SUPPORT SHANNON PERSAUD & JAI'S FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER!

Help Support Shannon's Brave Fight Against Breast Cancer: A Nurse, Wife, and Mother of Four

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,

We are reaching out to you today with an urgent plea for support for our dear friend, Shannon. Shannon, a remarkable 39-year-old registered nurse, devoted wife, and mother of four beautiful girls, is facing the fight of her life against a recent breast cancer diagnosis.

This year has already presented immense challenges for Shannon. Beyond this new diagnosis, she has been battling an increased number of lupus flare-ups and enduring daily, debilitating pain from fibromyalgia. These chronic conditions have often made simple daily tasks, even getting out of bed, a significant struggle, let alone working full-time. Thankfully, she qualified for intermittent FMLA, providing some peace of mind regarding her job security, though it is unpaid leave. She was eagerly looking forward to returning to full-time work and regaining her health. Then, one morning, her world shifted when she discovered a lump in her left breast.

For over 18 years, Shannon has dedicated her life to nursing, consistently putting her own health struggles aside to provide compassionate, high-quality care to her patients. She has always shown up with a smile, prioritizing their needs, even in their most difficult and scary times. For Shannon, nursing is more than just a job; it's a privilege. She deeply values being present for her patients, often holding their hands and ensuring they never feel alone, especially in their final moments. In a true testament to her selfless nature, on the very morning she discovered the lump, Shannon made sure her patients were stable before clocking out for a "lunch" break to get a mammogram. (A special thank you to her wonderful friend Fabi, who covered her assignment and encouraged her to get it checked immediately.)

We are now asking for your support as Shannon navigates this challenging journey back to wellness and, hopefully, to the profession she deeply loves.

Shannon is currently recovering from a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Her oncologist will determine the necessary treatment plans (chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy) based on final tumor markers and genetic testing results. Given that her cancer is ER+PR+, an oophorectomy has been recommended, and Shannon plans to undergo a full hysterectomy as her next required surgery.

Adding to the complexity of her situation, Shannon recently shared new MRI diagnoses revealing issues in her spine and cervical spine, which have been causing excruciating pain. This led to an unexpected hospitalization on May 13th, just days before her double mastectomy on May 19th. This unexpected hospital stay placed an even greater burden on her husband, who was solely responsible for managing the household, childcare, and school duties, in addition to the significant financial strain of his own lost wages while caring for Shannon.

Shannon will be facing immense challenges: not only the physical toll of multiple surgeries and treatments but also mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the profound emotional impact that cancer has on an entire family. As you can see, this is just the beginning of a very hard road ahead.

This is our collective opportunity to give back to someone who has consistently given so much to others. We have the chance to make a tangible difference and ease her overwhelming financial burden by making a donation of any size, large or small. If you are unable to donate, please share this GoFundMe with your network of friends and family.

Your support would mean the world to Shannon and her family. Thank you so much for your kindness, compassion, and generosity. By supporting her, we are letting her know that she is not facing this alone.

Please feel free to follow her journey with us and offer your encouragement at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524416957269892

Heavenly Father, Give Shannon Your heart of compassion for everyone. Soften her heart from the hurting. Use her to care for the sick, the poor, and the outcast. Let her treat others as special and important. Help her to be gentle, even when she’s treated harshly. Give her patience when she’s provoked or treated unfairly. Bring Your kindness and love to the world through her life. Amen.

Thank you for your support, and may God Bless you!