Hi, my name is Craig Woolheater, and I am creating this fundraiser for my friend and fellow North Mesquite High School classmate, Shannon Schwartz.

Like many people, Shannon has faced a series of difficult personal, medical, and financial hardships over the past several years. Despite her efforts to stay afloat and improve her situation, she now finds herself struggling just to cover basic daily needs.

This fundraiser is intended to help Shannon regain some stability, address urgent financial obligations, obtain dependable transportation, and receive the medical and personal support she urgently needs. Any assistance, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in helping her get back on her feet.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story, and for any support, prayers, or shares you can provide.

Here is Shannon’s story:

My name is Shannon Schwartz, and I graduated from NMHS in 1979. I never imagined I would be in a position where I would need to ask for help, but after years of setbacks, I have reached a point where I cannot do this alone anymore.

My husband passed away in 2020, and after a five-year relationship, my boyfriend left last year. Since then, I have been trying to survive completely on my own. I live on five acres with a reverse mortgage, and despite my efforts, I cannot seem to climb out of financial debt.

I have applied for jobs and continue trying to work, but my health problems make daily life difficult. I suffer from neuropathy in my feet, have had two total knee replacements, a fused back, a bulging disc in my neck, and a partially torn rotator cuff in my right arm. I cannot even afford to complete the MRI my doctor says I need. My doctor recently told me that I need to do whatever I can to help myself, and this fundraiser is one of the only options I have left.

My vehicle is a 2006 Infiniti that is in terrible condition. It has no power steering, is becoming less reliable every day, and the title situation has turned into another financial burden. The person I bought it from skipped the title, and I cannot afford the bonded title process needed to legally register it in my name. I desperately need dependable transportation so I can continue applying for work, attend medical appointments, and simply make it through daily life.

Right now, I am struggling to cover even the basics. My bank account is overdrawn. I am behind on bills and payday loans. I owe money to several people who helped me when I had nowhere else to turn. My pets also need veterinary care and medication, and I am struggling to afford food and litter for them.

One of the hardest parts of this situation is that people often assume I am financially stable because I “don’t look my age” or because I try to present myself well. The truth is very different. I have had to ask anonymously for help just to get my yard mowed because I was embarrassed and afraid people would judge me.

I am not asking for luxury or an easy life. I am asking for a chance to stabilize my situation:

Any amount helps, and if you cannot donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to me.

Thank you for reading my story and for any kindness, support, or encouragement you can offer.— Shannon Schwartz