Since many of you have had questions about the details, here's a quick summary of Shannon's condition.

In October 2023 after several months of hip pain, an orthopedic specialist discovered hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), in both of Shannon's hips. This occurs when the femoral head (ball of the hip) pinches up against the acetabulum (cup of the hip) due to the femoral head not being completely spherical (hers has an extra "knuckle" on each side). It could have been something she was born with or developed over time. 

After persistent physical therapy this fall without much progress, Shannon got an MRI in December 2023, which revealed labral tears on both hips as well.

As much as we wish there was a better option, Shannon will be undergoing two hip antrhoscopies this year—one on March 22 (right hip) and the next (tentatively) on June 19 (left hip). This is a minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery that will (a) repair her labrum and (b) shave down the femoral head to be round.

Each surgery will require 6-7 weeks of recovery and 10-12 weeks until she's back to "full strength." We are truly, truly grateful to each and every one of you for all of the ways—big and small—that you'll be supporting our family.