In 2004 we held a benefit for Shauna, and it was an incredible success, both artistically and as a benefit event. I want to extend our sincere thanks to so many people - The Arnold Eagles club for loaning us their hall, Joyce Meyer Ministries for all their support in the form of volunteers AND donations, the Dream Center for some great BBQ, and all the bands that performed - The Bottoms Up Blues Gang, Jim Mills out of Memphis, the Rich McDonough band - joined by Kim Massie, the Blue River Canyon Bluegrass band, and Phat noiZ, all very talented musicians who volunteered their time to perform. A surprise appearance by Melissa Neels and Keith Doder led to a showdown between Melissa, Rich McDonough, Alvin Jett and Keith Doder, what a way to close a show!

There was also a Martial Arts demonstration presented by the Bushido World Karate Association with several kata* being performed by tournament champion Kay'ce Petko, a demonstration of Kali - a Filopino stick fighting art, and ended with a blindfolded double nunchuka demonstration by master Rob Ward, a real crowd pleaser. *Kata is a series of choreagraphed martial art self-defense moves, similar to a gymnastic floor routine.


We know there are countless others we owe thanks to, such as Fox 2 news, KDHX radio, the Healthy Planet newspaper, the husband and wife clown team of 'Flashbulb and Snapshot' for entertaining the kids, Matt of Joyce Meyer Ministries for working the microphone so well during the raffles, Steve Robertson for handling the bank, and Doc and Dianna Mestman - Doc for the band emcee duty, and Dianna for capturing it all with her camera work.

Above all, Shauna's sister Meegan and mother Jill, you were absolutely the best! I know I'm leaving someone out, but you know who you are, as do we. Thanks again, and may all your Blues be minor!

Dave Beardsley

Feel free to visit Shauna's web site - www.shaunab.com - and learn about her brave battle, maybe say a few words in her guestbook.