Why we show up

By Shaun Hoben, Shannon’s brother

My brother, Shannon Hoben, was a High School Bull Rider who was competing in a rodeo in Willits California in 1995. He drew a bull (stock #133) that was unknown to the circuit. We did know the bull was known for coming out of the shoot and hitting a nose stand and then hit a spin left. My brother came out of the shoot and after the initial nose stand, my brother set up for the bull to go left but the bull then turned in to the right. He fell in the well and was stepped on 13 times and initially paralyzed. While spending months in the hospital, my brother passed the time by reading books and mentoring other children on the floor (a big brother, if you will). My brother then eventually passed away from related causes on August 24th 1996.

I have since learned that you never deal with death but rather you find ways to cope with it. 2 people set out to work with the children in our community which has now grown to a non profit in his name with 20 board members, most in which never new my brother but want to carry on his story.

My family is so grateful for these community members and are OUR family.