Shannon

"Never Good Enough"

Having suffered from Bulimia Nervosa for 13 years, Shannon is passionate about reaching out to assist others by sharing her journey of self-destruction, realisation and finally self-love.  She visits schools, colleges and organisations creating awareness of these often lethal eating disorders and their devastating side effects.

Shannon has conducted in excess of 137 talks across the country, together with numerous interviews on TV, radio and other media platforms. She continues to receive outstanding testimonials.

"I have been over-whelmed by the heart-warming and inspirational feedback I have received from the schools; students; teachers and parents. Parents who contact me expressing gratitude for opening up their eyes to their child's addiction as well as opening up the lines of communication with their children. Teachers have expressed sincere thanks for creating the awareness of the effects that teasing and emotional bullying can have on one another. Also how many of us suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy and are now encouraged to seek help. With the abundance of sufferers who contact me on a regular basis, often long after I have addressed their school, has made me realise how my story resonates with the thousands of children and parents in our community. It is a clear indication that I am most definitely addressing a major problem presently in our country."

                        Several schools' feedback, "Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have touched our hearts and changed our lives!" - Riana Pruis - Woodhill College, PTA.

"We are so grateful to you for empowering our students and giving them life skills and life messages from which they can only benefit." - Ilanit Gerson - Yeshiva College.

 "Thank you sincerely for your truly inspirational talk. The girls are still talking about it. Your soft, kind demeanour, your lack of judgement of girls suffering from this disease and your emotional delivery really made the girls identify with you. Thank you for touching the lives of every school girl at my school by sharing your incredible tale of suffering and bravery to overcome the odds." - Yolande Shievs - Kloof High School, KZN.

 "Shannon's talk was enlightening, sincere, emotive and very well received by the students. She tells her own story, from the heart, lucidly and with feeling. The students listened with rapt attention. Shannon's statistics and warning of the severity of the consequences if professional help is not obtained came through very clearly." Dave Cawdry -  British International College, Bryanston.

"A short note of appreciation to you for the impact your life testimony had on our learners. Many of them said afterwards that they will be more careful before they make comments to their friends because they realise now that hurtful comments could have serious consequences." - Peter Harris - St. Francis College, Grahamstown.

 "I strongly believe that the road I have travelled has not been exclusively for my own life lessons. Due to the increased effect eating disorders are having on our youth today, I have no doubt that I can assist in educating our youth and their support systems and possibly prevent others from making the same mistakes I made as a girl growing up. I believe in the importance of sharing my story and creating awareness of these devastating and often fatal diseases."

It would be a privilege for me to share my story with you. Whether you are someone's daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father or teacher - this talk is for you!