Support Shannon's Family Through Crisis

With permission and desperation from my sister Shannon, I’ve put this fundraiser together for her, my niece and her family, and my nephew. They have been drastically and directly affected not only by hurricanes Helene and Milton, but have also faced loss of wages and employment, have no funds for the car payment, no way to afford auto insurance, have expired tags, and the bills are all piling up. They lost most of their food during Milton and are once again facing the possibility of homelessness, all of which they have ALL faced and overcame just before the hurricanes. This has been hard for Shannon to make herself vulnerable enough to ask for help. She has never expected a handout and has always worked hard to make ends meet when she could. She does not take this request lightly. Please take the time to read this long post, donate if you are able, and PRAY they can make it through this difficult time. If nothing else, a quick share can do wonders. We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. I’ll provide a prequel of events.

Shannon and Haydon (my nephew) faced homelessness from January-June of this year. Shannon was in a domestic violence shelter for 3 months, was homeless for a week, and then was able to get into a women’s shelter. Haydon stayed on the streets. They were both able to finally have stable income and were able to get a place together. Shannon had an appendectomy on October 22nd and was hospitalized until the 24th. She was out of work for a week to heal, which I’m positive is less time than is recommended. She received pay while out for medical leave but had to cover Haydon’s portion of the bills. Haydon was unable to work for 2 weeks after Milton because the business parking lot was used as a shelter.

Kaylee, her fiancé Micah and their 2 children (one on the way), were without a home and staying in a shelter from August 2023 – March 2024. They were able to apply for and receive affordable housing through the housing choice voucher program. Both were working prior to the recent events.

Yesterday, Kaylee, who is also 15 ½ weeks pregnant, was having a hard time breathing and had been having coughing fits. She had the worst asthma attack she has ever experienced and was admitted to Advent Health in Zephyrhills, FL. Albuterol is no longer effective for her. Her oxygen levels are low, and the nurses told her she was no longer allowed to walk to the bathroom. Her resting heart rate would range from 110 bpm and spike to 140 bpm, which is already too high, (normal resting heart rate is between 60 bpm and 100 bpm), and anything over 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. Her blood is very acidic, and they cannot find a reason as to why. They have been checking her lactic acid levels which were measuring at 3.4 mmol/L. The normal range is less than 2mmol/L. A level above 4mmol/L is considered significantly elevated and would require immediate attention. In addition, her glucose levels were at 161 mg/dL. Although they have seen her levels drop to 148mg/dL, it’s still too high. Her glucose is supposed to be between 70-100 mg/dL according to her chart. Kaylee will have to take insulin 4 times a day. Kaylee has an infection somewhere in her body that they cannot pinpoint. She has become septic due to the infection. She is also now on bedrest. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as the hospital, her family, and her mom try to get her healthy again!

Shannon has been traveling to and from the hospital when she can, which is an hour away from her home, to help any way she can and to provide support, love and care. Micah has been unable to work so he can stay home to take care of their other two children.

***As I’m typing this, I received word that they released Kaylee from the hospital. Even though she is septic, even though she only has airflow through one of her lungs. She is still wheezing and coughing terribly, and all before they ran a full blood panel and confirmed anything on her blood tests. I don’t understand how that is even legal with all the issues she is having. Shannon is taking her to a hospital in Trinity, FL right now for a second opinion and to hopefully get some answers and relief. I’m begging that you will have it in your heart to share, donate if you’re able, and pray if you’re the praying type. I cannot fathom what they are going through. Thank you for your support. I will update you all as new information comes through.