In January of 2024, we set out a goal to sell 50 shirts for what would have been Shannon's 50th birthday on February 8th. We blew past our goal in the first 24hrs and to- date, May, 2025, we stand at 523 Shannon's Butterflies shirts fluttering all over the country! We closed the campaign a few times, but relaunched it when requests kept coming in. We didn't want anyone who wanted a shirt, or needed one, to not have the opportunity to spread their wings for awareness, so the campaign remains open to this day.

For those who sadly lost someone to suicide like we did my sister, to those who suffer in silence, (1:4 people), or know someone who struggles, or have overcome hards things, which, who hasn't?! the words on the back are powerful not just for you, but for the stranger behind you reading it. We never know someone's personal battles, what they hide behind a smile, or when your smile or words just might be the lift someone needs. Sometimes all it takes is a listening to hear and words like "I'm so sorry you are struggling, that must be hard, but I am here for you however." can go a long way! Validate pain, don't dismiss it. The words on the back of the Shannon's Butterflies shirts read:

"Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet still become something beautiful." are words I feel many of us can relate to.

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Profit raised from each item sold will be split between Rescue Me Animal Advocacy and Operation Give Back. Both NPO's help humans who struggle and furry friends without a voice. We know Shannon would support these causes knowing that her story continues to save others. Regardless if you ever met Shannon, we can't think of a better gift than that of giving hope to others to honor her memory.

We have given you plenty of options for styles and colors (please take note--each style is unisex--but if you have questions regarding sizes you can find it under each item). The money set for each style by Bonfire includes them shipping your item(s) directly to you!

If you don't want a shirt, but want to donate, both RMAA and OGB are NPO's and you can donate directly to them (please just make note it's in memory of Shannon Reitenbach). But we hope you will buy a shirt or sweatshirt, as seeing the shirts fluttering around raising awareness has always meant so much to us! Regardless, know we appreciate YOU!

RMAA: https://www.rescuemeaa.org/

OGB: https://ogiveback.org/#popup1

Because of the many who have supported our family since 2010 in various ways, we know lives have been changed and saved. And to those like us whose loved one lost their battle, our hearts are with you and this is why we do this...to BE THEIR VOICE! Our mental health is as important as our physical health and both deserve the save compassion. No one asks to suffer in silence. We all deserve to live life and not just survive it.

Always remember these words:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

THERE IS HOPE!

WE CAN'T DO EVERYTHING, BUT WE CAN ALL DO SOMETHING!

BE THE VOICE!!!