Meet Shanell, ReMend’s Caregiver Mentor
Caregivers are often the steady heartbeat behind the scenes—showing up to appointments, learning new medical language overnight, juggling work and family, and trying to stay strong when things feel anything but steady.
At ReMend, we hear one message again and again: “I wish there was someone who understood what it’s like to be the caregiver.” That’s why we’re honored to introduce Shanell Matlock, ReMend’s first-ever Caregiver Mentor.
A caregiver story that began fast—and changed everything
Shanell’s journey took a pivotal turn early in her relationship with her fiancé, Emmitt Henderson III. Just a couple of months into dating, Emmitt received a sudden diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure—a moment that reshaped their lives and introduced Shanell to the world of kidney disease, treatment decisions, and the emotional weight caregivers often carry quietly. Like many caregivers, Shanell found herself navigating fear, uncertainty, and the constant question of, “What do we do next?”
“Broken is Still Beautiful”
In the middle of it all, Shanell began taking daily walks along the beach in San Diego. She collected seashells—many chipped, cracked, or imperfect—and found comfort in prayer, reflection, and the simple rhythm of the waves. During one of those walks, Shanell received a message that would become her anchor: “Broken is Still Beautiful.” That phrase became more than inspiration—it became a way forward.
Today, Shanell creates seashell wing artwork that honors resilience and reminds others that healing doesn’t require perfection. Her art reflects something caregivers understand deeply: you can feel broken and still keep going. You can carry a heavy season and still find moments of beauty.
Why a Caregiver Mentor matters
Caregivers need support too. Not “someday,” not “after everything settles down”… now.
ReMend’s mentoring program has always been built on connection—peer-to-peer support from people who truly understand the kidney journey. With Shanell stepping into the Caregiver Mentor role, ReMend is expanding that support to include the people who love and care for someone with kidney disease.
As a caregiver mentor, Shanell is here to support caregivers who may be:
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted
Unsure how to balance caregiving with work, kids, or their own health
Looking for encouragement from someone who understands the day-to-day reality
Searching for a safe place to talk through the hard moments
Sometimes, what caregivers need most is simple—but powerful: someone who gets it.
A grounded, compassionate presence
Shanell is also a U.S. military veteran and a longtime advocate for mental health, lupus, kidney disease, and caregiving support. She brings a calm, steady presence—rooted in empathy and strength—to the ReMend community.
Her message is clear: caregivers deserve care, too.
Connect with a ReMend Mentor
If you’re caring for a loved one with kidney disease, you don’t have to carry it alone. ReMend connects patients and caregivers with trained peer mentors—people who understand the kidney journey firsthand and can offer encouragement, perspective, and hope.
Interested in caregiver mentoring support? Visit the “Connect with Us” page to learn more.
