Amanda Manuel, Ben, & Shannon French Conner

My name is Ellen Manuel, and our son Zeke is fortunate to be married to Amanda French. She is an AMAZING young woman who deeply loves the Lord, as well as her mother Shannon and brother Ben. When our children married, Shannon shared her hopes and dreams with me about sharing future grandchildren, and also her deep concerns for what would happen to Ben if something happened to her.

Shannon French Conner has devoted her life to caring for her son, Ben, who has Dravet Syndrome, in her home as a single parent. Though Ben is a very strong 23-year-old man, he is developmentally 18 months old, and autistic. Shannon has impacted so many people’s lives in the Dravet and special needs community.

Just before her 50th birthday, Shannon had a major stroke. While in the hospital for 25 days, doctors found that she also has Stage 4 uterine cancer. For the last 8 weeks, Shannon continued to rapidly decline and she is now nearing the end of her journey.

As Amanda looks ahead to the future as Ben’s caregiver, she is honoring her mother’s lifelong commitment to have Ben cared for in the home where he grew up and feels safe and happy. She will be setting up his host home and hiring trusted employees who will be caring for him and taking day & overnight shifts. Caring for Ben is challenging, because though he is a strong young man, his level of understanding and capabilities are at the toddler level, and he is autistic.

In order to create an environment where employees will feel valued and be willing to care for Ben, there are many modifications that are needed in the home, both for the well-being of Ben & the employees, and to meet the legal requirements of the State of Colorado.

HERE ARE THE COSTS THAT AMANDA & ZEKE ARE FACING:

• Shannon’s medical bills: $22,000
• Liability insurance for each host home employee: $1000 per year
• Remodeling rooms of the house to prepare it for the team of people who’ll be caring for Ben: $4,000
• Roof for host home desperately needs replacing: $5800
• Ben is required by law to have access to a kitchen & laundry room – but he likes to tear them apart, so special modifications must be made. Legally required kitchen modifications: $3800
• Monthly mortgage & utilities of host home: $780/month - $9,360/year
• Auto repairs for the van used to transport Ben to medical appointments 5 hours away in Denver: $800
• Loan payments for van to transport Ben $3,600/year
• Lawn care for Ben’s host home: $980/year

TOTAL: $51,340

If you feel led to give to honor Shannon’s life, or out of love for Amanda, Zeke & sweet Ben, know that your gift will make a huge difference in Ben’s life. Those of you who know and love him know that he says, “Aboo!” (I love you.) And we love you too. Thank you for your love & prayers.

To help get the word out, you can share this on your Facebook timeline, with your churches, and in the Dravet and special needs community.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ellen Manuel on behalf of Amanda & Zeke Manuel, and sweet Ben.