KATHMANDU, NEPAL —McGill graduate
Dr. Shaunna Burke is currently in the middle of her gruelling quest to summit Mount Everest, the world's highest peak — this time while living with incurable Stage 4 breast cancer and hoping to become the first woman with incurable cancer to reach the summit.
The former two-sport athlete (alpine skier and rugby) left England for Kathmandu on April 13 is chronicling her excursion, which is part personal challenge, part research project and part fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.
She is posting daily video blogs of the climb on her Instagram account
dyingtoclimb
McGill Athletics & Recreation is posting updates her blog daily on this page.
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IG ACCOUNT:
Shaunna Burke
114 posts
8,265 followers
273 following
Cancer Researcher
Everest Summiter
Associate Professor | Keynote Speaker
Metastatic Cancer & Moving
For anyone newly following my journey… let me reintroduce myself
I'm Shaunna.
I'm attempting to become the first person with stage four cancer to summit Everest. I've spent X years researching the impact of exercise for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and then, two years ago, became my own case study.
I was the second Canadian woman to ever summit the mountain 21 years ago, and I have just landed back in Kathmandu ready to embark on the journey again.
Original audio
April 15
- 2 DAYS TO GO!!?????
Today, I picked up our last bits of kit from Rab in Kathmandu. I'll be heading into the valley well-equipped to start the expedition.
Thank you so much to @rab.equipment.uk for gifting me with such a high-quality kit to see me through this journey - I can't wait to put it to the test!
#kathmandu #mountainering #everestexpedition #hikinggear
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April 18
Day 1 of my Everest summit attempt. ??
Raising funds for @macmillancancer by attempting to be the first person with stage 4 cancer to stand on the top of that mountain.
Game on! ????
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April 19
Day 2 of my Everest summit attempt. ??
A few days acclimatising on Mera Peak before heading across the Kumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp.
One step at a time. ????
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April 20
Day 3 of my Everest summit attempt! ???
Taking it all in as we make our way up Mera Peak, the views are incredible!
So grateful for this opportunity!
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April 21
Day 4: Never a view not worth snapping a photo of out here!
Trying to take as much of it in as possible.
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April 21
Day 4 of my Everest summit attempt ???
I felt a bit nervous to post this as it was a day of lots of reflection, but I want to share the highs, lows, and everything in between.
This journey is bigger than me. I'm doing this for anyone who has been affected by a challenging diagnosis.
This is for us. One step after another, one step at a time.
A reminder that I'm fundraising for @macmillancancer, who offer incredible support for people living with cancer, so please donate whatever you can - no matter how small - to allow them to keep doing this. ??
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April 22
Day 5 of my Everest summit attempt with stage IV cancer ???
I'm so grateful for the amazing team I have around me, and to be sharing this experience with friends like Patricia.
Today was an acclimatisation day to help us adjust to the altitude, so we're running some tests, such as the step test, to see how my body is reacting to physical activity at high altitude.
All preparation for when the big climb begins!
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April 23
Day 7, the moment that we summited Mera Peak ???
What an incredible feeling, so proud of the team and grateful to have the opportunity to experience this.
Don't forget, I'm raising money for @macmillancancer, link in bio for donations ??
Night 7 of trying to be the first person to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Hours before we reached the summit of Mera Peak at 6,476m.
We were tired, cold, and hungry, but as you saw in yesterday's video, we made it!
I'm doing all of this to support @macmillancancer ?? If you're able to, please check out the link in m bio for donations!
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April 24
Day 8 of trying to be the first person to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
What a view to wake up to!
I'm feeling so many emotions looking across at Everest this morning.
Thank you to my amazing team that joined me for the Mera Peak climb, now onto the next challenge… EVEREST.
Don't forget to follow to keep up with my journey, and please donate to @Macmillancancer via the link in my bio ??
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April 24
compasspointassist
and
2 others
Lukla, Nepal
- We caught a brief moment with Shaunna Burke in Lukla as she made her way towards Namche Bazaar.
Short. But meaningful.
That's the reality out here.
On Mount Everest right now, over 3,000 people are waiting at Base Camp.
Progress has stalled. Conditions are uncertain.
And the mountain decides what happens next.
We're proud to support Shaunna on this journey, not just for the summit, but for what she represents.
Wishing her a safe and steady climb.
"When the mountain feels too high, remember: you are stronger than you think."
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April 25
Day 10 of attempting to be the first person to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
It has been incredible to see the increase in solo women taking up space in high-altitude mountaineering.
I feel so empowered having met courageous women solo climbing already on my journey, and I'm continuously inspired by mountaineers such as @adri.brownlee and @kristin.harila who push the boundaries of what's possible every day!
It is so exciting to see what women can do in this space ??
As always, I am climbing to support @macmillancancer and all of the amazing work that they do. The link is in my bio for donations??
