On June 25th, our world turned upside down. Shane — the most loving, hard-working, and brilliant man I know — suffered a sudden brain aneurysm with bleeding in the brain and had to be rushed into emergency brain surgery. This has been a life-altering moment — not just a shock, but a true turning point for both of us.

Shane is still in the ICU, and we’ve been told we’ll be here for several more weeks. From there, he will likely need intensive cognitive therapy and a long stretch of healing and rehab before he can safely return to the pace he’s always known.

At this time, Shane is unable to work, and I’ve stepped away from my own work to be by his side full-time. As two self-employed people, we’re facing this without the cushion of traditional benefits or paid leave — and we’re learning how to ask for help, even when it’s hard.

We’ve created this fundraiser to help with:

Shane has always shown up for everyone else — working seven days a week, pouring his heart into everything he does, and giving his all to the people he cares about. Now, it’s our turn to ask for support on his behalf.

Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement means more than we can express. Thank you for standing with us during this deeply difficult time. We’re holding on to hope — and we’re so grateful you’re holding it with us.

Love the Backstroms