Tonya Colombo

My youngest son Shane lived his life to the fullest...and what a remarkable life it was. Beautiful inside and out, he gave joy and love selflessly. After beating cancer at 15, he went on to earn his bachelor degree in psychology from San Francisco State University before going on to Columbia University to become a research scientist. He was on his way to Northwestern University to pursue a PhD when his life was tragically cut short at 25 years of age. This is his story.

Bio

My name is Tonya Colombo. I was born in Pomona, Calif. Before September 2, 2018, my youngest son Shane, would often bring me joy as I watched him excel in pursuing his dream to be a scientist and help others. He was on his way to Northwestern University in Chicago to begin working on his PhD when he was shot and taken from this world, within hours of arriving in the city. As I struggle to find joy again, it is difficult. Shane's older brother Dane is left to deal with the loss of his only sibling, as he battles drug addiction and homelessness. This is part of his story and mine.