A woman’s touching tribute to a late sister featuring footage from their childhood has captured the hearts of millions on TikTok.
The viral video shared by Hannah Tabacchi from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showcases the special bond she had with her sister Maria, who passed away in April.
In an interview with Newsweek, the 31-year-old shared her experiences growing up with Maria, who was six years older and had a rare genetic disorder known as Chromosome 10, distal trisomy 10q.
This disorder causes various developmental challenges, including slow growth, reduced muscle tone, and intellectual disabilities. Maria also dealt with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), meaning she could be uncooperative at times.
(L-R) Hannah and Maria dressed up when they were children. A more recent professional image of the sisters.
Heather Tabacchi Photography/Heather Tabacchi
Despite the challenges, Tabacchi’s video shows a family full of love, joy, and cherished memories. In one scene from the tribute, young Tabacchi is seen caring for Maria, illustrating how much pride she took in looking after her older sister. The video sheds light on the depth of their relationship, a bond that transcended Maria’s disabilities.
“Seeing her life and the joy she shared come together in video format brought everyone to tears at her funeral,” she told Newsweek. “Our pastor shared that he assumed we had such a tough life growing up with Maria, but seeing the video come together showed a different side.
“It made me realize that people often see families with children who have disabilities from the outside but never get to see what it really feels like to have such a special human in their lives. In a huge way, it has helped me to process my grief to get to see all of the happy moments we shared together.”
In the caption of the clip that has 2.3 million views, Tabacchi reflected on the impact Maria had on their entire family, recalling how a family therapist once told her parents that it wasn’t Maria they needed to worry about, but how her disability would affect her siblings.
In the caption of her video, Tabacchi disagrees with this statement: “Maria did affect our whole family, but in the best way. She caused us to come together almost every week, to celebrate each birthday together, and to spontaneously meet for Chinese after work. She quickly became the cornerstone of our family.”
(L-R) Two screenshots from the viral video showing Hannah Tabacchi fixing her sister’s hair and the photo shown at Maria’s funeral.
Heather Tabacchi Photography/Heather Tabacchi
Maria’s passing on April 23, 2024, due to restrictive lung disease, was a devastating loss for Tabacchi. To honor her sister, the portrait photographer decided to create an emotional video showcasing their happiest childhood moments. The video ends with more recent footage of Maria posing for a professional shoot with her sister. The final image from that shoot was then displayed at her funeral.
Tabacchi described her sister as someone who found happiness in life’s simple pleasures despite the challenges she faced. “
My favorite part of Maria is that her disability was her normal. She experienced life to its fullest, found joy in the small moments, and inspired us all to walk at a slower pace,” she told Newsweek.
TikTok Reacts
The TikTok tribute resonated with viewers not only because of its emotional depth, but also because it offers a rare glimpse into the world of families living with disabilities.
“Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt video of your beautiful sister. My child is differently-abled and I often think of her future, and her brother’s…this video is so reassuring,” said one commenter.
Another wrote: “She is beautiful, my daughter is special needs and it has shaped my boys into such kind hearted, caring, emotionally connected young men. I fear the future but I know her brothers have her back.”
Tabacchi couldn’t agree more. In the video text, she states that Maria taught her “patience, unconditional love, and to not be so quick to judge someone that looks a little different than me.”
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