Battle for Shelly

Shelly (Holzer) Knowlen, a 20-year teaching veteran at Mary Stark Elementary in Mandan, had a mass surgically removed in Bismarck in 2010 from her Bartholin gland.  Since this was extremely rare, she was referred to the University of Minnesota for a second surgery to remove the tissue and lymph nodes proximate to the original tumor.  That subsequent report showed Shelly had “clear margins” with no cancer cells present.  However, in the spring of 2017, a tumor attached to her pelvis which was removed in Sioux Falls, SD and later identified as Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).  In addition, several cancerous nodules had developed in her lungs.  Radiation and non-specific ACC chemotherapy treatments followed in Bismarck and lasted until the end of 2017.  Follow up scans showed the cancer was still present in Shelly’s body, generating referrals to both the University of Minnesota and then the Mayo Clinic in Rochester the spring of 2018.  Because of the rarity of ACC, neither institution had any potential treatment options for Shelly.  Then in November of 2018, the only full-bodied scan given after treatment was administered, showing that tumors had spread into her bones.  One tumor in her right femur was so large, Shelly’s bone was close to breaking, prompting doctors to insert a permanent rod extending the length of her femur.  After an exhaustive search for ACC treatments nationwide, a referral was made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for entry into their ACC clinical trial set to begin in late April/early May.  Shelly and her husband, Scott, will be travelling there for treatments every two weeks or temporarily move there as she receives treatments.  After 3-4 months on this trial, a better assessment can be made by doctors for Shelly’s prognosis.  Meanwhile, the medical/travel/housing expenses are expected to be overwhelming.

Shelly is the shining light in so many people’s lives.  She is always very positive and lives her life to the fullest.  She is there for anyone.  She brings so much love, laughter, and happiness to her family, her students and co-workers, her church family and student ministries, and to her and her husband’s BHS Demon wrestling family. She is absolutely adored by everyone she meets!

Please consider donating to Shelly so she can continue her journey in finding a cure and be able to travel to Houston to receive treatments.  We appreciate everyone’s support during this time.