Left to right: Kaitlin, Keith, Addie, Bridget and Erin.

In high school, Bridget was an exemplary athlete, lettering in three different sports — basketball, track and cross-country. She carried her love of athletics with her to college where she majored in Mathematics Education and minored in Physical Education. She later completed a major in Physical Education at Kennesaw State University. She taught school in Cobb County. The Hammonds have lived in Towne Lake for 17 years, and many know Keith from his position as Director of the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency.
 
Andrea Currie, her sister said Bridget was at her best when she was helping others. “She always had a smile on her face, and her concern was always for others. Even at her sickest, she was concerned for a friend whose father had passed recently. That was just Bridget,” Andrea said.
 
A real testament to the effect Bridget had on others was never more evident than when she got ill. As is typical in a lot of neighborhoods, friends and neighbors brought food for the family so they wouldn’t have to worry about cooking dinner. But thanks to the efforts of Lisa Reidy, the meal help went beyond the ordinary for someone out of the ordinary. “Lisa became the online voice for all of us. She kept us informed and in touch and organized the family’s weekly dinners,” recalled friend Tina Wilkins.
 
Of those who new Bridget best, the same word is used over and over — strength. “Her strength was always there, even in her darkest hours,” commented Andrea. “And that strength has been carried on through her daughters.” In fact, the day Bridget passed, Erin stayed home from school and planned a “celebration” party for her mom which took place Mother’s Day weekend. More than 300 people showed up at a cul-de-sac in Eagle Watch to celebrate the life that touched so many.
 
Another word associated with Bridget is “team.” “Bridget loved teams. She played on teams, loved the UGA teams and believed in the power of teamwork,” noted Tina. “Her family was definitely her most important team. She was all about family,” noted Andrea.
 
This spring, to help with mounting medical costs, Tina, an avid runner, ran the ING Georgia Marathon as Team Bridget. “The name was fitting as much as Bridget loved teams,” noted Tina. “We thought we would raise a few hundred dollars when in fact, we raised $5,000 through donations, t-shirt sales and magnets, all of which went to the family,” she continued. Team Bridget continues today with funds being collected for the girls’ education. Today, you can still see many of the more than 200 Team Bridget t-shirts adorning many who knew Bridget as well as the magnets on many cars. “Those t-shirts and magnets are a way for Bridget to still be in the community,” remarked Tina.