Karns City rallies around Hackwelder family
KARNS CITY — The inspiration of a smile. The power of sheer joy.
Elizabeth Hackwelder lived her life basking in accomplishments most people in the world take for granted.
“Walking, talking, eating ... None of us even think of those things,” her mother, Tara Hackwelder, said. “Elizabeth worked endlessly to get there. She had a glow about her each time she progressed in any area. She loved life.”Elizabeth lost her life at age 8 on Aug. 6. She succumbed to a genetic severe multisystem developmental disorder known as ZTTK syndrome that she had since birth.Tara was a teacher in the Karns City School District who resigned her post to become a stay-at-home mother for her son, Celtan, now a fifth-grader, and Elizabeth.
“She needed a feeding tube when she was 2,” Tara said of her daughter. “I had to be there for her.”Elizabeth's father, Jason Hackwelder, teaches U.S. history at Karns City. He also is an assistant coach on the Gremlins' football team and won the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy as a running back at A-C Valley in 1996.He insists Elizabeth's impact will live in him and his family forever.<b> A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com. </b>
