Shannon & His Miracle Dog, Ace - Patient Assistance Program

Shannon Womack and Ace - Scroll to end to read his touching voicemail.

The St. Peter’s Health Foundation received a voicemail that stopped us in our tracks. It was from Shannon Womack, a community member who had recently returned home to Helena.

With emotion in his voice, he shared his thanks.

Shannon was a St. Peter’s Health patient, with roots in Cascade and Helena, Montana, . However, he had moved to Georgia to care for his mother during her illness. Even as he supported her, he longed to return to the community he calls home. Thanks to donors who give to our Community Based Services funds, that home was ready to welcome him back when the time came.

Then Hurricane Helene struck. The storm devastated Shannon and his family’s home, tearing the roof off.

In the middle of the storm, Shannon found a 15-pound dog soaking wet and struggling to survive. He named him Ace.

Shannon calls Ace his “soul dog” and his “miracle dog.” In a season filled with uncertainty, Ace became comfort, companionship, and steady hope. Shannon believes they were meant for each other. They’ve been absolutely inseparable ever since.

A few months ago, Shannon was finally able to move back to Helena. Starting over was not easy. Securing housing required a deposit that felt just out of reach.

Working with Mark Nay, St. Peter’s Health Community Health Worker, the St. Peter’s Health Foundation provided assistance covering the majority of Shannon’s new rental deposit.

Because of the creation and support to the Maureen and Dr. William Batey Community Assistance Endowed Fund, Shannon and Ace now have a safe place to call home.

Returning home meant more than having an address. It meant reconnecting with his longtime St. Peter’s Health care team, providers he had built trust with and missed while away. Being reestablished in care has brought reassurance and continuity during a time of transition.

Your generosity does more than cover a deposit. It restores stability. It reconnects patients with trusted care teams. It preserves dignity. It keeps neighbors and their miracle dogs together.

Thank you for making stories like Shannon’s possible.

Here is the transcription of Shannon’s voicemail, verbatim:

Hi, my name is Shannon Womack. Kelsey, I'm looking to speak to either you or Mark Nay someone. I think it was Mark. He got ahold of my property manager and told her that you guys were going to pay my $600 towards my deposit. That Good Sams is going to pay the other $500.

I cannot tell you guys how thankful I am and how honored I am to live in Helena and have people like St. Peter’s Foundation reach out to help me because my dog, I've been so worried the past month. I came here for this new apartment and it's all we have and I'm so thankful. Is there any way you can have Mark reach out to me or whoever I can speak to, to thank?

  My name is Shannon Womack and I would be so honored to either volunteer for y'all's organization or do anything that y'all need for help around there if you need, volunteer for anything. Please don't hesitate to let me know. 

God bless you guys so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and my dog, Ace. We are very appreciative and we're honored.