Hi Friends and Family...
This is new to me, but I thought it would be the fastest way to reach you all. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, calls, and prayers. Your love and caring means a lot to me - thank you again.

I'll do my best to summarize, so you all have accurate information. It all started when my doctors said I had a "whorl".  At first I thought that was some kind of fun dance! But I found out that I had a twist in my intestine (another dance reference!)... So I had to have surgery to remove dead tissue from the twist.  That left me with an ileostomy but the plan is to reattach my intestine sometime in the coming months. I also have a special wound vacuum attached to me to help a second incision heal from the inside out. I expect to have that for at least a month. It goes with me everywhere and my family calls it "my ball and chain"!

Going forward, I will be cared for in the home of super good friends, Bob and Nila Stevenson. The current plan is for family to come up and be with me on most weekends - till I'm ready to truly dance!

If you would like to leave me a message, please feel free to use this site. And please feel free to share with others.  I'll provide updates occasionally.

Please know I am feeling fine and making progress daily.  Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you!  Love, Shalene

**Note from Shalene's Daughter-in-law, Becky:  I helped create this site with Shalene and did my best to find email addresses for her many friends.  I apologize if I missed anyone - and welcome you to share Shalene's Caringbridge address with those that we've missed. 

Thank you!!! - Becky Beacom