Supporting Shannon as She Faces Breast Cancer Again

I met Shannon Bryan Coombes back in college — we were suitemates at Western Kentucky University, Theatre Majors together, and she’s been part of my life ever since, even from afar. Over the years, I’ve watched her face life’s challenges with honesty, humor, and determination — and now she’s facing one of her biggest yet.

In 2023, Shannon was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1 breast cancer. She went through three lumpectomies and 23 rounds of radiation in 2024, doing her best to stay positive while balancing recovery, motherhood, and running her small business, The Twisted Hippo.

This past August, during a follow-up mammogram, Shannon learned that her cancer has returned. She’s now preparing for a mastectomy and the recovery that follows. While her fiancé, Charles, has been her biggest supporter, it’s still an incredibly heavy season as she steps away from work to heal and regain her strength.

As many of you know, Shannon’s small business isn’t just her passion — it’s her livelihood. When a small business owner has to pause production, there’s no paid leave or safety net. Every day the machines are quiet, income stops.

I’m organizing this fundraiser to help bridge that gap while Shannon focuses on her health — to help with everyday expenses, meals, and to give her the breathing room to recover without feeling pressured to jump back in too soon. (And if you know Shannon, you know she’d try to be back at it within a few days!)

Your donation means the world right now.

Any amount truly helps take pressure off Shannon and allows her to focus on healing.

Besides giving financially, here are other ways you can also help:

️ Shop from The Twisted Hippo — Shannon plans to be back full-time by early December.

Engage on social media — liking, commenting, and sharing her posts keeps her business visible while she’s recovering.

Her breast cancer journey doesn’t stop once the surgery is over. There will be follow-up appointments, another surgery later in 2026, and months of physical therapy to help with recovery.

Please keep Shannon, Charles, and the boys in your prayers as they navigate this next chapter.

Please share so we can reach as many friends & family as possible. Let's all reconnect and come together.