A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Wabasis Lake Lodge from 12-4PM. We welcome all who loved Shay to gather, share memories, and honor her memory. Please RSVP if you plan to attend HERE.

If you have ever wondered how to make a lasting difference in someone’s life, this is one of those moments. Our beautiful friend Shanee Laurent, has spent her life showing up for others with love, courage, and generosity. Now we have the opportunity to show up for her and help carry her love forward for her daughter, Kendall.

Some people move through this world in a way that leaves it softer, brighter, and more connected for everyone they encounter. Shay is one of those rare souls. She is vibrant, compassionate, fiercely courageous, deeply empathetic, and endlessly giving. A true force of love, deeply devoted friend, cherished daughter, loving sister. And without hesitation, a nurturing mother. Shay is the kind of human who makes others feel safe simply by being near her.

Many years ago, Shay faced breast cancer with remarkable strength and emerged cancer free, continuing forward with grace, humor (sometimes on the dark side by her own words), and unwavering determination. In 2018, Shay was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Even then, she refused to let statistics define her story. Again and again, Shay exceeded every expectation placed before her, meeting each chapter with grit, resilience, and a spirit that can only be described as extraordinary. Shay is, in every sense of the word, a true badass.

In late 2025, Shay’s cancer progressed into leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the brain and spinal fluid. Despite the unimaginable weight of this diagnosis, Shay’s focus has remained beautifully clear: Loving her daughter Kendall, with everything she has. Creating peace where she can. Making sure Kendall feels held, supported, and cared for long into the future.

This fundraiser exists to help create financial security for Kendall, Shay’s incredible 14 year old daughter, and to honor Shay’s deepest wish– That Kendall is able to continue forward surrounded by opportunity, stability, and love.

If you know Shay, you know the depth of her heart. Shay shows up for people without reservation. She listens and cares deeply about matters of the heart. She has spent years lifting others up, offering kindness when it was needed most, and bringing warmth into even the hardest spaces. Shay has given so much of herself to this world and now, we have an opportunity to give something meaningful and tangible back to her.

While Shay is deeply grateful for the love and support surrounding her, she is intentionally spending this time privately with Kendall and close family. To help preserve Shay’s energy for these sacred moments, she gently asks that messages of love and encouragement be shared on her Facebook page, where she can receive them and engage when she feels able. Your compassion in honoring this request is deeply appreciated and allows Shay to remain present with the people she loves most.

Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of the foundation Shay hopes to leave for Kendall. A gesture of love. A reminder that community not only exists, but shows up. This money is a way to help ease the path ahead for a young woman who means everything to her mother.

If Shay has ever touched your life, or if her story touches your heart today, please consider contributing or sharing this page. Your generosity becomes part of the love Shay leaves behind.

Let us come together to support Shay with the same compassion she has always given so freely and help carry her love forward for Kendall.

Give what you can. Share if you are able. Every act of kindness helps build a future Kendall can step into knowing she is supported, protected, and deeply cared for. 

**Janis Yowtz is listed at the beneficiary. She is Shay's Mother/Kendall's Grandmother and is the primary account holder with Kendall's account since she is a minor.