This week’s story is about a couple of experiences I had in the last couple of weeks. Before I tell you about them, I must first say, these experiences would not be possible without the help and the support of so many wonderful people. The funds raised from the Crusade Against Cancer allowed me to purchase (50) $25 gas cards and (50) $25 debit gift cards. I gave them to Lisa and Mark at Teton Cancer Institute. They make sure they get to the cancer patients who really need them. This time, I told Lisa I wanted to keep (20) of the debit cards in case someone contacted me directly. I always put the gas and debit cards inside a blank card with a sticker that says, “To let you know that someone cares, And you’re always in our thoughts and prayers” The Shannon Wilker Foundation.
One morning as I went through the checkout line at Fred Meyer, I noticed the clerk had a bandage on her neck. When I asked her what happened, she told me “I have skin cancer, so I need to use a bandage to cover up some of the worst areas.” “I’m so sorry to hear that,” I replied as she finished with my groceries. After I finished paying for my groceries, I asked her if I could leave them there for a little while. “Of course,” she said with a friendly smile. I went out to my car and got one of the $25 debit cards. I went back and waited until she finished with another customer. I handed her a foundation business card and debit card and said, “This is my foundation and a $25 debit gift card. I want you to have this because this is what we do.” With a surprised look on her face she said, “You don’t need to do that.” “Yes, I do, because that’s what we do,” I replied. I explained why the foundation was started, and its purpose. She looked at me and I could see the tears starting to well up in her eyes. That made me start to tear up as well. I knew there was a reason I was meant to meet this lady today. She thanked me, and I told her to contact me if she ever needed anything. I left the store and the feeling of complete satisfaction and fulfillment was overwhelming.
I have been working with Jeremy and Chelsea Jensen on a fundraiser in Pocatello. They had a fantastic idea for a motorcycle rally in September. They have done most of the work putting the concept together and lining up businesses for me to talk to about sponsorships. So, last Thursday, I went down to Pocatello to talk to as many businesses as I could. I went into Pawn 1 and was talking to the manager Marrisa. I told her about the foundation and how all the funds would go directly to Pocatello area cancer patients. She was very nice and told me she had to submit the request to the corporate office. There were two ladies at the counter at the time and said how much cancer had affected their family. “In fact, we are going to Boise this weekend for a benefit they are doing for my uncle that has cancer,” one of the ladies told me. “I’m so sorry to hear that,” I said. I finished talking to Marrisa and told her I would contact her next week. As I was leaving the store, the two ladies walked out with me. The one lady told me a little more about her uncle, and how hard it’s been on their family. As she was talking, I could hear her the sadness and emotion in her voice. I asked her when they were going to Boise and she told me they were leaving that afternoon. I asked her to wait, and I went to my car and got a debit gift card. “This is a $25 debit card and I want to give it to you for your uncle,” I told her. There was a look of total surprise on her face. “It’s not much, but maybe it can help a little,” I said. At this point, both ladies started crying. The lady I had been talking to came over and gave me a big hug. “You don’t know how much this means to me right now,” she said emotionally. “This whole ordeal has been so overwhelming. Everything just seems so negative and depressing,” she said. This is the first positive thing that has happened in a long time,” she continued. We talked about how we meet the people in our life when we’re supposed to meet them. I wished them a safe trip, and I felt that same feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.
I wanted to share these two stories to let you know how much I appreciate all the donations and support everyone has given me and the foundation. None of this would be possible without it. I know these are the things that put a big smile on my Angel Shannon’s face. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.
Next week: Patience Pays Off
P.S. These experiences are better than fouling someone at basketball. I know, it’s hard for me to believe too.