Quinte Health, in partnership with the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, announces the establishment of the Shannan Hickey Memorial Education Endowment, created in memory of Shannan Hickey, a beloved nurse whose life was tragically taken by intimate partner violence on May 21, 2024.
Shannan, just 26 years old, was a bright, compassionate member of the Quinte Health team at Belleville General Hospital. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and her ability to bring light and warmth to those around her – patients, colleagues, family, and friends alike.
The Shannan Hickey Memorial Education Endowment reflects Shannan’s deep commitment to healthcare excellence and her belief in the importance of lifelong learning. With an initial investment of $265,000, including a $50,000 contribution from the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, the fund is designed to provide ongoing support for Quinte Health staff pursuing educational and professional development opportunities, ensuring that Shannan’s legacy will continue to make a meaningful difference for generations to come.
“This fund is such a beautiful reflection of who Shannan was – compassionate, curious, and committed to helping others,” said Stacey Daub, president and CEO, Quinte Health. “Her legacy will continue to lift others up, reminding us all of the power of care and community. We’re profoundly grateful to her family for creating this opportunity in her honour.”
Beginning in 2026, the endowment will distribute annual funding to support educational pursuits such as formal degree programs, professional certifications, continuing education courses, and specialized training. Quinte Health employees, clinical and non-clinical will be eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted annually between January 1 and March 31, with recipients announced each May. Funding decisions will be made by a committee including Shannan’s father, Matthew Hickey, and a representative from the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, which is managing the endowment on behalf of Quinte Health.
“Shannan was passionate about learning and about helping others grow,” said Matthew Hickey. “This endowment means her spirit of care and compassion will continue to support those who dedicate their lives to helping others.”
Although Shannan worked primarily at Belleville General Hospital, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program, which supports survivors across all Quinte Health hospitals, is located at Trenton Memorial Hospital. The Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation is proud to partner with Quinte Health and Shannan’s family to administer the endowment in a way that reflects both her values and her impact.
“Our foundation is honoured to help keep Shannan’s memory alive,” said Lindsay Butcher Dodds, executive director of the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Guided by compassion and a deep sense of community, we’re proud to support a fund that will help Quinte Health staff continue to learn, grow, and care for others, just as Shannan did.”
Through the Shannan Hickey Memorial Education Endowment and the Shannan’s Light monument at Belleville General Hospital, Shannan’s memory continues to inspire learning, compassion, and awareness of the need to end intimate partner violence.
Community members interested in donating to the Shannan Hickey Memorial Education Endowment can visit the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation website at www.tmhfoundation.com.
