Born Dec. 19, 1985, in Kalispell, Mont., Shane Bitney Crone grew up with the nickname “Motor Mouth.” Now that name seems even more appropriate in light of his recent YouTube video, "It Could Happen to You," which went viral with over 3 million views. Shane’s film portrays the many injustices he experienced after losing his partner and the great love of his life, Tom Bridegroom. This gut-wrenching video has now inspired millions of people worldwide to join Shane’s pursuit of marriage equality.

From a young age Shane has used his considerable voice on behalf of good causes, inspiring others through his talent and actions. In Montana he also regularly performed at the Missoula Children’s Theater International Performing Arts Camp. During high school he was active in the community and was awarded Student of the Year for his leadership.

Shane worked part time to earn money so that he could pursue his dream of moving to Los Angeles after graduation. Armed with this money and with all his worldly belongings in the trunk of his car, Shane headed to California without a job, but with an abundance of ambition and willingness to work hard.

He soon landed a position on Entertainment Tonight as a production assistant and was subsequently promoted to talent coordinator.

In 2005 Shane met his partner, Tom Bridegroom. Dedicated to each other and their mutual success, Shane and Tom started a social media/public relations company, Bridegroom and Bitney, in 2008. Targeting up-and-coming artists in the music industry, they assisted clients in obtaining record deals, performing at national league sporting events and garnering international exposure (via Tom's and Shane’s expertise with social media).

In 2011 the devastating accident that took Tom’s life turned Shane’s world upside down. As a form of therapy, he created his now-viral video in order to honor and mourn Tom. Shane felt this video was the only means he had to help other couples and spread awareness. As a result, he has found a new calling and is slowly regaining the voice he was born with. Shane has now vowed to devote himself to the cause of marriage equality and is making a documentary film about his life with Tom and what happened in the aftermath of Tom’s death, entitled Bridegroom.

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