A former co-worker and dear friend to The Blaze had a tumor the size of a plum removed from her wonderfully amazing brain on Saturday, April 23rd.

Shande Wiest is known around Missoula for her unique, colorful, gregarious personality and for her love of unicorns. She is a genuine friend to acquaintances and strangers alike and can often be found volunteering, dancing, crafting, enjoying live music and just bringing fun and light into our community. You've likely seen Shande at Blaze events, she's the one with the excellent hats and usually covered in various amounts of rainbows and glitter.

Over the past few months, Shande had been experiencing debilitating migraines and medicine wasn't helping. On Thursday, April 21st, Shande passed out at her job at Warm Springs Productions and was taken to the ER. It was later determined that her black out was a seizure and was told in the ER that she had a tumor on her brain and was admitted into St. Pat's.

Shande rocked surgery on Saturday, April 23rd and the amazing Dr. Beck was able to removed 98% of the growth. We were worried that the surgery would effect her memory but were endlessly relieved when she woke up asking for her doggie Alfie. Although surgery was a great success, Shande has a long road of recovery ahead of her and won't be able to return to work until June.

You can help by coming to Missoula Brewing Company at 200 International Drive on Thursday, April 28th at 4pm to raise money for Shande and her recovery. Warm Springs Productions is matching all donations to Shande's fundraising efforts and there will be raffles for prizes including tickets for the Fitz & the Tantrums show this August.

There is also a GoFundMe page to help with lost wages and medical not covered by insurance.

Shande's massive support system of friends would like to THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your support. Seeing so many people pitching in, supporting each other and finding Shande's hospital room full of flowers and inflatable unicorns is a true testament to the beautiful soul that is Shande Wiest.

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