Shannon is 56 years old and lives in Oklahoma City.
Born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he has lived in Oklahoma all his life except for a period of 23 years when he worked in Dallas, Texas. When he was 18 years old, he tried to join the Army but learned he had juvenile onset macular degeneration. By the time he was 21 he was legally blind. He didn’t let this stop him though and quickly set out on a new path. He got into body building, nutrition, weightlifting and martial arts. Then, in his mid-30’s he was diagnosed with Alpha-1. It has progressed to the point of severe COPD and he is now in need of a double lung transplant. Through all of his hardships Shannon has maintained a positive, loving attitude, always there for anyone who needs a friend — or even just a friendly smile. Please take a minute to view his Family Album and meet a few of the people who have been so important in his life.
Updates (4)
August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024 -- Day 43 in the ICU. When we started this journey, we had no idea what we were in for, the lessons we would learn and the people who would come into our lives. One lesson is the extent our doctors go through to locate and then certify a perfect organ. Once an organ is offered to our doctors, numerous tests are run to verify it is viable. Once that has been determined, a doctor is then sent to visually inspect the new lungs to finally ascertain that they are indeed "perfect". It's not until this final inspection is made that the lungs are truly accepted. By then, Shannon will be in the O.R. being prepped for the transplant. We have received several "offers" but so far, none have been accepted. It is truly a roller coaster ride. So, Shannon is still patiently waiting for his perfect lungs but, in the meantime, he continues to spread his positive attitude and to share his happy spirit with all who have come into his path. His new "friend", his ECMO machine, keeps him restricted to a bed or a chair except when his exceptional ECMO team is available to accompany him on his daily PT walk around the hospital floor. He looks forward to the day when he can walk back up to the ICU on his own, without his "friend" to say THANK YOU to all who have encouraged him along the way. He has met untold numbers of angels, many disguised as nurses, techs, respiratory therapists and doctors. We cannot say enough about the quality of care at Integris Baptist Hospital's new Heart Hospital! Until those perfect lungs appear, the journey continues...
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
July 5, 2024
I love you bubba. You got this
Jennifer Cobb
June 22, 2024
Praying and sending love to Shannon!
Vicki Worster
June 22, 2024
Go Shannon! David and I are so excited for this lung transplant to happen for you! With all our love!!
Kelly Rahill
