Brighten Shannon's Days: Donate for Medical and Living Costs

Born and raised in Manheim, PA Lancaster County, Shannon managed to make the most of every experience even as a farm girl. She has never been idle: playing boys intermural soccer, Girl Scouts, church groups & clubs, Chansodie (select vocal ensemble), Cologuard, and of course any kind of performing she could find. She was always trying to make a difference, serving on any focus group, hiring panel, or chairing any committee that needed funds raised or attention put on its worthy cause.

In her mid-20’s a friend said to her, “you’re living 3 people’s lives” and I think that might be the most accurate description of her experiences for the past 42 years. She has been blessed to spend 10+ years in nonprofit event planning and fundraising with the American Cancer Society, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia and TMA of Chester County, raising millions for these important causes and meeting amazingly dedicated volunteers and survivors along the way.

Shannon has worked for the federal government making an impact on the safety of our nation and traveling officially with her diplomatic passport. She spent 2 years diving headfirst into fulltime acting as a stuntwoman, performer, and dabbled in film.

In 2012, she started Dashing Rogue, taking her love for food and craft beer into people’s homes all with the goal of someday opening her own restaurant. Not the gastropub she envisioned, but still a project from the heart, she and Tommy Brower opened Bright Spot Café in 2018, its name and décor embodying being the Bright Spot of people’s day from the beginning. Since then, they have brought Lancaster County farm-to-table foods of my childhood, my love of entertaining and making people feel special, and our passion for filling bellies to countless families in PA and Sea Isle City, NJ.

Shannon's driving passion for the longest season of her life has been the Renaissance Faire and its community, culture of welcoming, and ability to spread joy to countless people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s no secret that her biggest life goal from the age of 6 has been to be Queen Elizabeth I at PARF, a goal that she has made peace with remaining unfulfilled, but one thing from her experience is that perhaps she has become queen of many people’s hearts and that alone is a greater honor than she could ever imagine.

Shannon's two favorite things in the world are entertaining and travel. She wants to sing and perform for you; have you laughing at her jokes and make your heart warmer from your interaction. Shannon always wanted to cook for you, fill your belly and soul with good feelings and enjoy your conversation and stories as you indulge. She wants to see the world and understand better other cultures, histories, and culinary delights. Those are the things that bring Shannon the greatest fulfilment in the world, and with your help, we want to make Shannon's wishes to travel become a reality!

Shannon was frequently ill and not feeling well since 2022. She began to get sick more frequently and then struggled to breath. On August 20, 2024, she was rushed to the local hospital with an acute illness. When her condition quickly began to worsen, she was transported to Cooper Hospital where she was hospitalized for over a month. Shannon's life that she once knew, was changed in an instant, when she was diagnosed with Connective tissue disease. This uncurable disease affects the parts of the body that connect the structures of the body together. In connective tissue diseases, your immune system attacks the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. In later stages, organs — such as the lungs, heart and kidneys — can be affected. Mixed connective tissue disease is an autoimmune disorder, although the cause isn't known. In autoimmune disorders, your immune system — responsible for fighting off disease — mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Shannon has tested positive for several autoimmune disorders and shows multiple symptoms. Her lung capacity continues to decrease. She can't breathe on her own and needs oxygen with 24/7 and will forever unless she gets a lung transplant. She is at the point where she needs oxygen around the clock. Everyday tasks such as walking and talking at the same time are almost impossible for Shannon and her life is dependent on a portable concentrator.

Our hope is that together, we can become Shannon's BRIGHT SPOT as we help her. Since Shannon is unable to work, all donations will go towards medical costs, medical needs, and living expenses. We would love to buy an electric scooter, a hitch for the car, and check items off Shannon's bucket list so that she can experience the natural beauties of life.

Just as Shannon has brought light into your life and touched your heart, I am asking you to do the same for her. Please consider monetary donations to help my beautiful friend Shannon fulfil her bucket list of hopes and dreams... one day at a time!

Thank you,

Ian