Hello my name is Jocelyn LeBlanc, and I've known Shannon for about 37 years. I have followed her journey through numerous adventures and I'm now sad to see that because of ALS her ability to navigate daily activities is becoming more and more difficult. I want to help Shannon maintain some quality of life that we often take for granted. Read further to learn more about Shannon.

Shannon has always been someone who builds others up. As a highly trained and dedicated softball coach, she spent over 20 years volunteering her time to mentor athletes of all ages and skill levels—not just in developing their abilities, but in building confidence, resilience, and focus. She even shared her expertise at the highest level, assisting two national teams with her knowledge and experience.

Her passion led Shannon to create training workbooks centered on visualization and mental strength, helping athletes grow both on and off the field. She also contributed to the certification process for softball coaches, helping shape the next generation of leaders in the sport. True to who she is, Shannon never stopped learning—completing an intensive dog training program focused on behavior, where she was able to help several dogs before her health limited her ability to continue. Even now, she continues to share her knowledge whenever she can.

In 2018, Shannon founded the Made in Canada Directory to support Canadian businesses and products—an initiative that was featured on CBC in February 2025.

Today, Shannon is facing an incredibly difficult challenge. She has been diagnosed with a rare variant of ALS known as flail arm syndrome. The loss of strength in her arms and hands, along with increasing weakness in her legs, has made daily activities more and more difficult. Despite this, Shannon’s determination and spirit remain unmistakably strong.

Shannon and her partner Sandy have always faced life side by side, and they are meeting this challenge with the same courage and resilience. As her condition progresses, modifying their home to ensure it is safe and accessible has become an urgent and costly need.

Shannon has given so much to others over the years. Now, we have the opportunity to give back—to support her journey and help create a home environment that is safe, accessible, and suited to the challenges of this cruel and debilitating disease. I hope you will join me in this Quest.