Courtney's Story: Why We Flan

For Courtney. For Shan. For All of Us Still Here.

When Shannen died, the world shifted for many. But for Courtney, one of Shan’s closest friends, it shattered.

She wasn’t just left with grief. She was left with the trauma of finding Shan in her final moments.

No one is prepared for something like that. And heartbreakingly, no support was there for someone like her.

Courtney wasn’t a veteran. She wasn’t next of kin. But she loved Shan deeply and desperately needed support.

The systems in place didn’t catch her.

So we did.

Because of your generosity through Wear a Flan for Shan last year, Courtney and her partner were able to access trauma-informed therapy. But it wasn’t just therapy. It was space. Space to grieve. To breathe. To begin healing.

Courtney is strong, funny, honest and deeply loved by our Flannel family. Her courage to walk through darkness and now become part of the light for others is exactly why Wear a Flan for Shan exists.

“After Shan died, I didn’t know what I needed—I just knew I wasn’t okay. The Flannel Project didn’t ask questions or make me explain. They showed up when no one else did, and that meant everything”
— Courtney

This year, we’re sharing Courtney’s story to remind the world:

Suicide doesn’t end with one person. It echoes.
And survivors like Courtney deserve to be seen, supported and surrounded with care.

So when you wear flannel this year, remember it’s not just a shirt.

It’s a symbol.
Of comfort.
Of community.
Of catching the ones who fall through the cracks.

For Courtney.
For Shan.
For all of us still here.