Dear Friends,
First of all, let us thank everyone who has supported Shawn and Dennis, an enormous thank you to our community, for your kind words, your support, your generosity, and your prayers, which has made our lives a little easier during this indescribable time.
Shawn Hennessey:
For some of you who already know Shawn, and have passed your view of him openly, thank you so much. For those of you who don’t know Shawn, let me tell you a bit about him, he is a son, a grandson, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a nephew, all roles that he takes seriously. Shawn did well in school, he had lots of friends, and he participated in all activities. In 1995 Shawn became involved with the Brotherhood Boxing Club. His coach Mark Waggoner became a very positive and important person in our lives, Mark remains a family friend and is one of Shawn’s biggest supporters. In 1998 Shawn met and fell in love with, his wife Christine, and they have two beautiful daughters ages 7 and 4. Shawn is a very dedicated family man. When Shawn is not at work, which is seldom, or spending time with his family, he can be found at the local golf course with a buddy playing a few holes.
Dennis Cheeseman:
The people that already know Dennis have spoken of his character, that he is a great guy, a very shy, naïve young man with a huge heart. Dennis started out his young life by losing his father when he was 2 years old. Growing up was difficult for him, not having that male role model in his life. Dennis also had many friends at school, but there was really only one person that he really felt connected to, his sister Christine. As children they stood side-by-side, through thick and thin, and still do to this day. Dennis quit school when he was 16 years old, in order to find a job and help out his sister and their young family. So at the age of 19 Dennis was working full time, and being the best brother and uncle that anyone could have.
Their lives today:
Since July 7th 2007 our lives have been drastically altered and will never be the same.
The families have had to begin selling their possessions that we have worked so hard for in order to provide both Shawn and Dennis with the best legal representation possible. Shawn’s daughters ask us often why everything in their lives had to change…unfortunately we do not have an answer for them. We have asked ourselves that very same question many times.
As his mother and grandmother of his children it has pained me beyond words to see his wife and children suffer on a daily basis, knowing that there is little we can do to ease their pain.
Today both men sit behind bars, one in Edmonton, and one in Red Deer awaiting answers to their many questions.
Shawn, Dennis and their families will never get this time back.
At this time the family still has not received the disclosure from the Crown and we find ourselves in the same position we were in on July 7th.: shocked and without any information.
Due to the enormous legal fees that the family is faced with, we need your help to protect the rights of these two young men.
You can donate directly via the PayPal link below, or mail your donation to:
Or make your donation through PayPal: (Note: PayPal donations will be sent to absweld@xplornet.com (aka Shawn's father, Barry Hennessey)
We need everyone’s love and support right now, but unfortunately, we also need financial assistance. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you all
The Family & Friends of
Shawn Hennessey & Dennis Cheeseman
If you have questions or comments or would like to send letters of support, both men can be contacted through the address above or click here to send an email.
Please check back regularly as we will be posting updates as well as your feedback and comments in the near future.