Help Shannon Johnson Kick Breast Cancer's A$$

Hey all, it's Nick! It's been a while - typically, I use social media to find information - news, media, sports...etc. I'm not the super poster/blogger...so I guess by today's standards, I haven't truly engaged with my social network. Well, that's about to change - my youngest sister Shannon and her young, vibrant, and beautiful family NEED your help and support. It would mean the world to us if you could help their family and share their story.

 

All you need to do is look at their picture, the smiles, the wonder, the young budding possibilities out there, just beyond the sparkle in the boys' eyes. Their family picture induces hope; you can feel the love in their embrace and the pure joy they have just to BE.

 

Here's what that picture doesn't show you - Just days/weeks before this picture was taken, Shannon had been through hell! She spent the last weeks of her 36th year undergoing an onslaught of biopsies, scans and tests. So many tears were shed throughout this experience. The Johnson’s world seemingly turned upside down in a matter of minutes with the gut-wrenching news - BREAST CANCER! This news was especially hard for my family, who have dedicated their professional selves to helping and serving others in healthcare - Shannon is a nurse and works with dialysis patients. She followed in our mom's footsteps - she's been a Pediatric Oncology nurse for the better part of 3 decades! Growing up, we heard the stories of cancer's evil wrath and saw the undue stress and anxiety cancer causes. We have other family members who've fought the battle, and their stories have provided inspiration, wisdom and strength. It's the news you never expect to hear; It's shocking, sobering, and in the moment, completely devastating. In Shannon’s words, “Year 37 I am ready to fight for my life! I need all the good thoughts, prayers, good vibes or whatever good sent my way.”

 

BUT, look at that picture again...can you tell? Does this news show through in that moment? Not at all, and here's why...

 

While Shannon is the rock of their family, her husband Jim is the glue. Jim's worked hard over the past few years to help provide and better himself for his family. He recently graduated from NWTC and just started a new job this spring! He's in the infancy of his career. Jim has been the steady calm that Shannon and the boys need. He's patient, kind, creative and thoughtful - he arranged this photo session as a way to memorialize their strength and courage in the moment.

 

And, if cancer isn't a compelling enough reason for you to take action, then do it for their boys! The Johnson family had just started planning for their three kids' college funds. They’d just begun to think past today and plan for tomorrow - the next house with a yard for the kids and dogs. We all start to wonder, to plan, to prepare…they look forward to a life in 20-30 years when they could settle down and retire, and many other dreams like all of us have! So, do it for the future of the Johnsons - Jerry, Sawyer and Oliver!

 

Their Breast Cancer news came right on the heels of another hurdle the family was figuring out how to manage. The Johnson's had just struggled through their basement flooding, discovering there was black mold and learning that they'd need to make a significant investment into a permanent solution to stop the water and refinish their kids' play area.

 

Through all of this, they've remained positive and have an optimistic outlook. Between the cancer diagnosis and their basement the Johnsons are already facing insurmountable unplanned debt. Despite this, Shannon would also like to use this as a platform to remind all of you - men and women - to do your regular self checks, understand your family history and take preventative action now. In her recent revealing post on her 37th birthday, this is what she had to say, “This is also a reminder to everyone, self checks are important and to make sure to bring anything, even if you think it’s something small, to the attention of your healthcare provider!!!”

 

Early in Shannon's diagnosis, I shared this quote with her:

"We can't always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it" - unknown

 

Please help this family dance for many years to come, no matter what life throws at them!

 

And lastly, while this is an ask for help from all of you, there is also an additional ask of respect and boundaries. This has been an emotional time for the Johnsons and their extended families. We do ask for privacy with the understanding that when there is something to share they or I will share with you via this campaign or on Facebook. Thank you!