JOPLIN, Missouri – One of Joplin’s longtime E-911 dispatchers has been dealing with serious medical issues. Last week, things got out of hand, and she had to be rushed to Columbia, Missouri, for emergency brain surgery.
Shelby Winstead had been suffering from seizures for several years, and they were getting worse. She had an incident on January 27 that required her to be rushed to a Joplin hospital.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was then flown to Columbia, Missouri, where she underwent emergency surgery to remove it.
Shelby, according to friends, will be in recovery for several months and unable to work or care for her family. Josh Lee, a good friend, has organized a GO FUND ME page to help support her family. Everyone is encouraged to read more about her journey and give if they can.
Her husband is Cpl Levi Winstead with the Joplin Police Department. Since joining in 2019, he has been named Officer of the Month several times. Shelby pinned him in December after he was promoted to Corporal.
The Winsteads are well-liked in the community they serve, and some businesses have stepped forward to help them in their time of need.
Superior Roofing, Black Rain Ordnance, and Joplin Pawn and Purchase are hosting a raffle. The prize is a custom Gray Ribbon Brain Cancer Awareness Rifle and Pistol. The raffle entry tickets are funded through GO FUND ME donations. A flyer provides additional information.
The raffle will take place on the Black Rain Facebook page on February 14.
