Shannon Brown and I became friends through work, bonding over our shared love of music, laughter, and the fact that we’re both aging hippies at heart. Shannon is the kind of person who brings warmth and kindness wherever she goes, and her independent spirit shines through in everything she does. She lives on her own with her beloved dog, Murphy, and has always worked hard to make ends meet, most recently at the local grocery store in our Deli Department.

On Friday, January 16, 2026, Shannon’s life changed in an instant when she was assaulted at a local gas station. She suffered six broken ribs—each broken in two places—and required hand surgery the next day to repair a “boxer’s break.” Shannon is already a lung cancer survivor, having had three ribs removed on the same side of her body from her current injuries. Despite surviving cancer and returning to work, this assault has left her facing an even greater challenge. Her “good lung” collapsed, and she is now in a medically induced coma at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, on a ventilator and feeding tube. While Murphy is being cared for by a friend, Shannon’s medical bills are mounting, and she is unable to work. As a part-time employee, she does not have disability insurance, and she is deeply worried about how she will pay her mortgage, utilities, and other monthly bills.

Any funds raised will go directly toward helping Shannon keep her home, cover her loan for new windows, pay for utilities, provide for Murphy, and manage her medical expenses. Once she is discharged from intensive care, she will need rehabilitation at a skilled nursing or transitional care facility, which will add to her financial burden. Your support—whether through sharing this fundraiser, donating if you are able, or sending prayers and words of encouragement—will mean the world to Shannon and to all of us who care about her. Thank you for helping Shannon on her long road to recovery.

Shannon is being discharged from the ICU today and moving to a skilled nursing/transitional care unit! She now begins the hard work of rehabilitation, and I know she'll continue to improve as she is "a tough old broad!" She is in good spirits and told me that she is beyond appreciative for all the support and good wishes sent to her! Thank you so much!