Many of you know I lost one of my best friends to suicide two years ago. My glass-half-full side is grateful for the opportunity to get to know her daughter pretty well. It’s been a process for her to reconcile what happened. And now she is facing a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. I’m asking – begging – everyone I know to donate even a little bit so Shawn can get through an intensive treatment plan and to allow her husband to take some time off to be by her side.

SHE ALREADY SHAVED HER HEAD IN ADVANCE OF CHEMO IN 2 WEEKS. She's badass like her mom.

I can’t explain how amazing of a woman Shawn is. She is gritty, smart, kind, and has immaculate values with her head straight on. Unfortunately life has been hard, and she and her husband have been able to keep up with the bills, without spending any extra.

She will have basic treatment covered by insurance sponsored by a non-profit, but it does not cover co-pays and deductibles. The last thing I want for Shawn – or anyone – is to undertake this difficult course of treatment, only to lose their condo or go bankrupt with ancillary medical bills.

So please, if you will, kick in a bit so Shawn and Scott can focus only on her treatment. I will consider it an honor. ESPECIALLY if you knew Lisa, who was my touchstone and other half for 17 years. I feel her absence daily, but engaging with Shawn has helped. The last thing I imagined was for Shawn to be processing her grief and then get hit with a frightening medical diagnosis.

A million thanks in advance. You have no idea what your donation could accomplish.