Porter Smith foundation

The Shannon Marie and Louis Porter Smith Foundation is a charitable organization established in memory of Shannon Marie Smith and her infant son, Louis, who died on August 22, 2018. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the foundation honors Shannon’s life, commitment to nursing, and desire to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. A Wausau native, Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW–Madison, worked in hospital emergency and cardiac intensive care, and completed a nurse practitioner program while employed full-time. Her dedication to learning, service, and personal achievement inspires the foundation’s work.

Supported in part by GoFundMe contributions and private gifts, the foundation distributes annual scholarships to students at the UW School of Nursing and to nursing students from the Wausau area. Its goal is to grow the scholarship program and extend its reach across the communities that supported Shannon. The foundation’s website also features information about scholarship award winners and includes sections on the Wausau Marathon, Camp Hope, board members, and ways to contribute.