Evelyn Maeve Shanahan
November 6, 2013 – October 29, 2022
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 spending much of her young life in and out of hospital, she lit up every room she entered — with 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 parents Mike and Marie-Claire 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 ruling 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 — usually with her own special dog, Bee, by her side. 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, usually 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 music 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 Van Peteghen, 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.
What Evelyn's fund made possible
an annual party for pups and people
Evelyn loved music. She loved dancing. She loved every dog she ever met. So we threw all three together and called it Pupchella — an indoor fun fair at Chasin' Tails Dog Care Centre, held each November around what would have been Evelyn's birthday.
Live music. Pet portraits. A Bark Bar. Games for dogs, kids, and grown-ups. A silent auction stocked with things dogs and people love. Every dollar raised goes directly to Evelyn's fund.
Hope to see you there.
— Mike, Marie-Claire, Bee & Baxter 🐾
"As a mom, it means everything to have a place where both of my children not only receive the medical care they need, but also have music therapy to lift their spirits. It gives them moments of joy and normalcy in the middle of hospital life, and that's a gift I'll always be grateful for."
— Jessica, a hospital mom On the importance of the music therapy program during her children's care at the Alberta Children's Hospital — the program Evelyn's fund supports.
The music therapy program at the Alberta Children's Hospital is entirely donor-funded. Your gift helps keep it vibrant and accessible for every child who needs it — just as it was there for Evelyn. Every donation honours her wish to give back.