Better Together

Hi! My name is Carley Hill and I created this page in support of one of the most genuine, resilient, loyal and kind-hearted human beings I know. If you've ever met Shawna Jardon, I know you feel the same way. I am incredibly grateful that I have had the privilege to call her one of my dearest friends for the last 14 years.

Just last month Shawna suffered the tragic and unexpected loss of her sister, Alana. Alana passed away due to underlying health issues and left behind Shawna and two precious children, Lilly, 8 and Keith, 6. Shawna and Alana were sisters and best friends. Growing up, they experienced the heartbreaking losses of multiple family members and always remained extremely close knowing they had each other. Shawna is the type of person who would do anything for the people she loves and even now in this very difficult time, she is proving it even more.

With Shawna's love and support, Alana, Lilly and Keith moved in with Shawna and her boyfriend, Jarrod. The kids' father is unfit to care for them so they have remained in the home with Shawna and Jarrod since Alana's passing. They have a very happy, peaceful and stable life there however over the last few weeks they are now facing a custody battle for the kids. Shawna and Jarrod will fight for full custody and are completely prepared to take all responsibility for Lilly and Keith, financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. They have kept them busy the past month with a healthy routine and fun and engaging activities. They hired child trauma therapists to help navigate the long and complicated grieving process that a child who loses their mother must go through. As far as aunts and uncles go, Shawna and Jarrod are some of the best I've ever seen. They have been an integral part of kids' lives since the beginning. They have taken them on trips, had sleepovers on countless weekends and have always been a safe harbor for them. Shawna and Jarrod are fun-loving and hardworking, dedicated and adventurous. They have all the love in the world to give and are exactly and unequivocally what these kids need to thrive.

The financial burden of having to engage legal counsel takes away from resources that could be spent on helping these sweet kids heal from the loss of their loving mother. As an RN, Shawna has made a career out of caring for others. Creating this page was very important to those who love this family because this legal battle is just the first of many other costs that come with raising kids. While the cost of raising kids is of course worth every cent, most people I know get the gift of time to plan for that. Shawna and Jarrod did not have time to plan for this and although I know they will make it work, anything we can do to support them right now is immensely and utmost appreciated.

Despite the heartache, I know there is still so much hope for this amazing family. I imagine a day in the near future when they won't have to worry about even the thought of not living together. I imagine that day will be the day that they can all start to genuinely heal and rebuild their lives. Your love is the sunshine that breaks through the dark clouds! We are so grateful for your generosity.