shannon-forde

It’s with a sad heart to report that Shannon Forde, the longtime Mets media relations director, passed away tonight from breast cancer at the young age of 44. The Mets released the following statements.

Jeff Wilpon:

“Shannon was a very unique person. I was fortunate to see her a few weeks ago at the rehab facility and had a great time laughing and visiting with her for over an hour. My condolences to her husband, John, two children, Nicholas and Kendall and the Dalton and Forde families. Citi Field won’t be the same without her contagious smile and genuine personality.”

Sandy Alderson:

“Shannon was an absolute inspiration to everyone in this organization, including me, and I told her so. She was courageous in her fight and never let her illness claim her spirit. That spirit will remain with the Mets, in our memories and in our hearts.”

* * * * * * * * *

I was introduced to Shannon in 2009 by a mutual friend and to know her was to love her. She helped me get access that season at a time when MLB had a strict no-blog policy. We attended and covered a half dozen games that year and it helped put us on the map. She continued to help us along the way, securing literally dozens of player interviews for us over the years.

But Shannon was also a caring friend with a beautiful heart. When I was having my own battle with health issues she would often email me to see how I was doing. One time after I had surgery on my kidney to remove a tumor, after a couple of days in ICU they assigned me to a regular room where there was a small arrangement of flowers waiting there for me. I thought perhaps it was from someone in my family. It wasn’t, they were from her.

When I first heard she was diagnosed with breast cancer I was so devastated. I reached out to her as did so many others. I offered to send her the many inspirational books that others had given me when I was waging my own battle. She politely declined and just said, “give me a prayer instead.”

I’m going to miss her so, so much. Heaven has another angel. Shannon, you were a shining light for so many of us in life, and loved by all of those who knew you. May God bless you and bring comfort to your husband John, and two young children, Nicholas and Kendall.