“A hero can be defined as a person who acts in a way that benefits the greater good of her society.”
After a national disaster like Hurricane Katrina, there are many stories of people who perform acts of true heroism, who are truly “unsung heroes” that never appear in the paper or on TV. This is truly the case for Deeni Shannon, Executive Director of Summerville Senior Living at Kenner, Louisiana. As an ED of an assisted living community for seniors, Deeni has seen her share of challenges over the years but nothing could prepare her for what she was about to face along with many other residents of Louisiana and surrounding states.
In spite of the mass panic and evacuation in her area, Deeni stayed focused, calm and determined to get her senior residents out quickly and safely even in spite of her own personal concerns for her family and home. After facing many obstacles including transportation companies that would not respond to her calls, sixty-six of her residents were successfully evacuated to two different locations the day Hurricane Katrina was predicted to hit land. Deeni and staff prepared clothing, medications and other necessities for her senior residents. She was also able to secure hotels, emergency food and water for her dedicated staff members.
After ten hours of grueling travel, all her residents were evacuated to safe and secure locations. Deeni left without her son and husband knowing that it might be days before she would be able to speak to them if the storm’s intensity stayed as expected.
Under her direction and leadership, a group of staff including nurse, food service, housekeeping and marketing, cared for residents for eighteen hour days with little to no rest. This continued for three extra days until a team of Summerville staff from other communities in the United States could be flown in to assist.
In the weeks that followed after the hurricane, she received the devastating news that her home was inhabitable with six feet of water along with many of her staff’s homes. Under these circumstances, one would have expected her to take a “leave of absence” to take care of her current situation but this hero did not. Deeni continued to demonstrate strength, perseverance and courage to assure that her residents and staff were taken care of. Deeni even assisted her staff with calls to FEMA.
Today, the residents and staff of Summerville at Kenner are safe and thriving as a result of her decision and courage all while still living in a FEMA trailer with her husband and son. It is with great pleasure and respect that I nominate this “unsung hero,” Deeni Shannon for ALFA’s 9th Hero Award.