I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Shaneera Smith in May of 2008. This beautiful vivacious young lady unfortunately had been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2008. At the time, I was a S.O.S. (Survivors Offering Support) volunteer at St. Joseph’s hospital and I was given the awesome opportunity of walking her through her journey. (However, I must say – this young lady really didn’t need support – she inspired everyone that she came across).

This beautiful lady lost her battle with cancer in June 2010 and her spirit lives on through all that knew her. To meet Shaneera was to love her immediately. To this day, I talk about her a lot and have a little shrine in my office dedicated to her. I tell people, “When Shaneera walked into a room it was like EF Hutton. Everyone would get quiet because of her beauty, her essence – just her presence was so exquisite. She is the woman you wanted to hate but couldn’t because believe it or not, her inner beauty was just as beautiful as her outer beauty.”

Shaneera left a wonderful legacy to all that had the privilege to meet her. She will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.

Shaneera Smith

October 19, 1975 – June 21, 2010