Support Shawn’s Cause…

It’s 2010…do you have your Colondar, the colon cancer awareness calendar, featuring Shawn as Mr. May? If not and you would like to support an organization that provided Shawn with a truly incredible, life-affirming experience last summer, please consider purchasing a Colondar.

You can order a Colondar online at http://www.colonclub.com/colondar.html and also read all about the amazing models that Shawn bonded with as well as see their videos. Each Colondar is only $16.50. Shawn’s story – written in his own words – is available from http://www.colonclub.com/2010May.html

If you’ve been reading Shawn’s blog for awhile, then you know he blogged about his wonderful Colondar journey. Please revisit posts from June and July 2009 http://allittakesisguts.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

In Shawn’s own words (August 31, 2009)…

“On a personal note...Why am I selling these? Well, besides me being IN the calendar, my experience has been incredible. Colon cancer is normally an old person disease. I had joined cancer groups in DC and I was the only one with colon cancer. Then I went to the photo shoot and met 14 other people just like me. We were best friends from the instant we met. And I cannot put into words how valuable these new friends are now that I was re-diagnosed three weeks after meeting them all. Just being able to talk to people who have been there is so incredible. I want people in the future to be able to have the same experience I've had. And in order to do that, I have to help make sure the Colondar keeps going.

So, if you have the means, I'd really appreciate you helping out a tremendous organization.”

A Poem for Shawn...

All is Well - by Henry Scott-Holland
Recited during Shawn's memorial service/celebration:

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
For an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: SHAWN'S MEMORIAL SERVICE ON MONDAY...

Due to the impending snowstorm, the memorial/celebration for Shawn has been changed.

The celebration of Shawn Felty's life is now scheduled for MONDAY, December 21st:
Visitation/Viewing from 3-5 pm
Service 5-6:00 pm
Location: Demaine Funeral Home
520 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Virginia/Alexandria/DemaineFuneralHome.html
703-549-0074

There will still be a potluck reception following the service at Shawn's house. The address will be provided at the services.

In lieu of flowers, guests may send donations to the Colon Club at http://www.colonclub.com/donate.html

Please bring a favorite Shawn photo to add to his Christmas tree that was started at the hospital.
For those flying in, the funeral home has offered a code for discounted bereavement flights. Please contact Dwayne at 571-277-6151 for the number.

Music for Shawn...

Dear Friends of Shawn,

This is a post on behalf of Shawn's neighbor Gale. We are putting together songs to be played during Shawn's memorial service on Saturday and need someone to download, or copy specific songs and burn the music to a CD. If you can download the music and burn it to a CD please contact me at this temporary... gmail address: AllItTakesIsGutsShawn@gmail.com with your name, number and email address. In the subject line put "Burn CD. "

I will send you the list of songs. This needs to be completed by Friday afternoon for the funeral home. Shawn was a huge Elton John fan - but none of us can remember which songs were his favorite - if you know, please send it to me at the above email address. If you know the names of any of Shawn's favorite songs please send them to us, too. A song was sung at Michael Jackson's funeral by Usher(?) about dying too young - if anyone knows where or what that song was please let us know. Thanks so much. Gale Nemec

Celebrate Shawn Felty...

A celebration of Shawn Felty's life will take place on Saturday, December 19th:

Visitation/Viewing from 3-5 pm

Service 5-6:00 pm

Location: Demaine Funeral Home

520 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Virginia/Alexandria/DemaineFuneralHome.html
703-549-0074

There will be a potluck reception following the service at Shawn's house.

In lieu of flowers, guests may send donations to the Colon Club at http://www.colonclub.com/donate.html

Please bring a favorite Shawn photo to add to his Christmas tree that was started at the hospital.

For those flying in, the funeral home has offered a code for discounted bereavement flights. Please contact Dwayne at 571-277-6151 for the number.

Knockin' on Heaven's Doors...

Dear Friends of Shawn,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the following:

On December 13, 2009 at 4:30 pm, Shawn Felty passed peacefully surrounded by family and close friends. He was loved by many, with nearly 100 teammates, fellow actors, colleagues, cancer survivors, cancer fighters, Colondar models and friends visiting him over the last few days. For two years he battled this disease with incredible strength and extraordinary grace and he was inspiration to all who knew him. The world lost an amazing man today, but he left behind a perfect example of perseverance, fortitude and friendship.

Memorial arrangements will be shared when plans are finalized.

Update from Shawn

[Shawn's friend posting on his behalf to keep you updated]

Hi everyone,

Shawn wanted you to know that he is currently at Georgetown University Hospital. He has been in and out of the hospital since November 30th when he had the catheter inserted (see previous post for more details). Shawn likes to receive and read your text messages, but asks that you refrain from leaving him voicemails. Also, he is not receiving email or Facebook messages. Thanks.