I am reaching out to all Shanacie's old friends on behalf of Shanacie, her parents and her beautiful daughter Addison.

We all remember Shanacie as the beautiful, spunky girl who was always dressed to a "T', loved to dance, sing, and have fun!  How much fun did we all have driving around in the gold Peugeot with Rose and Shanacie, listening to our favorite songs at full blast?!  What you might not know is that our friend has been suffering from debilitating depression and PTSD that has rendered her almost helpless.  She has struggled for a long time with depression but it took a  severe turn when 19 years ago she was raped and left in the woods by someone she trusted.  After spending weeks in the hospital recovering from her physical and emotional wounds - she was released only to find that the emotional scars proved to be too much.  As some of you know, she went down a dark path until the demons and trauma she harbored took over.   Since then, she has lived with her parents in what can only be described as a catonic state.  Completely shut down, she refused for many years to leave her room and can barely carry on a conversation.  Rose and Nelson have tirelessly supported her and have traveled all over trying to find the best therapist to help Shanacie - almost to the point of financial ruin.  But they have persisted and finally there is a small glimmer of hope.

After years of therapists and changing medications - her doctors have recommended that Shanacie finally live on her own (supervised of course by therapist, social worker and her parents).  This is the only way, they feel, she can start learning again how to not only live on her own, but have a life.  With very limited resources (Shanacie receives disability), they have found her a small  apartment.  They want to make it nice for her so she can feel good about her home and hopefully gain back some of the spunk and confidence that we all love and remember her for.  

I am asking you all, as her friends and people that love her, to donate to help Rose and Nelson help Shanacie have a home she can be proud of.  All money will go to buying her furniture, linens, expenses...etc.. and receipts can be provided.  Please consider helping - even the smallest amount will be so appreciated.  If you prefer to buy something off her list, go to 
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/giftregistry/view_registry_guest.jsp?pwsToken=&eventType=Housewarming&registryId=543679819&pwsurl=

All items will be shipped directly to her.


Thank you for your help.
Christina Cavarretta Burke