Jason Plotkin - Daily Record/Sunday News
Lorraine uses a harness to help carry Shawna to the mat for therapy. Shawna's parents are hoping the stem-cell treatment will help loosen Shawna's taut muscles. (click to enlarge photo)

If you're just starting to read this blog following the York Sunday News article of Oct. 7, here are some places you can learn more about Shawna's story:

In Nicki Lefever's Sept. 28 article, "Will stem cells help?", the Weils and their medical team talk about the potential for Shawna as she goes through the treatment - that she might once again be able to communicate and eat some foods on her own - versus the costs and risks of traveling to China to do so.

To accompany that story, photographer/videographer Jason Plotkin created this video footage of Shawna as her family, friends and nurses talk about her condition.

And at Shawna's MySpace page, you can read the many comments her friends have left her since her accident and learn more about Shawna's heroes and interests.