Shelli’s Breast Cancer Journey – “Early Detection Saved My Life”

Shelli Lorenzen

Shelli Lorenzen’s journey with breast cancer began with a routine check—an annual mammogram at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. This small but vital step would change her life and ultimately save it. In sharing her story, Shelli hopes to inspire others to prioritize early detection and lean on their support systems during difficult times.

Like many women, Shelli made it a point to schedule her mammogram every year. However, during her most recent visit to MRHC, the results came back abnormal, requiring further testing. Following the mammogram, MRHC referred Shelli to the MercyOne Katzmann Breast Center in Des Moines for further care. The quick and proactive response allowed her to begin treatment at an early stage—something she stresses cannot be overlooked.

“If I had skipped just one year,” Shelli said, “my lump would have been much larger and possibly have spread. Early detection definitely saved my life.”

Shelli’s treatment involved a combination of surgery, radiation, and post-operative care. She had a lumpectomy at MercyOne in Des Moines and underwent six weeks of radiation therapy. While most of her treatments took place outside of Manning, MRHC played a crucial role in her recovery. Access to follow-up care close to home at MRHC provided much-needed convenience during an otherwise overwhelming time. Shelli experienced not only the medical care she needed locally but also invaluable emotional and professional support from her colleagues at MRHC, where she serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer.

“MRHC was wonderfully supportive of my needs as I navigated this scary situation. I was allowed to work from home following my surgery and could leave early for treatments. I could not have asked for a better employer or co-workers during this awful time.”

This workplace support allowed Shelli to focus on her recovery while maintaining as much normalcy as possible.

“It was very important to me to go on with life as normal as possible, and I feel like I did that for as long as I could,” Shelli shared. “I think that helped me. My mantra was: this too shall pass.  There will be tough days, but just remember that better days are coming.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, Shelli emphasized the importance of asking questions and accepting support from others.

“It is a scary thing to hear that you have cancer. Ask questions of your provider. Talk to others who have had it. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you are going through,” Shelli encouraged. “Talking about it helped me rather than hiding it.”

Shelli’s story serves as a powerful reminder that support—whether medical, emotional, or professional—can make all the difference in navigating the road to recovery. And most importantly, that early detection saves lives.

“You must do your due diligence and get your mammograms annually,” she stressed. “If there is an annual test—like a mammogram—get the test every year. Cancer is a random disease that can hit anybody. Early detection is key —if you find something, have it checked out.”

MRHC provides 3D tomography screening and diagnostic mammography exams. The mammography machine features a soft touch pad, providing a softer, warmer mammogram for patients. Screening mammography is used to detect changes in the breast for women who do not have signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. Diagnostic mammography is used to examine suspicious breast changes such as a lump, pain, or unusual skin appearance. To schedule a mammogram, please call (712) 655-8210.

Manning Regional Healthcare Center Names Shannon Black as New CEO

Shannon Black

Shannon BlackManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), an affiliate of MercyOne, announced on Thursday that Shannon Black has accepted the MRHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position. She will begin her role on February 19.

Black has extensive experience in various health care leadership roles, most recently serving in the Unity Point Clinics system as Clinic Administrator in Waukee and Jefferson. Throughout her 20 years in the health care industry, she has worked to improve patient access, promote team engagement and increase patient experience.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Walden University. In April 2024, she will complete a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.

Outside of work, Black is married to Chad, and they have four children. She enjoys spending time outdoors, bike riding and attending her children’s activities. She is also the head cheerleading coach at Greene County Community School District and has served as a city council member in Jefferson.

“We are delighted to welcome Shannon to the Manning Regional Healthcare Center family as our new CEO. Her proven track record in health care leadership, coupled with her deep passion for patient-centered care, make her the perfect fit to lead us forward while delivering on our promise to provide excellent health care for our entire community,” said Bret Richards, MRHC Board of Trustees Chairman.

“I also express my sincerest appreciation to the MRHC team, including Alana Monson, for her work as interim CEO while we completed the CEO search. Your continued commitment and resilience during this transition have been truly remarkable.”

Manning Regional Healthcare Center, a 17-bed facility federally designated critical access hospital (CAH), is a trusted local provider of high-quality healthcare to the residents of Manning, Manilla, Irwin, Kirkman, and the four-county area of Carroll, Crawford, Shelby, and Audubon counties in Iowa.

About MercyOne

MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne is a member of Trinity Health (based in Livonia, Michigan) – one of the largest not-for-profit Catholic health care systems in the nation. Learn more at MercyOne.org