Episode

Climbing Mountains and Conquering Cancer with Dr. Shaunna Burke

Podcast
Cancer Fitness Clubcast with Mike Grisenthwaite
Published
Mar 26, 2026
Duration seconds
3718
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https://linktr.ee/cfcactive
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https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/69a04b4a1eb5ccf4567a3f09/e/69c43c9ea3dddd45e999d3e7/media.mp3
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Summary

In today's episode, Mike sits down with  Dr. Shaunna Burke,  researcher, expedition climber, motivational speaker, and a woman redefining what it means to live with purpose in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with  Stage 4 incurable cancer , Shaunna is preparing for a  historic return to Mount Everest in 2026  while undergoing treatment. This journey is being captured in the independent film  Dying to Climb . But this story isn’t about “fighting” illness in the traditional sense. It’s about something even more powerful:  choosing to live fully alongside it . From summiting Everest in 2005 to now returning with a renewed sense of mission, Shaunna shares how mountaineering, mindset, movement, and meaning have shaped her life. She also discusses how her groundbreaking research at the  University of Leeds  is transforming how we think about exercise, resilience, and quality of life for people living with Stage 4 cancer. This conversation is a masterclass in  mental toughness, purpose, adaptability, and hope  proving that a diagnosis does not mean the end of ambition, adventure, or identity. To find out more, see the links below: Website:   www.dyingtoclimb.com Donate to Macmillan Cancer Support:   JustGiving Page Support the expedition:   GoFundMe – Dying to Climb Mike Grisenthwaite:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgrisenthwaite/ CFC Active:  https://linktr.ee/cfcactive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.