SHANNON "SHA-SHA" MORRISON

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR SHANNON "Sha-Sha" MORRISON 07/21/2011-05/13/21

My little identical twin babies were born on July 21, 2011 after many months of medical intervention, unknown futures and fear of miscarriages/stillbirths. At 30 weeks, the doctors advised that Baby “B” could no longer survive in Mommy’s belly. Baby “A” was born small but grew quickly into a healthy girl named Shaelynne Brittany Morrison. Baby “B”, was born 1lb 2oz and slowly grew into a warrior we named Shannon Sloanne Morrison. Since then, she became our “Sha-Sha”. Both girls were guests of the NICU and Shannon was a VIP due to heart and growth issues. Although baby Sha-Sha was medically fragile, she never stopped fighting and was determined to keep up with her sister.

Shannon was primarily diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. At the age of 2, she was “gifted” with a central line and a CADD pump which continuously infused medicine into rigid arteries leading to her lungs to allow the heart to function normally. To accommodate the new pump, Shannon had a wardrobe of adorable fleece backpacks we had made for her pump in matching pink and purple colors.

Shannon succeeded in learning to ice-skate, dance, act, tumble, bike ride, sing and do anything else her sister was doing. She mastered the art of braiding hair solely through watching Youtube videos. In 2019, Shannon and Shaelynne were voted Junior Miss German American Princesses and Shannon rocked her pump with her gown and crown.

Shannon continued to live life to the fullest while fighting all naysayers and thrived up until her passing at 9 years old. No words can truly describe the pain and emptiness left without her but we take solace in the light and adventure she gave us. Shaelynne and I constantly write down memories and funny things that Sha-Sha did or said and we just might print it one day!

In little Sha-Sha’s honor and to aid in soothing our loss, Shaelynne and I wanted to recognize other Special-Ed students at Shannon’s school who struggle to learn, similarly to Shannon. Some of these students will never know the feeling of receiving an academic award, so in June of 2022, we started a graduation awards program for all of the Bowling Green elementary students who learn differently. We give each Special-Ed student an achievement certificate and gift card. Our little Sha-Sha would have loved this annual event. These children thrive emotionally from little gifts like this. Attached is a photo of the 2023 5th grade award recipients gathered around the tree Bowling Green planted in Shannon’s honor.

In the summer of 2023, we are hoping to have completed a special-needs sensory room in Bowling Green Elementary School which was Shannon’s school. This room is being built from the donations raised by Sha-Sha’s GoFundMe. The Bowling Green school district, figure skating friends, fellow parents/students and our family have been very generous to us. We wanted to give back to any student that needs a little extra help-just as our Sha-Sha did. I will post updates and photos when completion is made.

Thanks to everyone who has donated, whether it be money, prayers, good wishes or assistance. Just like Sha-Sha’s life, none of it was in vain. We love you all!

Ally and Shaelynne Morrison