Online Campaign to Help Farrell Family Pushes $60,000

Photo: The Farrells and Lindens take a selfie while on vacation in London. Credit: Submitted

In what is undoubtedly the toughest moment for the family of Shane Farrell, the efforts of a close family friend has support for the fallen 13-year-old’s family pouring in online.

On June 4, Fran Linden created the GoFundMe page “Shane Farrell’s Family Support.” As of Monday morning, $57,624 has been raised for the family, with a goal of $75,000, the second increase since the creation of the page.

On June 3, Farrell’s life was taken after he was hit by a school bus on East Street. Farrell was riding his bike when he was fatally struck.

According to Linden, a close friend of Farrell’s father Brian, the intent of the page was to make sure the Farrells did not have to pay a single dime for their son’s funeral. The morning after the page was created, the campaign was shared over 1,500 times and raised over $35,000 before nearing $60,000 by the end of the weekend.

“The past few days have been incredible. We have talked and laughed as we remembered Shane. We have gathered photos, eaten meals, sang, and cried together. Many in Shane’s family and our church family have been in awe of the immense kindness and sensitivity that has been showered on Shane’s family. Our prayers were not only answered through you all, they were blown out of the water,” Linden said though the GoFundMe page.

Farrell was a regular guest at the Linden family home, whether it was making coffee for gatherings with her husband Matt or playing street hockey.

“Shane had the task of making coffee for our Monday night gatherings. Matt invited many guy friends to come over for dinner on Monday nights. They would set the table, prepare the meal, eat the meal, then clean up after,” Linden told Mansfield Patch. “Shane’s task was to prepare two French-press coffee pots, get the cups and set out spoons. He was at home in our house.”

Linden also reflected on Shane and the activities him and his friends would partake in.

“Shane and his friends, all good kids, would get together and produce films, 2-5 minute productions, they were so creative and funny. For one of them they even got Brian in on the action,” Linden said.

A member of Edgewood Church of Christ, she remembered the impact Shane had on his church as his congregation ached at the loss of the young boy

“Shane never missed a chance to serve or participate at Edgewood Church of Christ. He and Brian worshipped with us at Edgewood. They volunteered, served, cleaned, raked, served communion, acted in plays. An active part of the congregation,” she said.

Despite the loss, the family and close friends are attempting to stay strong in this tough moment. Thanks to the efforts of Linden and nearly 1,200 donors, the Farrell family will not have to pay for the funeral. Additional money from the campaign will be used to create a scholarship in Shane’s memory according to Linden.