Shannon Alderman

Help Shannon get spinal surgery so she can get back in the saddle, back to her life, and back to being the best mom for her special little boy.

Hi, I’m Shannon, a 39-year-old mom navigating a cervical spine injury involving disc herniations, bone spurs, and a congenital narrowing of my spinal canal, resulting in spinal stenosis and nerve compression in my neck. This all began suddenly in December, right in the middle of the holiday season, when moms are busiest creating magic for their families.

Outside of this diagnosis, I’m a fun-loving extrovert with a big heart and a deep love for the outdoors and animals. My greatest joy is building a full, memory-filled life with my special needs seven-year-old son. We love everything from horses and farm life to beach days, springs, and nature trails with friends. Last year, I worked incredibly hard to lose 120 pounds so I could get back to horseback riding, something I was finally able to enjoy almost daily before this injury.

Since my injury, my life has changed dramatically. I have limited use of my right arm, decreased fine motor skills in my hands, and deal with daily numbness and pain. As time has gone on, despite trying alternative treatments, I now have nerve deficits in all four limbs, along with balance issues and frequent headaches. I can no longer ride horses or do the farm work that once brought me peace. I can’t even pick up my son anymore. Everyday tasks and routines have become difficult, and I’ve had to learn to ask for help in nearly every area of my life, something that has been incredibly hard for someone who has always valued independence.

My son depends on me, not just for love, but for daily care, support, and stability. Right now, I’m doing everything I can, but I know he deserves more than what I’m physically able to give in this condition.

Surgery isn’t optional, it’s necessary. It’s my path to healing, to relief, and to being able to fully care for my son again. It’s my chance to get back to being his safe place, his advocate, and his constant.

I am fundraising to help cover mounting medical expenses, including the cost of the spinal surgery I urgently need, as well as hospitalization. I’ve received notice from insurance that they will not cover this procedure, I’m appealing this decision. Beyond surgery, I will require ongoing therapy, recovery equipment, and both pre- and post-operative care and diagnostics.

With this surgery and proper recovery, I have hope. I hope to return to the everyday moments that matter most like being able to care for my son fully, take him on the adventures we love, and hug him without hesitation or fear. I want to get back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively, and regain my independence. Most importantly, I want to be fully present for my son in every way he needs me.

I am humbly asking for help during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, every prayer, and every share brings me one step closer to recovery and back to the life my son and I both need.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of my journey toward healing. 🤍