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April 26
lopsang_85
and
dyingtoclimb
Namche Bazar Nepal
- Me and Shauna's first rotation on Mera Peak (6,461 m) went well, including a night spent at 6,000 m. Following this we descended to Lukla for rest and recovery before heading up to EBC. The next day, we flew to Namche Bazaar, where we are spending a few days, as the Khumbu Icefall route has not yet opened due to challenging conditions.
Despite these uncertainties, we remain committed to our plan to continue to Everest Base Camp on 27 April. It is a difficult situation for all climbers, requiring careful judgment and patience.
The conditions in the Khumbu Icefall have changed significantly compared to my first experience in 2009. Increased activity at Base Camp, including extensive camp setup and excavation each season, may be contributing to faster icefall movement due to the lack of a stable base. This raises important considerations for improving safety, whether through limiting the number of climbers or exploring alternative approaches to reduce exposure to the Icefall.
Wishing all fellow climbers safety and success. Safety remains the top priority.
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April 26
What a week! ???
Reaching the summit of Mera Peak has filled me with excitement for the climb to come.
But let's not forget why I'm doing this.
@Macmillancancer has been incredible in supporting me throughout my journey with cancer. My goal is to raise £50,000 to help them continue doing the amazing work they do!
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio ??
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April 27
Day 11 of attempting to be the first person to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ?????
WE MADE IT!!!
Finally, after months of planning, preparation, and training, I have arrived at Everest Base Camp, and as you can tell, I'm super excited about it ??
Climbing Everest is more than climbing a mountain; it represents mental strength through hardship, pushing my body to see what it's capable of, and learning more about myself every step of the way.
Living with cancer and undergoing treatment has also taught me a lot about myself and has taken a lot of physical and mental strength. But @macmillancancer support has been amazing throughout this journey, that's why I'm climbing to raise money for their charity, please donate whatever you can using the link in my bio ??
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April 27
In case you've ever wondered what it looks like at Everest Base Camp, here's a 360 view! ???
It feels great to be back, a home away from home ??
Feeling excited about the journey ahead, hoping we can begin our climb to the summit soon??
Don't forget, I'm climbing in support of @macmillancancer, and any donations are greatly appreciated. Link in my bio ??
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April 28
Day 12 of attempting to be the first person to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Recently, I've had some questions about how I'm managing my treatment while I'm away, so here's a little insight into my current treatment.
As well as the medication, it's also about managing side effects as best I can to ensure I can continue this journey.
Staying hydrated and keeping my temperature stable is even more important, especially while living in the conditions that come with living at 5,364m while at Base Camp and even higher as we begin our climb to the summit!
Having access to this treatment has given me the freedom to chase a goal as big as Everest!
That's why I'm supporting @macmillancancer, to help them continue doing the amazing work they do to make sure cancer treatment and care are accessible to everybody, no matter what!
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio ??
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April 29
Day 12 of attempting to be the first woman to climb Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Arriving back at base camp after 21 years feels so surreal, so today I've spent today really taking it all in.
One of the biggest changes I've noticed so far is the use of drones on the mountain and how impactful they can be for everyone involved in Everest expeditions.
Providing equipment like ladders and ropes, checking the safety of the routes both Sherpa climbers and Western climbers take on the journey to the summit, checking for litter, capturing footage, and some can even detect climbers lost on the mountain!
This technology is revolutionising the way mountaineering is happening, and it looks like they're here to stay!
Don't forget, I'm climbing in support of @macmillancancer so that they can continue doing the incredible work they do to ensure everyone has access to cancer treatment and care, no matter what!
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio ??
We're halfway to reaching our goal!
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April 30
I'm back at Everest Base Camp! ???
21 years after my first Everest climb, this time with a bigger mission.
I'm attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer, and to raise £50,000 for @macmillancancer. Their support throughout my journey with cancer has been amazing, and I want to help them achieve their goal to make cancer treatment accessible to everyone.
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio??
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April 30
Day 13 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
After settling into base camp, we continue on the journey to the summit of Everest. Part of that involves acclimatisation hikes, so today we trekked up to Pumori high camp at roughly 5,600m elevation.
We spent around half an hour here to acclimatise to the altitude before heading back down to base camp.
As you may have seen, the icefall is now open, so we'll be heading out in a few days once we have the approval ceremony. Very exciting stuff!!
Don't forget, I'm climbing in support of @macmillancancer so that they can continue doing the incredible work they do to ensure everyone has access to cancer treatment and care, no matter what!
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio ??
We're halfway to reaching our goal!
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April 30
I'm back at Everest Base Camp! ???
21 years after my first Everest climb, this time with a bigger mission.
I'm attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer, and to raise £50,000 for @macmillancancer. Their support throughout my journey with cancer has been amazing, and I want to help them achieve their goal to make cancer treatment accessible to everyone.
