From cancer survivor to Mile Champion: Hannah shares her sparkle
In August 2024, Andy Daubenmire, senior director of portfolio analytics at Bread Financial®, took his then fourth-grade daughter, Hannah, to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for a routine exam after she complained of knee pain. The family was shocked to learn that Hannah’s pain was an osteosarcoma tumor between her knee and tibia.
Soon after her diagnosis, Hannah began 10 weeks of chemotherapy before undergoing surgery to reconstruct her knee and tibia with a metal implant.
“From her diagnosis, things moved pretty quickly,” said Andy. “We discovered the cancer was localized in her leg which was good news, and she immediately went into surgery to get her port and start her first round of chemo.”
Despite the difficult situation, Hannah kept her positivity with a newfound mantra: “never lose your sparkle,” stemming from her love of Taylor Swift, glitter and sparkle. With the help of her medical team, friends and family, Hannah was able to find enjoyment during her hospital stays and treatments.
“The care we've received at Nationwide Children's has meant everything to us,” said Hannah’s mom, Julie. “We know living in Columbus, we are fortunate to be right by a best-in-class children’s hospital. What we could not have imagined going into this journey is the second family we would build with the oncology and orthopedic teams.”
The care we've received at Nationwide Children's has meant everything to us."
Julie Daubenmire - Hannah's mom
After 18 rounds of chemo, limb reconstruction surgery and 54 nights in the hospital, Hannah completed her treatment in April 2025 and is now on the road to recovery. Once an avid runner, Hannah is regaining mobility in her newly reconstructed knee as she adjusts to her new normal.
“With the limited ability to do contact sports, she has found a new love of sled hockey,” said Andy. “Getting back to school this year was also a big deal for her since she missed all of fourth grade. She is excited to be back with friends and doing normal kid things again.”
Hannah is now ready to represent Bread Financial by serving as a Mile Champion at the upcoming Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 19. The half and full marathon races will feature a young patient at 24 of the mile markers to motivate runners and serve as a visible example of the life-saving care provided by the hospital. The remaining Encore Mile will recognize past champions, and the Remembrance Mile will honor those no longer with us. Together, they represent more than 1.9 million patients that visit the hospital every year.
A longtime community partner of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Bread Financial will sponsor the seven-mile marker. There, Hannah and her team will greet runners with glitter, disco balls, a bedazzled boombox, posters of encouragement and a reminder to “never lose your sparkle.”
“Our extended family and friends are coming to help us celebrate,” said Andy. “We’ll be cheering on the runners, but it will also be a day to honor of Hannah and all she’s been through.”
Those interested in supporting Hannah’s team can donate on her fundraising page. All proceeds will go to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s hematology and oncology program. Runners are also invited to make a stop at mile seven for a high five from Hannah and a perfectly crafted pump-up playlist.
About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.
To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
