Evelyn Maeve Shanahan
November 6, 2013 – October 29, 2022
In her memory
Funny. Fearless.
Full of music.
A legacy of
joy and healing.
Evelyn Shanahan was a sweet, red-haired force of nature from Calgary, Alberta. Despite many serious medical challenges from birth, she had an infectious personality, an irresistible smile, and a love of music so deep it carried her through her hardest days. She passed away at home on October 29, 2022, just before her 9th birthday.
To honour her memory and carry forward her own wish to give back, her family established the Evelyn Shanahan Endowment Fund for Creative Play through the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation — sustaining the music therapy program that brought Evelyn such comfort and joy throughout her life.
A girl who lived out loud
Born with Hao-Fountain syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, Evelyn was a frequent visitor to the Alberta Children's Hospital — battling infections, recovering from multiple heart and abdominal surgeries, enduring long hospital stays from her earliest days. And yet she was anything but a quiet patient. She was well known for terrorizing the doctors and nurses in the hallways of Unit 2 and the PICU with her boundless energy and mischievous humour.
At home, Evelyn was equally unstoppable. Neighbours knew her for flying around the block on her bike or scooter, her wild red hair streaming behind her. If she wasn't racing around, she could be found blocking the sidewalk with chalk drawings and greeting every passing dog by name. She had a keen sense of humour and loved to tease her mom and dad. Always finding the positive, she found joy in everything — a new water bottle or blanket brought the same squeals of excitement as any expensive gift.
In the months before she passed away, Evelyn had started Grade 3 at Rosemont school, which she loved, and was spending most of her time happy and at home. It was during this time that she told her mom she wanted to raise money for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. Her family has carried that wish forward ever since.
Music was her superpower
Above all, Evelyn loved music. No day was complete without a dance party to her favourite songs — usually by the Jonas Brothers or Shawn Mendes. She found all her favourites herself, through YouTube, and would demand several times a day: "Put this on my playlist!" She had strong opinions and didn't let anyone else influence her tastes.
One of her happiest days was winning a contest to have a live Zoom party with The Wiggles during COVID. Even when sedated in the PICU, her music played 24 hours a day, keeping her calm and happy.
But beyond her playlists and YouTube dance parties, the music therapy program at ACH held a special place in her life. From her very first days as a baby in her crib, a visit from the music therapist was the best and happiest part of every hospital day. As she got older, she and Sarah, one of her favourite therapists, would plan full shows together — costume changes, dramatic entrances, and performances in her hospital room. Evelyn chose all the music, of course.
"Music therapy brings joy, encourages social development, and supports kids to be themselves — even in the most difficult circumstances."
The music therapy program at the Alberta Children's Hospital is entirely donor-funded. Your contribution helps ensure it remains vibrant and accessible for every child who needs it — the same way it was there for Evelyn. We know it's something she would be very proud of.