BIO

In May 2026, while living with Stage 4 breast cancer, Shaunna summited Mount Everest—an achievement that marked the beginning of her Dying to Climb mission: a four-year challenge to climb the remaining 13 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks. Alongside the mission, she is contributing to scientific research exploring cancer, exercise, hypoxia, and the limits of human performance, participating in studies as both researcher and research participant. Her journey is the subject of the forthcoming book Dying to Live and a feature documentary.

Following her diagnosis with incurable breast cancer in 2024, Shaunna transformed an uncertain prognosis into a mission of purpose. In 2025, she completed the Everest Marathon -the world's highest marathon -while raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Through her expeditions, research and public speaking, she is working to inspire others, challenge perceptions of what is possible and demonstrate the power of purpose in the face of adversity.

An accomplished mountaineer, Shaunna was featured in Discovery Channel's award-winning miniseries Ultimate Survival: Everest (2004). In 2005, she became the second Canadian woman to summit Mount Everest. She has also climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia, Aconcagua in Argentina, Island Peak and Lobuche East in Nepal, and completed the Mont Blanc Traverse from Italy to France.

Before turning to mountaineering, Shaunna was an elite alpine ski racer. She grew up in Québec, Canada and is bilingual. At McGill University, she distinguished herself as a two-sport athlete, competing in both alpine skiing and rugby. As a skier, she represented Canada internationally and earned a U.S. collegiate skiing scholarship. For three consecutive years, she was named an Academic All-American in recognition of excellence in both sport and academics.

Shaunna completed her master's degree and PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on cancer prehabilitation and the role of exercise in helping people manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and build resilience. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers and secured funding through numerous research grants.

Today, Shaunna speaks to audiences across the corporate, healthcare, academic, and public sectors. Drawing on science, adventure and lived experience, she explores human performance, resilience, leadership under pressure and the power of purpose. Her talks challenge audiences to rethink what is possible - and how they choose to show up when faced with life's most difficult challenges.

Shaunna has been invited to speak to organisations including Deloitte, Patria Investments, the UK Government Property Agency, Global Excel Management, Macmillan Cancer Support, Amgen, the Canadian Olympic Development Association, the Jane Goodall Institute, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Radicle Group, Shopify, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Testimonials

"An incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking talk that resonated with everyone in the room. Shaunna was brilliant in weaving together her experiences of climbing Everest, living with cancer, and overcoming adversity through powerful storytelling. She combined the science of resilience, mindset, and human performance; it was deeply moving. My team were left inspired, challenged to think differently, and better equipped to tackle personal and professional challenges. In fact, a new phrase has emerged when things get tough at work - “what would Shaunna do”…I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this talk to any organisation looking to motivate and empower their people.”
CEO of the UK’s Government Property Agency

“It was a privilege to have Shaunna speak at our event, as well as join us as a guest on the Endurance podcast. She was so good that we had her back! Her ability to tell her story with such honesty, warmth and authenticity captivated the audience from start to finish. Sharing her experiences of climbing Everest while navigating life with cancer created a powerful narrative that was both deeply personal and universally relatable. I would highly recommend her as a speaker for any event looking to create a lasting impact through the power of storytelling.”
Mark Beaumont, BROADCASTING & MEDIA LTD

"We were delighted to welcome Shaunna to speak to our fundraising managers from across the UK. Her talk was powerful, authentic and deeply inspiring. Through her story of climbing Everest while living with cancer, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience, courage and determination. Her storytelling balanced authenticity, humour and practical insights, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the session as energising, motivating and truly memorable. I would highly recommend her to any organisation looking for a speaker who can genuinely connect with and inspire an audience."
Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Management Team 

Further information, please get in touch with Deborah:

hello@papillonspeakers.com

07814 934740