Destrehan High alum remembered for her caring nature, love of music

Melissa and Hannah Freitas at Niagara Falls.

Melissa Freitas paused as she reflected on what drew others to her daughter Hannah. 

“She loved deeply,” Freitas said. “She loved her family deeply, her friends … she’s so caring. She put others first before herself. Hannah had a lot of friends, and she enjoyed every minute she had to spend with them. 

“She never failed to encourage others, even at the times when she was the one who needed it most.” 

On Jan. 15, Hannah tragically passed away at the age of 26 after a courageous 18-month battle against cancer.  The Destrehan High School graduate of the Class of 2017 had a warm and, as her mother called it, silly personality. 

She loved others, and she loved music. 

Hannah was a member of the Destrehan Wildcats marching band before she moved on to Southeastern University, where she majored in music performance. Playing the flute, she was a member of the Southland Marching band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Basketball Pep Band. She also played with the Northlake Community Band. Along with the flute, she was also a talented piccolo player. 

In 2019, Hannah was a winner of the Southeastern Concerto Competition, and performed as a soloist with the Southeastern Orchestra. 

“That was one of her biggest accomplishments at Southeastern,” Freitas said proudly. 

Following that performance, Hannah spoke to The Lion’s Roar student newspaper about the experience and what advice she’d give others preparing to perform a solo. 

“The most important thing to do is practice, and know the pieces you are playing like the back of your hand,” Hannah said. “Play in different temperatures or environments because you never know what the stage will be like. Play in front of your peers. Playing in front of people you don’t know is easier than playing in front of people you see every day, so it will help the nerves. The main goal is to have fun.” 

Freitas said music was Hannah’s passion. 

“She was an awesome flutist,” Freitas said. “Music was her biggest passion. It was her life.” 

To a somewhat lesser extent, Hannah had another love among her hobbies. She was an avid player of the Nintendo game Mario Kart – and she owned the track, winning several competitions of the racing game. And Hannah loved animals. 

Recently, Hannah got to experience a longtime desire of hers – the LSU New Orleans Gynecologic Oncology team surprised her with an all-expenses paid trip to Niagra Falls. 

“It was Hannah’s dream,” said Freitas. “She enjoyed herself so much … she had three days of absolute full happiness on that trip. It wouldn’t have been possible if not for (LSU’s team) and I thank them so much for that.” 

Hannah’s battle began in August of 2023, when she was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), a very aggressive and very rare cancer. At just 24 years old at the time, she was told this diagnosis carried a life expectancy of just 14 months. There have been only an approximate 500 cases of SCCOHT in the world. 

Doctors first discovered signs of the cancer when an emergency room visit to address a persisting pain in her stomach revealed her problem was likely something much more than a typical stomach issue. 

A tumor was removed just two weeks later and local area doctors had to send samples off to be reviewed and tested at a Northeast hospital, as Hannah’s tumor appeared to be so uncommon most local physicians had not seen a case of it locally before. It was later classified as SCCOHT. There are no established standard treatments for SCCOHT, and most patients are treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. 

Less than eight months later, Hannah learned that she was in remission with no signs of cancer in her body. But on April 16 of 2024 – just two months later – doctors discovered the cancer had returned. 

It’s the second time cancer has affected the Freitas family. Hannah’s father Chip passed away after his own fight against the illness. 

“My sons lost their father 14 years ago to cancer, and now, their sister,” Freitas said. “So, I just try to keep them strong.” 

Pushing through this kind of loss is an unfair burden upon any mother. For Freitas, she tries to take it day by day. 

“Baby steps,” Freitas said. “Some days are better than others. Today (Monday) hasn’t been great. But it’s day by day, just keeping my family together. I’ve been caring for her for 18 months. I don’t know what to do now. I have time on my hands I don’t really know what to do with. 

“She put up one courageous fight for 18 months. She really did.” 

She said the support of her community has been incredible throughout all of this. Friends and co-workers made fundraisers to help the family with medical and treatment expenses, and Freitas said “it meant the world.” 

“It allowed me time to be home with her,” said Freitas, a longtime St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s deputy. “It helped cover a lot of the financial burden. The Sheriff’s Office has been wonderful, as well as the school system and the entire community in general. I can’t thank them enough. Words can’t express how thankful we are.” 

 

 

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