Shannan's Fight against Breast Cancer

In January of 2025, I learned my dear friend of 10 years was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was quite a shocking reminder that cancer does not discriminate against age, and it enters your life like a wild beast putting all dreams, goals and daily life on hold.

Please read on for her story:

Shannan is a wonderful mother known for her strength, compassion and unwavering determination and dedication. She's the kind of person who lifts others up even when she's carrying heavy burdens of her own. She always shows up with a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. Her love for her family, community and her deep rooted belief in pushing through hard times have carried her through an extraordinary series of challenges.

Over the past few years, Shannan has endured more pain than most do in a lifetime. She survived a car accident, mourned the loss of her father to cancer and was shattered when she lost her mother to suicide. Through it all, she never gave up. Instead, she channelled her pain into perseverance and completed her education while grieving. All while continuing to be encouraging and helpful to those around her.

But during the final week of school, just as she was preparing to celebrate her graduation, she discovered a lump in her breast. In January 2025, Shannan was officially diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer - an aggressive, fast moving form of cancer with limited treatment options.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, she faces the diagnosis in the same way she faces everything else - with courage, grace and grit.

She is now going through 16 rounds of chemotherapy paired with immunotherapy - an exhausting and emotionally draining regimen. Once this phase is complete, she will undergo major surgery - likely a mastectomy, followed by daily radiation for several weeks. The medical team estimates approx 18 months if there are no delays.

Even while fighting for her life, Shannan tries to hold onto the joy of small moments - like taking her children to the movies. But during that last outing, she was rushed to the hospital with severe lung inflammation from treatment complications - a frightening reminder of how fragile and consuming this illness is.

Shannan is fiercely independent and never the one to ask for help yet always ready to give. Right now the physical, emotional and financial weight of cancer is over whelming. She is unable to work during treatment and is facing a mountain of expenses that continue to grow.

This Go Fund Me was created to help Shannon cover:

Ongoing Cancer treatments

Prescription medications and supportive therapies

Transportation to appointments

Emergency and hospital related costs

Basic living expenses

Please help Shannan on her path forward and remind her that she's not alone in this fight. If this fundraiser exceeds its goal, remaining funds will be donated to local charities supporting others with cancer and mental health challenges.

Thank you for standing with her!