After fighting breast cancer for a little over a year and a half, Shannon lost her battle in August 2020. Brock lost the love of his life, and Zane and Izik were left without a mother. Shortly after, the funeral home referred Brock to Valerie's House. His boys were hesitant and didn't want to go. But after touring the home, the boys were smiling from ear to ear. They could feel Shannon's presence and knew their mom wanted them to be there. The three of them have been coming to Valerie's House ever since as a Thursday night family.

"The energy around Valerie's House is so pure," Brock said. "This place has helped in more ways than I could ever imagine."

Brock and the boys found comfort in being around others who have also lost a loved one. It was reassuring for them to know that the feelings they were experiencing were normal. Brock noticed the boys slowly begin to open up and get things off their chest. He knew this was the place. Brock encourages new families coming into the program to just give it a try and see what it's like.

"When you lose everything you have nothing else to lose, so why not give it a try," Brock said. "Find out you're not alone with the thoughts in your head."