If you can, please donate using the link in my bio??
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May 1
What a view to start the day ???
#mountaineering #views #everest #cancerwarrior
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May 2
Day 14 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Today we had our traditional Puja ceremony to grant us safe passage on the mountain.
Thank you to all of sponsors who have made this possible. Lives will change because of you.
I'm climbing in support of @macmillancancer, so to help as many lives change for the better as possible, please consider donating through the link in my bio ??
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May 2
Before any Everest climb truly begins, there's a moment of stillness—grounded not in ambition, but in respect.
At base camp, we gathered for our puja ceremony, a sacred ritual led by a Lama to seek blessings from the mountain. The puja is a way of asking permission, offering gratitude, and acknowledging that no summit is ever guaranteed.
Our climbing gear was carefully laid out—all blessed with chants, incense, and offerings.
For many, regardless of their personal beliefs, the puja is one of the most meaningful parts of the journey. It reminds everyone that Everest isn't just a physical challenge—it's a spiritual one too.
Because on this mountain, success isn't only about reaching the top. It's about respect, connection, and understanding your place in something far greater than yourself.
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May 3
Day 15 of my attempt to become the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ??
Good morning from the icefall. Preparing for my first rotation to Camp 2 attempt in a few days time.
The Khumbu icefall is now open after dedicated Sherpa teams discovered a safe alternative route through the icefall, avoiding an unstable serac the size of an apartment.
Climbing through the icefall is never easy. It's physical and demanding, just like a cancer diagnosis.
I'm climbing Everest to bring awareness to living with a life-changing illness and raising money for @macmillancancer who help so many people facing their own Everests.
No matter how big or small, please consider donating though the link in my bio ??.
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May 3
everest.live_
and
2 others
Original audio
Liked by
dyingtoclimb and
1,772 others
- Rotations on Everest have finally begun - Mini Dispatch for May 3rd.
Teams are beginning their rotations on Everest, heading up through the Icefall as the season starts to ramp up and Ben will be back to Base Camp tomorrow.
In today's Daily Dispatch, @dyingtoclimb talks us through the energy on the mountain right now and shares some of her personal journey as she attempts to become the first woman with terminal cancer to summit Everest.
We're looking forward to bring you all the news as it happens with the season about to really heat up. Full dispatch available on our YouTube channel.
#everestlive #mounteverest #climbingculture #everest #dailydispatch
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May 3
Day 15: Today in the Khumbu icefall was a sobering one - Lopsang and I climbed through the debris of an ice tower that collapsed earlier this morning injuring two climbers. I hope the climbers are ok.
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May 6
Day 16 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
When friends come to stay with you at base camp, even just for a few nights, their presence fills you with quiet strength and comfort.
Friends are the bedrock of life, and facing cancer reminds you how precious community is for lifting your spirits.
You may not need to rely on them every day, but knowing they are in your corner, quietly supporting you through it all, fills your heart with gratitude.
We might be the first to enjoy @bettys Swiss Chocolate Loaf Cake in the Himalayan Mountains! ??
Don't forget, I am climbing to raise funds for @macmillancancer to help them continue doing the amazing work they do. My goal is to raise £50,000, and we are halfway there. If you can donate anything at all, please use the link in my bio ??
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May 7
everest.live_
and
dyingtoclimb
Original audio
- A special report from Dr Shaunna Burke @dyingtoclimb from inside the Icefall.
Shaunna gives Everest Live an exclusive look at the serac and the two-ladder system installed by the @spcc.nepal over the most significant cervass in the icefall during a training run before her first rotation.
#Everest #Everset2026 #climbing
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May 7
Original audio
- Day 19 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
As you may know, a couple of days ago, a serac collapsed, and two climbers were injured.
They were rescued off the mountain and are currently in recovery.
The icefall doctors have now installed a second set of five ladders roped together over a crevasse below Camp 1, allowing climbers to cross in both directions to improve traffic flow through the icefall on Everest.
It's hard to believe this happened only two hours before these videos were filmed!
Please remember I am fundraising for @macmillancancer aiming to raise £50,000, if you can please donate using the link in my bio??
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May 8
Day 21 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
For my new followers who may not know my background, hello ??
I hope this video gives you a little insight into how my journey has led me to attempt to climb Everest… again.
I'm here not only to inspire others facing their own battles and to fundraise for @macmillancancer, but also to conduct scientific research.
My career path has led me to researching the effect of exercise on cancer treatment side effects, and now I have become my own case study.
My goal is to raise £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, vital funds to help them continue making cancer treatment and care accessible to anyone, no matter what.
Their support has been phenomenal throughout my cancer journey, and we're just over halfway there to reaching our goal.
If you can donate even £1, it will go a long way. Please donate using the link in my bio ??
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May 9
Day 22 of attempting to me the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Sharing some thoughts today while I reflect on my journey that has led me here.
