Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Shaana Hamm now lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband and their two cats. Channelling her grief into creative outlets, she has transformed her bucket list goal of “writing a book one day” into her debut memoir. For a visual accompaniment to her healing journey, join Shaana at @shaanas.shares on Instagram.
Shaana wrote SISU as her mother's “pick of the month” so she could still participate in both of her book clubs - in spirit. She then flew to Thunder Bay and hand-delivered copies to all of her mother's book club friends. The following month, she flew back to take her mother's place in both discussions about SISU.
While in town, Shaana met with the doctor who provided MAiD for her mother - for the first time since her death. This proved to be one of the most cathartic conversations of her life. A few days later, they sat beside each other on a panel discussion about MAiD, where Shaana got to be her mother's voice - now that she can no longer speak.
Rounding out the week were Shaana's first two book signings - one at Indigo, and the other at The Finnish Book Store. Upon her return to Edmonton, she had four more signings at Audreys Books, Remedial Wellness, St. Brigid's Spiritualist Church, and Indigo - West Edmonton Mall.
More recently, Shaana has contributed her story to Dying with Dignity Canada's website, become a volunteer for the MAiD Family Support Society, and was the guest speaker at a local "Pathways to Peace" workshop.
She also returned to Thunder Bay in August 2026 to hide copies of SISU (at significant locations in the story) with the Thunder Bay Book Fairies. Hoping to reach readers who'll find comfort within its pages, she's also donated copies for the Edmonton Book Fairy to spread throughout the city.
Finally, after accepting a challenge from a dear friend, Shaana participated in her first half-marathon. Wearing "SISU" on their outfits, they walked in loving memory of her mother - and for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Shaana knew her mother was right beside her when the announcer explained the meaning of sisu at the exact moment they were crossing the finish line!
To view images from these heart projects, please check out the Event Photos page.
While in town, Shaana met with the doctor who provided MAiD for her mother - for the first time since her death. This proved to be one of the most cathartic conversations of her life. A few days later, they sat beside each other on a panel discussion about MAiD, where Shaana got to be her mother's voice - now that she can no longer speak.
Rounding out the week were Shaana's first two book signings - one at Indigo, and the other at The Finnish Book Store. Upon her return to Edmonton, she had four more signings at Audreys Books, Remedial Wellness, St. Brigid's Spiritualist Church, and Indigo - West Edmonton Mall.
More recently, Shaana has contributed her story to Dying with Dignity Canada's website, become a volunteer for the MAiD Family Support Society, and was the guest speaker at a local "Pathways to Peace" workshop.
She also returned to Thunder Bay in August 2026 to hide copies of SISU (at significant locations in the story) with the Thunder Bay Book Fairies. Hoping to reach readers who'll find comfort within its pages, she's also donated copies for the Edmonton Book Fairy to spread throughout the city.
Finally, after accepting a challenge from a dear friend, Shaana participated in her first half-marathon. Wearing "SISU" on their outfits, they walked in loving memory of her mother - and for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Shaana knew her mother was right beside her when the announcer explained the meaning of sisu at the exact moment they were crossing the finish line!
To view images from these heart projects, please check out the Event Photos page.
