Baby who inspired Hannah's Law dies

LEVITTOWN, Pa. -- Hundreds of people gathered in Levittown to hold a candlelight vigil for Hannah Rose Ginion, a baby who inspired Pa.'s Hannah's Law. Little Hannah, who was just shy of her 2nd birthday, lost her battle with a disabling disease.

It's a community joining a family in mourning.

On Sunday, Hannah's family posted the news that she passed away on their Hope for Hannah Facebook page:

"Hannah was called home to be with the Angels this morning. She went peacefully. Please keep us all in your prayers during this difficult time."

Nicknamed 'Hannah Bear,' she gained support here and across the world for raising awareness for Krabbe disease.

It's a rare inherited disease that slowly blocks messages between the brain and body.

Little Hannah went blind, required a feeding tube and had limited movement.

Babies like Hannah are born healthy and most parents are unaware that they are afflicted.

Her mother Vicky Pizzullo fought to change that and worked to successfully pass legislation to add the disease to the list that Pennsylvania newborns are screened for.

There is no cure yet but if diagnosed early, treatment can lessen the effects. When diagnosed at 4-months, Hannah's effects were irreversible.

Within hours of learning about her death, Facebook followers and the community, many of whom started fundraisers for her, organized a vigil to show support.

"This is something you can't go through alone. You need all the support you can get," said Pizzullo.

"We couldn't get through this if it wasn't for everyone here. All these people - they all played their part every step of the way whether it was a shoulder to cry on or someone to hang out with," said Justin Ginion, dad.

Both Hannah's family and the community say they will continue raising awareness in her memory.