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.

Bethany Adair is a 10+ year breast cancer thriver, mindset coach, speaker, and author of My Guru Cancer: You Don’t Have to Fight to Find True Freedom from the C Word. Drawing on her background in wellness, Bethany brings an open mind, full heart, and a healthy dose of humor to conversations about cancer, healing, and resilience.

She loves to say her stage 4 diagnosis is to "Live the F*ck out of Life!" Her happy place? Helping others find the same freedom.When she’s not coaching, speaking, or chronically oversharing on social media, you can find her adventuring in Boulder, Colorado. Learn more at mygurucancer.com.

Kristina is married to her husband Cory who she has been with for 18 years and a mom to boy/girl 4 year old twins who keep her on her toes, but also are the lights of her life. When she is not chasing them around she loves working out/yoga/strength training, trying out new recipes, and spending Summers in the water! She worked in finance for 20+ years which she really enjoyed and just recently in Dec 2025 took a break from it to focus on her health.

Ashley is a 39 year old thriver living with Metastatic Breast Cancer since May 2017. She is married and has one child who turns 9 this month. Some things she likes to do for fun are spending time outdoors, at the lake, hanging out with family and friends and cheering on her daughter at all her sporting events.

Traveling has been a must since her diagnosis and she has been crossing many items off her bucket list. She tries to live by her father in law's words, “live life with no regrets”.

Cecilia Claypool, usually referred to as "Cece," grew up in Apple Valley, a suburb of the Twin Cities, and then got her degree in English from Loyola University Chicago. She works part-time as a paralegal and legal writer in the Child Protection Division with Hennepin County.

She loves to read, attend live theater, and jam out to the Backstreet Boys. She and her husband, Shane, and their daughter, Abigail, now live 90 seconds away from Cecilia's parents and the house where she grew up. Her idols are her mother and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Amber is a Minnesota-based mom of two, adventure lover, & stage IV cancer thriver who’s redefining what it means to be alive. After being diagnosed with HER2+ BC that later spread to her brain, Amber has outlived her prognosis and chosen to live with intention, curiosity, and a little bit of “send it” energy.

She spends her days chasing adrenaline on jet skis, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles, while also leaning into deeper conversations about faith, perspective, and what really matters. Amber is passionate about helping others feel less alone in hard seasons and reminding people that joy and struggle can coexist. Her story isn’t about surviving - it’s about fully living.