In the spring of 2014, Shelley began experiencing strange and unexplained symptoms. What followed was a long and exhausting journey to find answers. After years of uncertainty, she was finally diagnosed in October 2016 with meningioma brain tumors.

Just ten days after receiving her diagnosis, Shelley underwent a 16-hour brain surgery. It was only the beginning. The surgery was followed by intense physical and occupational therapy as she fought to regain her strength and independence. In May 2016, she also underwent Gamma Knife radiation to target remaining tumor cells.

In March 2021, Shelley faced the unimaginable again - two additional brain surgeries just days apart, each lasting over 12 hours. The aftermath was devastating. She was left with double vision, deafness in one ear, and an incredibly long recovery. Due to COVID restrictions, she was unable to access physical or occupational therapy and had to rehabilitate herself at home with sheer determination.

In June 2021, she endured more Gamma Knife radiation. By December 2021, she was told doctors had finally “gotten it all.” But in June 2022, she learned the tumor was still there. In August 2022, Shelley underwent yet another round of Gamma Knife radiation and was forced to go on disability. Most recently, in August 2025, she faced radiation again.

Today, she is living with six small masses and continues to undergo extensive testing, including a full day of scans and a PET scan on March 4th.

Despite applying for every financial assistance program available, the burden continues to grow. Shelley pays $600 each month from her disability income just to maintain her health insurance. She currently owes tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills — and the costs keep rising.

But Shelley is so much more than her diagnosis.

She is a proud mother of five, a devoted wife, a joyful grandmother to nine grandchildren who absolutely adore her, and an amazing friend. She has spent her entire career as a Special Education and At-Risk Youth teacher, dedicating her life to students who needed someone to believe in them. She even helped start Project SEARCH in Clark County, creating life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain real-world job skills and independence.

Even while quietly battling brain tumors, Shelley continued advocating for others. She spends her free time volunteering, working tirelessly to improve the rights and opportunities of those who often go unheard. Helping others has always been at the center of who she is.

In April, Shelley will celebrate her 60th birthday - a milestone that deserves celebration. Instead, she continues navigating treatments, scans, and financial strain. This birthday, we want to surround her with support and remind her that the love and generosity she has poured into the world is coming back to her.

We are asking for your help to ease this overwhelming burden. Your donation will go directly toward:

• Outstanding medical bills

• Ongoing testing and treatments

• Monthly insurance premiums

• Living expenses while she is on disability

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Shelley in your thoughts and prayers.

Shelley has spent her life fighting for others. Now it’s our turn to fight for her.