic pain conditions.
Why Community Events Matter for Rare Conditions
Events like the upcoming fundraiser do more than just raise money – they create visibility for conditions that often remain hidden. In our tight-knit Brevard community, awareness can spread quickly, potentially helping someone get diagnosed earlier or connecting a struggling family with needed resources.
Will You Join Us in Remembering Hannah?
The strength of our Melbourne and Cape Canaveral community has always been our willingness to support each other. Hannah Bernard’s story isn’t just about loss – it’s about how one young life continues to create positive change years later.
I hope to see you at Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar on December 2, 2025. Together, we can ensure Hannah’s memory lives on through increased awareness, research funding, and support for local families affected by CRPS.
Have you been impacted by CRPS or known someone who has? Share your story in the comments below or bring it to share at the upcoming memorial event.
Source: Hannah Bernard Memorial Fund