Support for Team Shannon Through Her Cancer Journey

Organized by: Dawn Haakenson

I'm starting this GoFundMe page for a very good friend of mine, Shannon Kroeze. We have been best friends for 40 years. Ironically, we were born on the same day, same hospital, same room, and both of our moms' names are Mary. They had to wheel my mom out to wheel Shannon's mom into the delivery room. We grew up together in Northern Wisconsin, played sports together, got in trouble together, worked together, and lived together. Usually, where you would see one, you saw the other.

Shannon has always worked very hard. She is always willing to help others, very generous, fun, funny, dedicated, and very thoughtful. She hasn't had the easiest life, losing both of her brothers and her mom way too soon. She has managed to navigate through life with the memories and support of those who love her.

On February 3rd, 2026, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She will be having a total hysterectomy and possibly the removal of her lymph nodes in that area, which doctors won't know until surgery. The good news is that the cancer has been contained to that area. We do not know yet if she will have to do chemo or radiation. She will be out of work for at least 8 weeks, and with the type of work she does, there is no light duty, so she will need to be 100% before she can return to work.

The funds raised will go directly to Shannon and will be used for medical bills, medications, treatments, and anything else she may need. People are asking what ways they can help, and I think this would be a great way to show her our love and support.

The surgery date is March 16th at 7:30 a.m. She will be in surgery for 3 1/2-4 hours. Thank you all in advance for your kindness and generosity. I will add updates as I get them from her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.