The Empowered Woman: Hannah Nabors

Hannah Nabors wears many hats: wife, mother of two energetic boys, teacher, coach, and runner. But to those who know her, she’s a beacon of strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. As an inclusion and resource teacher at Armuchee Elementary School and a champion board member for ESP Rome, Hannah has long been a force for good in our community. In February 2025, her life took a dramatic turn that would test her courage and faith.

On the morning drive to school with her youngest son, Hannah was involved in a devastating car accident. Her vehicle rolled over and landed on its side, trapping her inside for two hours. Miraculously, her son was unharmed and rescued quickly. As emergency crews worked to free her, Hannah describes experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding. She was living something we so often pray for.

Once extracted, Hannah was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to Erlanger for specialized care. Her injuries were extensive, with the most critical damage to her leg. She and her medical team fought to save it, but ultimately, amputation was necessary.

Waking up to this new reality, Hannah’s spirit, optimism, and drive took over. She recalls telling her family, “I want every light in this room on, no flowers, except yellow. No one comes in here to cry, and I’m going to run a marathon – the Boston Marathon.”

That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. Hannah leaned into her faith, her community, and a growing network of fellow amputees she connected with online. These relationships became lifelines, offering encouragement, resources, and solidarity. Through one of these new connections, Hannah received a bib to run the Boston Marathon in April 2026! Hannah shares, “We don’t choose ‘our hard’ but we shouldn’t have to give up a life we love, stop pursuing our dreams or chasing goals because something hard happens to us.”

When asked how she stays so positive, Hannah points to the outpouring of love and support she’s received from our community. The morning after the accident, Hannah's friends, co-workers, and workout groups gathered to run in her honor. From that small but meaningful act of support, to a 5k in her honor with over 700 participants, Hannah shared this community showed up and their support has been overwhelming. “Everywhere I turn, everywhere I go, there is somebody cheering me on,” she says. “That kind of support makes it easy to choose joy.”

Hannah’s journey has also ignited her advocacy. She’s working with others to pass a bill in the state legislature that would ensure insurance coverage for prosthetics. She’s also pushing for a local support group, recognizing that no one should face this journey alone.

Hannah isn’t just surviving, she’s thriving. She’s running toward her dreams, lifting others along the way, and proving that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, joy is a choice. And she chooses it every single day.

Know an empowered woman you’d like to see featured? Email us their name, contact information and what makes them empowered.