Letters: Jack Hanna's heartbreaking journey will shed light on disease that wreaks lives

Letters to the Editor
·6 min read
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Jack Hanna takes a nap in the sun on the deck of his home overlooking Flathead Lake in Bigfork, Mont. on May 2, 2023. Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in October 2019. One symptom is sundown syndrome, which causes increased confusion in the evening resulting in staying up late into the night. Jack’s wife, Suzi, says he frequently stays up until 3 or 4 a.m. and sleeps past noon.
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We love you, Jack.

The Columbus Dispatch presented a very touching account of the heartbreaking journey forJack Hanna and his family as Alzheimer's Disease destroys this incredible man — loved and admired by so many throughout the United States for his leadership of the world-renown Columbus Zoo.

More: Jack Hanna's long goodbye: How Alzheimer's is stripping away the man the world once knew

While it is understandable that Jack did not want to disclose his diagnosis which might be seen as detrimental to his cherished Columbus Zoo, his story has shed light on the devastating effects the disease wreaks upon the individual and the family.

Alzheimer's knows no boundaries as to who succumbs to the disease with early onset even more overwhelming as often the course of the disease can last well beyond 7 years.

Jack Hanna: Celebrating 40 years at the Columbus Zoo

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hannas as the newspaper article captured the frustration, the agony, the heart wrenching days experienced by Jack and caregiver wife Suzi yet through it all is the sustaining love of his family.

God bless this extraordinary family and comfort them throughout the journey.

We love you, Jack.

Ruth W. Johnson, Columbus

An encounter with Jack Hanna

Jack Hanna stands on the porch of a cabin on his farm in Bigfork, Mont. on May 1, 2023. Due to Jack’s declining health, the family put the farm on the market that day. Once always seen wearing khaki, Jack now mostly wears jeans and t-shirts in his life outside of the public eye.
Jack Hanna stands on the porch of a cabin on his farm in Bigfork, Mont. on May 1, 2023. Due to Jack’s declining health, the family put the farm on the market that day. Once always seen wearing khaki, Jack now mostly wears jeans and t-shirts in his life outside of the public eye.

My son, Ashton, and I feel so lucky that we got to meet and talk to Jack Hanna in September 2015. He came to an event we attended in our east side community to learn more about the Columbus Zoo.

Jack was engaging, energetic, and seemed genuinely pleased to be with all of us. And he even autographed a photo for my son — and an extra one for my son’s brother who could not attend the event with us.

The photo of him and us captures a happier time in his life... probably like the feeling that so many other families got when they encountered Jack Hanna.

Q&A: Families combating Alzheimer's disease are not alone. What you need to know

Larry Pliskin, Columbus

Hannas, other families can be included, supported

The helplessness expressed by Jack Hanna’s family is heart wrenching.

Equally as devastating is the isolation, exhaustion and loneliness they are experiencing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, communities throughout Ohio are becoming dementia friendly so that those impacted by dementia are included, supported and understood.

https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/2023/04/17/then-what-happened-podcast-featuring-tom-schmid-of-the-columbus-zoo-and-aquarium/70112871007/

What is a dementia friendly community?

It is a village, town, or city that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers, and provides supportive options that foster quality of life.

In fact, our very own community of Clintonville has been designated a Dementia Friendly community by Dementia Friendly America. As a Dementia Friendly community, Clintonville has pledged to help people living with dementia to thrive and remain engaged in the community by raising awareness about dementia and reducing stigma; supporting family and friend care partners; and promoting meaningful participation in community life for everyone.

CRC: Clintonville group aims to start program to help people with dementia, their caregivers

How can you get involved and be part of a growing movement to make Ohio a dementia friendly state?

Dementia Friendly communities are started by residents, business owners, and service providers joining together with a shared mission to create a more dementia inclusive culture in their local area. As the state lead for Dementia Friendly Ohio, we work with all communities in our state - large and small- who want help those impacted by dementia continue to live meaningful and purposeful lives.

You can learn more about how to begin your journey at ocfch.org/dfc/dementia-friendly-communities/.

Our goal? Nothing short of a dementia friendly Ohio where all individuals impacted by dementia live with meaning and purpose even as abilities change. Imagine how different the Hanna family’s life would be if they felt included, understood and supported.

We hope you will join us on this important journey.

Dr. Bonnie Burman, president, Ohio Council for Cognitive Health www.ocfch.org

Love and prays for Suzi and Jack

After telling him that the dentist appointment was her own just to get him to the office, Suzi Hanna sits beside her husband, Jack, as the dentist prepares to repair a crown and cavity in Jack’s mouth.
After telling him that the dentist appointment was her own just to get him to the office, Suzi Hanna sits beside her husband, Jack, as the dentist prepares to repair a crown and cavity in Jack’s mouth.

Jack Hanna along with his wife, Suzi, have been such a gift to the Columbus Zoo and were paramount in rebuilding the Zoo to prominence and rallying community support for the continued growth the Zoo has enjoyed.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of being an instructor for Suzi Hanna at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

More: Suzi Hanna addresses Muskingum University graduates

I remember Suzi saying that Jack questioned why she wanted to study to become a registered nurse when she could travel the world with him in his profession.

Suzi said she wanted to pursue her own identity even if she chose never to practice as a nurse.

She was a smart student who always applied herself to the art of nursing. Jack can be very thankful now that Suzi has that skill set as she walks with him and cares for him during his journey with Alzheimer's.

Love and prayers to both of them and the family.

Registered Nurse Pam Gruenwald, Baltimore

Suzi Hanna sheds light on 'invisible second patient'

CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Thank you to Suzi Hanna for sharing her honest story about the heartbreaking challenges of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's/dementia.

As a fellow caregiver, there is much more the public needs to know about this devastating disease and the profound impact it has on caregivers.

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, those of us who care for a spouse with dementia are six times more likely to get the disease than the ordinary public.

Gupta refers to us as the "invisible second patient." Our increased stress, loneliness, depression and inactivity can create a profound sense of hopelessness.

Sadly, the Columbus area is devoid of community programs that offer in person socialization for early-stage dementia patients and their caregivers. These people still crave socialization, mental stimulation, and a touch of human kindness. They can still enjoy music and activities.

Millions of dollars are raised every year in the name of Alzheimer's disease.

So why are none of these funds used to implement community programs that would keep us and our spouses from withering away at home? On behalf of all of my friends who are caregivers, we do not need more referrals to support groups or fact sheets/Zoom meetings about the stages of dementia.

Is anyone out there from libraries, senior centers, church groups or the Alzheimer's Association willing to step up to the plate?

Patricia Moriarty, Reynoldsburg

Extraordinary Jack Hanna helped us say goodbye

I would like to share a memory of Jack that highlights the empathy and kindness he showed toward people.

Our son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma his senior year at Gahanna High School.

After about two years of chemo, surgeries and radiation The Special Wish Foundation contacted us. Our son loved the outdoors and all creatures, big and small. He had a pet boa constrictor and green iguana.

He said his wish was to go to the zoo and see some of the behind-the-scenes action. Jack met our family at the gate and took us on a guided tour.

He had a photographer take pictures of our son enjoying his last wish. Soon afterwards we received those pictures that I cherish to this day.

Jack also continued to call and check on David, and he even came to David's funeral.  We were touched as he helped us with our goodbye.

It saddens me to hear about Jack.  He was an extraordinary person.

Marcia Anderson, Gahanna

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Jack Hanna's heartbreaking journey will shed light on Alzheimer's disease