Shannon's Butterflies

Fundraising Page for Cincinnati Walk
October 14, 2012 at McMicken Campus @ the Univ of Cincinnati

“BROKEN HEARTS STILL BEAT”

July 8th, 2010 was truly the darkest day of our lives. It was the day Shannon lost her battle with the depression, and pain that had tormented her for so long, and against which she fought so hard. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of her, love her with all our hearts and wish her back here with us. Her loss is a tragedy that should not be forgotten, and should not be for naught.

THE SPIRIT OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST CAN BE KEPT ALIVE

Shannon’s life is not defined by how it ended. She was a bright, loving soul until her illness took her to dark places. She should not be a statistic. We honor her and keep her spirit alive by doing what we can to make sure that what happened to her does not happen to anyone else. This way, she will continue to live in all our lives, and in the lives of those that may be saved through the efforts of AFSP.

AFSP has proven to be a wonderful organization that not only gives support and comfort to families who have also had their hearts broken after losing someone to suicide, but more importantly, AFSP provides information and education to families with a loved one who may be battling depression, mental illness, bullying, or show signs of being at risk. Their message: “There is help available, you are not alone, and your loved doesn't have to suffer in silence.”

Our goal is to help AFSP raise money for research before more lives are lost. We echo the words from AFSP's website, “I did not choose this cause, it chose me. And now I have a passion and purpose I have never felt before."

We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support for Shannon and our family that we have received over the past 23 months, and the shared strength that sustains us even now. We know that, in whatever way you can, you will continue to support our mission, and to help Shannon’s Butterflies keep flying.

On Sunday October 14th, we will again be walking on the campus of UC with Shannon’s Butterflies and welcome anyone to join our team! Whether you lost someone you love, want to walk in support, or are yourself struggling, our team will embrace you, walk with you and support you. I will end with one last quote from a friend, “We will never get over it, but we WILL get through it”, and thanks to all of you, we will.

We thank you in advance for helping us to raise both awareness and money to provide assistance for those who suffer in silence.

With Love and Gratitude,

Paul, Marcia, Emily, Bryan and Shannon’s Butterflies <3

Shannon Reitenbach's Memorial Page