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Join Shawn’s Battle Against Glioblastoma
In August 2025, our sweet Shawn was unexpectedly diagnosed with a grade 4 astrocytoma - an aggressive type of brain tumor. With a wife and two young kids, Shawn is facing the fight of his life. While the Hermans have been staying incredibly brave, medical bills and travel costs are quickly piling up.
There is a long road ahead - emotionally, physically, and financially - and we are humbly asking for your support to help a family who has been there for so many of us in our times of need.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to help cover medical care, travel, and living expenses as Shawn focuses on healing.
Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to help lighten the load for Shawn, Mariah, and their two little ones.
Shawn’s Journey
In mid-August, Shawn was taken to University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where a CT scan revealed a brain tumor in his left frontal cortex. The doctors gave him a grim prognosis. With a wife and two young kids at home, the family knew they needed to do everything possible to get Shawn the best care available.
Through connections, determination, and maybe even a bit of divine intervention, they secured a world-class neuro-oncology team at Duke University to take Shawn as a patient. Shawn, Mariah, and his parents flew to Duke in late August, where he underwent surgery.
The surgery was a success, and Shawn is currently in the post-op recovery process.
Once he’s healed from surgery, Shawn will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatment. While this next round can be done at the Med Center in Omaha, Shawn and Mariah will continue flying to Duke regularly for updated imaging and hopefully, enrollment in cutting-edge clinical trials.
How You Can Help
- Give Financially – Unfortunately, many families must rely on crowdsourcing to help cover medical expenses. Shawn is the primary provider and may not be able to work throughout his treatment. Every little bit helps.
- Spread the Word – Share this GoFundMe page with your network on social media, send it to friends and family, and help us reach our $50K goal.
- Donate Your Time – Visit our Meal Train page to see how you can help the Hermans with errands, chores, meal trains, or childcare.
- Offer Words of Encouragement – Keep Shawn and his family in your hearts. Send prayers, kind messages, positive thoughts, and uplifting notes to keep their spirits strong.
How Funds Will Be Used
- Medical Costs: Hospitalization, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, imaging & diagnostics, medications, and specialist visits
- Travel Costs: Flights to and from North Carolina, lodging, and transportation
- Lost Income: Help the Hermans cover everyday living costs while Shawn focuses on healing
Thank You
The generosity, support, and kindness shown so far have been incredible, and the Hermans are deeply grateful.
Thank you for helping lift this beautiful family during one of the hardest moments of their lives. We’ll continue to share updates here so you can see the impact of your support!