Team Shontina

After several years of treatment, Shontina is entering a new phase of care in her health journey, and we're turning to our community for support. Shontina Vernon is an extraordinary multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, musician, and storyteller whose work explores Black subjectivities, intergenerational healing and trauma, and queerness. Through film, theater, and music, she has spent her career creating bold, deeply resonant stories that challenge narratives of erasure. A recipient of numerous grants and awards, Shontina is also the founder of Visionary Justice StoryLab, where she has dedicated herself to supporting the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. In 2021, Shontina was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Since then, life has been full of joy and laughter, struggle and tears, travel and work, cherished moments with friends and family, and creating a new home with her wife, Lara, in Southwest Atlanta. Multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, infusions, and ongoing treatments have taken their toll, yet through it all, Shontina continues to meet each day with remarkable strength, resilience, and a deep love for life. Funds raised will help ease the financial burden of Shontina's evolving care needs, including ongoing medical expenses, lost income, home health and respite care, rehabilitation, music therapy and integrative therapies, and ADA home modifications. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create more space for Shontina's rest, recovery, and well-being while supporting Lara as she balances caregiving with the work they share at Visionary Justice StoryLab. If you're unable to give financially, sharing this campaign or visiting our Give In Kind page to sign up for meals or other practical support are equally meaningful ways to help. Please know that while every message of love and encouragement is deeply appreciated, Shontina and Lara may not have the capacity to respond individually. Thank you for understanding and for holding them both with such care. Shontina's life has always been rooted in creativity, connection, and community. She finds joy in singing and playing music, spending time with loved ones, eating good food, and sharing stories through film. Your support helps make it possible for her to continue embracing those moments while focusing on healing, rest, and the care she deserves. Thank you for surrounding Shontina and Lara with such extraordinary love, care, and community. Funds raised will help provide: Ongoing medical care and treatment Home health aide and respite support Rehabilitation, music therapy, and integrative care