Support Shawna’s Battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Hi everyone,

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this, but sometimes life throws challenges at us that we just can’t face alone. I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for your support during a difficult time for my step mom. Whether you can give a little or simply help by sharing this, it would mean the world.

Shawna is only 44 years old. She’s a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter, and a friend — and to all of us, she’s someone whose strength and love shine through everything she does.

Shawna is also a dedicated community member who has volunteered her time with local organizations like the Al Dickson Fish Derby, Kids Fish Derby, Rod and Gun Club, and Cadets. She is the kind of person who constantly puts others before herself — always stepping up to help, always thinking about how she can give back. She genuinely cares about her community, her family, and the planet. She sets an example I truly want to follow and aspire to be more like.

Last year, Shawna bravely fought breast cancer with everything she had — undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. For a brief time, she was in remission. But just under a year later, she began experiencing severe neck pain that turned out to be something no one expected. Her cancer has returned and has metastasized.

She is now facing Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer is not curable. While treatment can help slow the progression, the reality is that the average timeline for survival after this diagnosis is short. That’s why every moment now matters more than ever. Shawna is fighting to be present for her two young daughters, who are just 13 and 15, and to create as many memories as possible with the people she loves.

To make things even harder, Shawna does not qualify for critical illness benefits. She was first diagnosed with cancer before being hired by her current employer, which unfortunately disqualifies her from accessing the financial support many others in her situation receive. She continues to work when she can, but the emotional and physical toll of her diagnosis, along with the costs of ongoing treatment, are significant.

Despite the challenges ahead, we remain incredibly optimistic. New and innovative cancer research is moving faster than ever before, and treatments are improving each year. We are committed to exploring every possible option available to Shawna — not just now, but down the road — including emerging medications, clinical trials, and advanced therapies that may become available in the near future.

I am starting this fundraiser to help cover the overwhelming and ongoing costs of Shawna’s treatment — including medications, appointments, potential travel for trials, time off work, and future therapies. Every donation will go directly toward giving Shawna more time, more comfort, and more peace — without the added weight of financial stress.

If you’re able to give, thank you so much! If not, sharing this page or sending prayers and love means just as much. If you prefer to donate outside of GoFundMe, EFT can be sent directly to the contact email listed to the fundraiser.

Thank you for standing with Shawna — and with all of us who love her so deeply.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alex, Family & Close Friends