Meet Shanell.

Written By Kiku Boyance

ReMend Caregiver Mentor. “Broken Is Still Beautiful”.

Originally from Kansas and now based in San Diego, Shanell Matlock became a caregiver early in her relationship with her fiancé, Emmitt Henderson III, when his sudden diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure changed the course of their lives.

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Shanell found comfort in daily walks along the beach—gathering seashells and reflecting on the idea that healing doesn’t require perfection. That experience inspired her guiding message: “Broken Is Still Beautiful.” Today, her seashell wing artwork honors resilience and serves as a reminder that hope can grow in the hardest seasons.

Shanell is also a U.S. military veteran and a longtime advocate for mental health, lupus, kidney disease, and caregiving support. As ReMend’s first Caregiver Mentor, she brings a compassionate, steady presence to those supporting a loved one through kidney disease— because caregivers deserve care, too.

As a Caregiver Mentor, Shanell supports:

  • Caregivers feeling overwhelmed, scared, or burned out

  • Loved ones trying to understand dialysis, transplant, or chronic kidney disease

  • Anyone who needs encouragement from someone who truly “gets it

Kiku Boyance https://www.sdremend.com/
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Meet Alex.