Uncertainty is part of every journey - whether that mountain be Everest, cancer, or something else.
I've learnt to breathe, trust and keep moving forward. One step at a time.
I am attempting this climb to fundraiser for @macmillancancer and I'm aiming to raise £50,000 of vital funds to help them continue doing the amazing work they do. If you can, please donate using the link in my bio????
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May 10
everest.live_
and
dyingtoclimb
Original audio
- 3 deaths in 3 days - A snowy and somber day at Everest Base Camp.
In today's mini dispatch, Ben Ayers reports the tragic death of 20-year-old high-altitude worker Phura Gyalzen Sherpa, who fell near the top of the Lhotse Face and was later found near Camp 2.
At the same time, rope fixing teams are continuing their push toward the summit despite difficult weather, with more than a dozen Sherpas now moving higher on the mountain.
We also hear from our friend Shaunna Burke at Camp 2.
#everest #everest2026
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May 11
Day 24 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Sorry for the radio silence over the last few days, I've had quite a busy time making my way up to camp 2 and camp 3!
On day 24, we set off bright and early at 2:30 am to start our trek up to camp 2.
We stopped after 4 and a half hours to take a short rest, and I had to capture the view. I don't think you can ever get used to it. I am mesmerised every time!
Next stop camp 2 ?? follow along to see tomorrow's update.
Please remember I am attempting this climb to raise vital funds for @macmillancancer, my goal is £50,000, and we're just over halfway there!
If you can donate, no matter the amount, please do so using the link in my bio ??
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May 12
Day 25 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
People say Everest is overcrowded, and yes, more and more people want to challenge themselves to climb the mountain each year, but moments like this make you realise how rare this experience is.
Just me, the Sherpas, and Nepali climbers. Truly a memorable experience.
So the mountain may be getting busier, but those quiet, peaceful days of climbing are still there!
As always, the donation link is in my bio. We are so close to £30,000, which will be 60% of our goal.
I am attempting this climb to raise vital funds for @macmillancancer, who have been such a support to me throughout my cancer journey, to help them make cancer treatment and care accessible to everyone, no matter what.
If you can, please donate using the link and help me reach my goal of £50,000.
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May 13
Day 26 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Good morning from Camp 2! ??
What a beautiful day.
Here's a little insight into camp 2 and what we see from up here, glorious views, climbers beginning their journey up to camp 3 and our next challenge, the Lhoste face.
Make sure to follow along to see more from Camp 3.
Please use the link in my bio for any donations; they are greatly appreciated and go towards raising vital funds for @macmillancancer to help them continue the work they do to ensure cancer treatment and care are accessible to anyone who needs it.
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May 14
Day 27 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
We're on the way up to camp 3, a steep climb up the Lhotse face.
As you can hear, the air is very thin up here at around 7,100 metres, and we're officially in the 'death zone'.
It's a struggle, but we're battling on - like so many other people climbing their own literal or figurative mountains.
This climb is raising money for @macmillancancer and any support is greatly appreciated. You can donate via the link in my bio. ??
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May 15
I'm now back at Basecamp waiting for a stable weather window to attempt the summit. Hoping to set off from here in two days. ??
I just spent four days at Camp 2 with nine incredible Sherpas — the true soul of Everest. While I climbed from Camp 2 to 3 and back, they set off at 9 p.m., climbed through the night, carrying loads all the way to the South Col (Camp 4) and back. When I woke up the next morning, they arrived with smiles, asking how I'd slept.
I couldn't be more grateful — or more in awe and respectful — of their dedication, strength, and compassion. Climbing the mountain wouldn't be possible without their support.
Photo credit: Lopsang Sherpa
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May 16
For me, the mountains are where I find my strength, my focus, and my community. ??
Right now, I'm putting that to the ultimate test on the slopes of Everest. My @rab.equipment.uk rucksack and kit - which the team so generously donated - are keeping me moving through the thinnest air on Earth.
But as I push toward the summit, I'm carrying so much more than just my gear.
I'm climbing to raise money for @macmillancancer ??
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May 18
Day 28 of attempting to be the first woman to summit Everest with stage IV cancer ???
Ever wondered what happens to all the rubbish - and human waste - on the world's highest peak? Here's a little insight into how it works.
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) manages the mountain's waste. Every single climber is checked when returning to Base Camp to ensure they brought back what they took up. And yes... that includes your poo! ??
To take it a step further, the Everest team is now combining traditional waste management with drone technology to locate abandoned trash on the slopes.
But technology can only do so much. As climbers, the ultimate responsibility sits with us to keep this beautiful place clean.
I'm pushing my body to the absolute limit out here to raise vital funds for @macmillancancer. If you're inspired by the journey, please consider clicking the link in my bio to donate. Every little bit helps. ??
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