Steps for Shannon team participating in Relay for Life

Their Steps for Shannon team will be participating in the sixth Relay for Life in Yarmouth on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, at the Hebron Recreation Complex.

Knowles, who was a Barrington Municipal High School Grade 8 student, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a fast-growing, highly malignant tumour, in January 2008 at the age of 13. That year she walked in the Relay for Life.

Friend and fellow student Corbin Stewart remembers her fortitude and optimism. “Shannon is the only person that I have ever met, that could turn the worst situation, into

something so positive,” he emailed. “I didn't think it was possible for someone to be so cheerful and so happy all the time, until I met Shannon. She was the one person, that no matter what, could always put a smile on my face.”

Stewart has strong memories of sitting with Knowles and singing their hearts out playing “singstar”. He says she never let anything stand in her way from living her life to the fullest. “She was so strong through it all, and I don't think anything or anyone could have made me prouder than she did. She was such an inspiration to me. I want everybody to realize how wonderful Shannon really was. I was so lucky to have a friend that could make such an impact on my life.”

Jessica Madden remembers pitching softball with Knowles one summer when she playfully stole sunglasses “to see how many would fit on her smiling face.” “Every time I was around this girl, there was nothing but a smile on my face, everything she did, she made sure somebody was laughing. Shannon was brave, beautiful, and such an amazing friend, I'm proud to say I knew her.”

Knowles was Morgan Leary’s first cousin, one of her best friends and a huge role model. “The last few months of her battle we grew closer than we had ever been before. During her battle I can honestly say that she was the strongest and bravest person I knew,” emailed Leary. “One of my favorite memories with her was when we used to pretend we could sing, and we would judge each other on our tones, which were absolutely horrible. I was devastated on March 11 when my dear role model passed away. This year I am walking in the Relay for Life in memory for her, and my goal is to make her proud as can be.”

Morgon Nickerson is the captain of the team and the friend who came up with the idea to participate in the relay this year on June 19, the date of his 14th birthday. Earlier this year when his mother asked him what he wanted and mentioned that the relay was on the same day, his idea for a “celebration of life”, his friend Shannon’s life, evolved.

Nickerson (who has middle names Ernest Royce) attributes his nickname to Knowles. “We were talking about my initials, when I told her mine she laughed and noticed it spelled "Mern". Teachers and parents now call me Mern. I miss Shannon so much and I wish she could be here now. She helped give me the name I will have for years and I hope she knows how much we all miss her.”

Other team members are Doran Arey, Kristie Cunningham, Courtney Madden, Alissa Nickerson, Rickilee Nickerson and

Stefan Ross.

The Steps for Shannon team members will be sporting blue t-shirts, blue Mohawks and blue streaks in the hair.

At press time they had raised close to $4,000 and were the top fundraising team for the event, which is a major annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.

To donate to the team, visit http://tinyurl.com/nwlvpu or call 902-637-2665.