Stand by Shan

On Tuesday, October 26th, my sister Shannon went to the emergency room. She had a horrible headache, trouble breathing and numbing in her arm. It was determined that Shannon had a heart attack and was suffering from an extremely low blood count. Her lack of blood caused a lack of oxygen to all of her vital organs. Doctors thought that Shannon may have a blockage somewhere and began ultrasounds and CT’s to check for a blockage and/or internal bleed. A colonoscopy and endoscopy were ordered to check Shannon’s GI tract for blockages or bleeds. During the procedure, Shannon aspirated and her heart stopped. We lost her for 7 minutes on Thursday, October 28th. Doctors were able to bring Shannon back to us, however, she wasn’t breathing on her own and was put on a ventilator. Walking into the hospital that day and seeing my sister hooked up to so many machines and unresponsive absolutely broke our family. We thought we were going to lose her and the pain was unbearable.

I always knew my sister was strong,… the things and people that life has thrown at her have been so unfair and unkind. She’s never let anyone or anything get in the way of the people and things that are most important to her in life. Over the past year and a half, I have watched my sister learn to truly love herself again. I have watched her pick herself up from challenging situations with dignity and grace. She’s made her health a priority and has worked so hard to fight for those that she loves, especially her children. I have no doubt that the love she has for her family and friends is what is helping her to fight and stay so strong through her toughest battle yet.

Shannon was taken off her ventilator on Saturday, October 30th…well, she actually pulled it out . Since waking up, Shannon has faced a plethora of medical challenges that will be life long battles. (Renal failure, kidney failure, critically low blood count, depleted bone marrow, two heart attacks, a stroke, heart damage and heart failure…and I may be forgetting some) After watching Shannon’s journey over the last week and a half, I have no doubt that it is not her time to leave us- God brought her back to us, and he will see her through this. A difficult battle may lay ahead, but Shannon is strong, and she is stronger with all of our love and support.

I have created this GoFundme for Shannon to help relieve some financial stress during an incredibly difficult time. My hope is that Shannon will not have to worry about money over the next few months, and can take all the time she needs to heal, get stronger and get back to doing all the things she loves.

I love you so much, Shan. (-your pain in the ass sister)