Breathe pray repeat. Shannon Fatuesi Tuimaleali’ifano’s simple faith-based motto guides her very complicated life as a caregiver to her husband, Sualauvi Malua Tuimaleali’ifano III.
While deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, SSG Sualauvi sustained a spinal injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Caring for his physical limitations has been a journey of faith, hope and love, and has made Shannon realize she has the strength to perform the difficult work necessary for her husband’s survival. She has also come to understand that no one can do this alone.
Shannon is with Sualauvi 24/7 to troubleshoot problems — her husband needs help with most every bodily function. She grooms him and prepares his meals. Most days she works with him at home on various therapies that include electrical stimulation and getting him into a standing frame apparatus. She cleans equipment used the previous night, provides emotional support and takes Sualauvi out of his home environment for mental stimulation and relief. And Shannon does all this while also raising a family that includes three children.
When asked about her biggest challenges, Shannon includes developing confidence in her judgment and decisions, advocating on behalf of what is best for her veteran and her family, and trusting her instincts when it comes to their needs. In addition to caregiving, finding time to do everything else is a constant challenge — time to fill out applications, research and locate resources, and enlist support from private and public sources. With a father with severe physical limitations, keeping her children emotionally and psychologically healthy is a priority. And for Shannon, she faces it all while battling depression, isolation and financial security fears, and a chronic lack of sleep.
As an Elizabeth Dole Fellow, Shannon is deeply committed to helping military families experiencing hardships by helping raise awareness of their needs, and providing peer mentoring and support. Shannon is a veteran herself and served on Active Duty at Ft. Bragg, NC for almost six years, then as a Reservist for an additional four years (but was called to Active Duty for three of those years after 9/11.)
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