Best Wishes To Shannon Forde

The first time I met Shannon Forde, I was losing my mind I was so nervous. It was my first time in a major league dugout, and I felt like a freak. The bullpen catcher had just stopped talking to me, mid-sentence, and walked down the length of the empty dugout to sit down by himself. Away from me. I was alone. So, so alone.

But there was Shannon Forde, Mets media relations staffer extraordinaire, smiling, laughing, and ready to talk to me. She had a million things to do before first pitch, but she gave me a few minutes of her time, and by doing so, let me know that I'd be all right. That I belonged. Minutes later, I was chatting with Mets hitting coach Dave Hudgens and haven't looked back. So I have Shannon to thank for not feeling so alone or out-of-place when I enter a clubhouse these days. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

And so we have to help Shannon feel a little bit less alone today. Shannon was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in August. She continues to work full time but is getting treatment for a disease that has spread—she has a tough fight in front of her. Let's give her our smiles, our best wishes, and any help we can offer. Because she'd do the same for us.

Please visit www.hopeshinesforshannon.com to find out how you can contribute. Here we go, Shannon!