Shane Ennis, WVU Baseball Alum, Collapsed Lung

Three weeks ago, two of the most genuine and compassionate people that I know received devastating news. Shane Ennis, West Virginia University Baseball Alum of Hampshire County, West Virginia, was diagnosed with a tumor in his right lung. Shane is happily married to one of my very best friends, Morgan Ennis, and they share a two-year old son, Ripken. Brace yourself as their story is lengthy and tedious, which is exactly why I am writing this. Morgan and Shane had been searching for a diagnosis as to why Shane had been coughing up blood for three months prior. When the tumor was found by a pulmonologist after being turned away from the ER not once but twice, Shane was rushed into testing to ensure that his heart and lungs could withstand surgery. The diagnosis was made on a Wednesday and surgery was performed in Fairfax, VA the following Monday to remove 10% of Shane’s right lower lobe of his lung. While in surgery, the surgeon found another tumor. The report Morgan was given was that these tumors were unlike anything the surgeon had ever seen. Not something that comforted Shane nor Morgan. After recovering from surgery, Shane and Morgan headed home to Hampshire County while they awaited the pathology report from the tumors. During that week long wait, Shane’s lung collapsed. After being rushed back to the hospital in Fairfax, Shane was taken into surgery to better understand where all the fluid was coming from that caused his lung to collapse. While in surgery, they found a “bucket full” of infection. This was later found out to be a strep infection along with another unknown fungal infection. I wish that the problems ceased there but Shane has a long road ahead of him. While given his first round of antifungals, his heart rate rose into the 180’s and his body seized. Rapid Response rushed into Shane’s room as they found his body would not tolerate the antifungal medication. Treatment after treatment and the doctors keep responding with “this is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.” As you can imagine, yet again not a comforting feeling. The only diagnosis that Shane has currently is that 2 tumors were found in his right lung, he has histoplasmosis, a strep infection as well as the fungal infection. Which is still collapsed but Shane refuses to give in and is doing every exercise offered to help re-inflate the lung. When I asked Morgan if it would be okay that I started this GoFundMe page to help with medical bills, she responded “but There are so many people worse off than us,” and “I don’t want to be greedy. I hope that through all of this we can draw people closer to God, and have a wonderful testimony one day.” It’s so easy for me to explain what kind of people Morgan and Shane are because time and time again they prove it through their unending faith for the Lord and their endless love for one another. In this trying time, I can imagine their overwhelming stress of medical bills and it is the last thing I want either of them to worry about however in this unfair world, it’s reality. It’s always difficult to ask anyone for financial assistance, but I can’t help but notice how many lives they have touched throughout the years. It’s evident how many people that have continued to pray and keep up with Shane during this hard time. If anyone feels that they could help or feel as if they could give any financial assistance, I assure you this gift would mean a lot to two of the most humble people in my life. Ten dollars anonymously would go a long way, if it’s within your means. Regardless of anything financial, please continue to pray for Morgan, Shane, Ripken, and the rest of their family during this difficult time. 

"He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb.
He never offered a victory without fighting.
He said help would always come in time.
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the advisory says give in, Just hold on.
Our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again."