Longtime CSCNT participant Shannon Daves knows every raindrop fills the bucket, and every contribution matters, which is why she joined Changemakers, our monthly giving community that launched in 2025.
“I appreciate all the CSCNT services I received over the years at no expense, and that’s not lost to me,” says Shannon, who is going through treatment for breast cancer. “I really urge others to become Changemakers – even a small amount makes a difference.”
Being a monthly donor makes sense to Shannon, who first joined CSCNT as a participant in 2018. She contributes at an amount that isn’t burdensome to her household.
Shannon was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, and the disease has progressed multiple times, creating a significant emotional and physical toll. She sees the mental health support at CSCNT as just as essential as the physical medical care.
“Talking about having advanced cancer with others who also are going through it allows me to live more fully in my daily life,” Shannon says. “I want to be fully present with my grandchildren, and that’s hard to do when you’re overwhelmed emotionally. The support from CSCNT keeps the dark place at bay so I can experience the joy of life.”
Shannon and a group of fellow CSCNT participants have become so close that they’re planning to go on a cruise together to the Caribbean. They also gather to play games and spend time with one another as much as they can. “We reach out to keep up with each other’s health and celebrate the wins and good times in life, while also being there when things aren’t going smoothly,” she says.
As CSCNT opens the red door at our new Dallas Clubhouse in 2026, Shannon is looking forward to being active in this space. Her husband Paul has attended several CSCNT events and plans to connect more in the new clubhouse with fellow caregivers.
“I tell others diagnosed with cancer and their families to 100% join CSCNT,” Shannon says. “It’s a part of your care that you don’t even know you need. It’s so important.”