Support the Allens (Amanda and Shawn)

With a recent colorectal cancer diagnosis and a long road ahead, Amanda will not be able to work and Shawn will need to take time off. The Allens need our help to alleviate any financial stress they will have. 

These are Amanda's words and the best way to share her story:

     Sitting in a doctor's office and hearing the word cancer is not what anyone wants to hear about their loved one, let alone themselves. It all started Tuesday when I went in for what I thought would be routine scopes. I was having some issues but not what I thought would warrant the conversation Shawn and I had with the doctor when I came to. I knew something wasn't quite right when I came to from my scopes and Shawn was sitting next to my bed (They weren't letting spouses in to the waiting area because of covid restrictions). It all became reality... why he was there, when some minutes later my GI doctor came over and told us our worst fears.

     I have cancer. How could this be? I sat in disbelief as he talked and told us what we needed to do and who we needed to contact. I felt like the world had stopped spinning. I have heard cancer diagnoses for my parents, my friends, but now it was me. Tears started to stream down my face and I just looked at Shawn for comfort, but he was just as much in disbelief as I was. We eventually the left the center and began to drive home. We stopped in a parking lot to call who we needed to call and cried some more.

     We weren't sure how we were gonna go home and tell our kids. One is too young to understand the word cancer, but knows something is wrong with Mommy and the other who very much understands, but can't wrap her head around it being her mom. The next couple of days were a whirlwind. We went to Roswell Thursday, met with my doctor and started to get the process going for a treatment plan. I go next week for more tests and then to meet with the doctor again on Thursday for more of a concrete diagnosis.

     To say I am not scared and my family isn't scared would be a lie, BUT we know we serve a God who is bigger than ours fears. He knew this was gonna be the road we walked and it is no surprise to Him. So even in our fears and worry, we will wait on Him and trust. This is where our faith comes in. When we aren't strong enough to carry this, we know that others will be lifting us up in prayer and that our God is gonna carry us through.

     Thank you to everyone who has sent texts, called and has prayed for me and our family, we truly appreciate you all as we begin this journey.

If you have any questions on how to help the Allens further,  reach out to Amanda's sister Nicole Murray.