Dying to Climb is my quest to return to the summit of Mount Everest while living with Stage 4 breast cancer.

I first stood on top of Everest in 2005. Today, as a researcher in exercise and cancer, I study the very disease that now threatens my own life. A Stage 4 diagnosis changes how you see the world — and what truly matters.

This expedition is more than a climb. It is a scientific mission—and an effort to inspire others to see what may be possible.

By attempting this ascent, I hope to:

*Inspire others facing their own battles, showing that courage and hope can exist even in life’s hardest moments.

*Raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, whose work has become profoundly personal to me.

*Conduct research to understand how low oxygen levels affect the immune system in cancer.

This climb is not just about reaching a summit — it is about standing for possibility, even in the face of advanced disease.

If you can support this expedition, your donation will help thousands of people living with cancer receive the care and guidance they need.

My journey will also be documented in a feature film, sharing a story of resilience, science, and the drive to keep moving forward despite adversity. You can follow my progress on Instagram or at www.dyingtoclimb.com for more information.

Many thanks,

Shaunna

Cheryl Holt lives in Minneapolis with her two dogs, where she works full time-ish for a technology manufacturing company and is a caregiver to her elderly mom. She has 3 adult kids who live out of state, 2 grandsons, grandpuppies & grandkitties.

At age 48, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, just a few short months after becoming a widow. She has become a breast cancer mentor and feels passionate about helping others through their journey with breast cancer. She hopes to show others that no matter what life throws at you, it is important to keep going.

Caitlin Deal is a 36 year old metastatic breast cancer thriver. She lives in Eagan, Minnesota with her wonderful husband, Tim, her four year old son, Owen, and their dog, Piper. She also has a horse, Kaddi, who unfortunately cannot live in her backyard and lives at a stable in Northfield.

She was diagnosed de novo Stage 4 in September 2023 and promptly decided she was not going to deal with cancer horse-less and fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own horse. She enjoys running, crocheting, reading, and especially loves being Owen's mom. She tries to be very open about her breast cancer story in the hopes that others who need to hear it will not feel like they are alone.