Counting What Counts
A mother’s story of gratitude, connection, and celebrating life every day.
NorthStar Care Community Presents: Life’s Big Moments Feature Story— June 2026
In a conversation with Jordan Carson, Heather Hansen shares how her son Liam’s legacy continues to guide her perspective on life, relationships, and celebrating each day.
Four quarters. One hundred pennies. 11:11.
At first glance, they may seem unrelated. But for Heather Hansen, each carries a profound reminder of what truly matters.
Just over five years ago, Heather held the hand of her 19-year-old son, Liam, for the last time. Diagnosed as a sophomore in high school with an inoperable brain tumor, Liam spent nearly three years navigating treatments, hospital stays, physical challenges, and uncertainty. Yet when Heather reflects on her son’s life, it is not the illness she remembers most.
It is the way he lived.
“We like to think as parents that it’s our job to teach our children,” Heather shared. “But I learned so profoundly from my son.”
One of Liam’s greatest lessons came through a simple comparison. He understood the value of having “four quarters instead of one hundred pennies.” While he was liked by many, he treasured genuine friendships and meaningful connections. He knew that a few people who truly know and love you are worth more than a crowd of acquaintances.
It was a lesson that would stay with Heather long after Liam’s passing.
Liam taught her something else, too.
He lived in the moment.
Despite facing challenges most people could never imagine, he rarely complained. Instead, he found joy in ordinary days, laughter in small moments, and reasons to celebrate life even during difficult seasons. His light had a way of making life feel a little brighter for everyone around him.
As Liam’s disease progressed, hospice became part of the family’s journey. What began as a frightening conversation soon became a source of comfort, guidance, and support. The Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Program for Children helped ensure that Liam and his family could focus on spending time together rather than navigating the countless details that accompany serious illness.
Among the many memories they created was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Los Angeles. Liam met favorite celebrities, attended the premiere of Jumanji: The Next Level, and enjoyed experiences that allowed his family to step away from the realities of cancer, if only for a moment.
Yet when Heather looks back today, it isn’t the red carpet or the celebrity encounters that she treasures most.
It’s the people.
The care team who prepared her.
The support that surrounded her family.
The guidance that allowed them to simply be together.
And the moments that mattered most.
Today, another reminder arrives every day at 11:11.
Liam’s brother, Walker, sends his mom a simple text message. It’s a small gesture that has become a cherished ritual, a reminder of their bond, of Liam’s presence in their lives, and of the love that continues long after goodbye.
For Heather, every 11:11 text is more than a message.
It’s a celebration.
A celebration of connection.
A celebration of family.
A celebration of a young man whose life continues to shape the people who loved him most.
“We weren’t able to have a funeral or celebration of Liam’s life because he passed away during COVID,” Heather wrote. “But the truth is, every day that I think of Liam is a celebration of life.”
Perhaps that is Liam’s greatest lesson of all.
Count what counts.
Treasure the people who matter.
Find joy in ordinary moments.
And never miss an opportunity to celebrate life.
Life’s Big Moments is a storytelling initiative by NorthStar Care Community that honors the people, relationships, and moments that shape our lives. Our mission is to normalize conversations and planning around end-of-life care—so meaningful, timely discussions can happen when they matter most.
NorthStar Care Community is a nationwide organization providing programs and services focused on quality end-of-life care.
Our commitment—Every Person. Every Time.—means doing what’s right for patients, families, community partners, referral sources, donors, employees, and volunteers alike. We offer palliative care, hospice care, caregiver education, and grief support, ensuring accessible care for everyone, no matter their age, diagnosis, or financial situation. We allow time for sharing both the big and the quiet moments that shape the lives of our patients, families, and caregivers.
If this story speaks to you, we invite you to share Life’s Big Moments with friends, family, or colleagues.Together, we can help create a more open and compassionate conversations about quality end-of-life care for all.
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