Shawnise Chantell, a 39-year-old mother of three from Arkansas, lives with Congestive Heart Failure. In 2019, after a near-death experience during childbirth, Shawnise's life took a dramatic turn. Just one week after turning 33, a ventricular cardiac arrest occurred the night before returning home. Despite facing challenges like a speech impediment, child molestation, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, and divorce, Shawnise persevered, instilled with core values by their mother.

Spirituality has enriched Shawnise's life more than religion. Like a device needing electricity, Shawnise's life thrives on a connection to Jesus.

After high school, I felt led to the medical profession. I earned a medical technical certificate and subsequently an associate degree from The University Of Arkansas For Medical Science. I secured a prestigious job at The Arkansas Heart Hospital. Working with heart patients instilled in me a profound appreciation for the preciousness of time, leading me to embrace my adulthood with joy. I didn’t know down the line I would be in the very shoes of a heart patient. It wasn’t an easy journey as a single mother, but I recognized the immense strength I would later need to survive.

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to maintain excellent health. I have never had frequent hospital visits, significant illnesses, surgeries. In fact my life was filled with thrill and adventure. From Skydiving, climbing mountains to traveling. Beyond my responsibilities as a mother, these enjoyable activities became increasingly important in my early thirties. Sadly, the best parts of my life ceased the night my bowel was nicked from the tubal ligation procedure. Out of nowhere I was leaving a nightmare. My organs failed to function properly and I became fully disabled. Although the trills I used to enjoy will only remain a memory, I decided to create memories of moments with my family that my disability does restrict!