Sisu: How My Mother's Fight For Her Death Changed the Course of My Life

by Shaana Hamm

GUTS. INNER STRENGTH. GRIT. DETERMINATION. PERSEVERANCE.
THIS IS SISU.

What would you do if the healthiest member of your family suffered an incapacitating hemorrhagic stroke? And what if their recovery suddenly morphed into an agonizing quest for a dignified death?

This is the haunting catch-22 in which Shaana and her brother, Max, are trapped amid their frantic battle to save their mother’s life. After a blindsiding discovery, they find themselves now having to support her courageous decision to pursue medical assistance in dying (MAiD). In the cruelest twist of fate, they are forced into a terrifying race against time as the threat of another stroke jeopardizes her ability to qualify for MAiD. The victory they are so desperate to achieve can only result in the ultimate loss, and no one is fighting harder than their mother. With the odds stacked against her, she faces her death head-on in an epic display of stoicism and bravery. This is sisu.

Shaana has been thriving in her sobriety for several years, until her worst nightmare plays out in a more horrifying scenario than she could ever imagine. She’s never been so acutely aware that she can feel everything. Teetering on a fine line between relapse and rebuilding, she discovers a trail of breadcrumbs—left by her mother—guiding her on a healing journey from beyond! As tragedy continues to strike, Shaana follows the signs that are keeping her sobriety—and her sanity—intact.

SISU is a heart-wrenchingly honest, deeply personal story of love, strength, and endurance. As a tribute to her mother and an attempt to now save herself, Shaana hopes her experience will serve as a glimmer of sunlight in someone else’s storm.

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2025

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful written! Shaana portrayed her mother amazingly strong woman who everyone loved.
Amazing job highly recommend

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tapestry of grief, loss, hope and healing is woven together brilliantly. It carries the reader through Shaana’s frantic journey to save her Mom to finding the path to healing left for her to follow after her death. I was emotionally spent and uplifted at the same time by her example of SISU. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Greg Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This aptly named book, wide-ranging and multifaceted, is never a runaway train that it could have been in the hands of a less gifted writer. The careful placement of present with past, building of tension, introduction of characters at the exact proper time, foreshadowing then picking up the narrative later, and anticipating the reader’s questions or concerns also contribute to the quality of this well-crafted work. So enough of my book review … my English literature background shining through. I have practiced psychology for over 40 years, and seldom have I borne witness to the SISU that the author displays. While the term seems to be about her mother’s confrontation with her pain, suffering and death - lovingly told by her devoted daughter - I believe that the term in equal portions or perhaps even greater proportion refers to the author. To unpack at a cellular, granular level all the harrowing aspects of dealing with a loved one’s sudden and disabling stroke, to narrate her mother’s brave choice to choose death and to give an account of the vagaries and frustrating broken healthcare system is altogether a marvel. However, to stay with it, to re-live it all emotionally, physiologically and spiritually is the epitome of SISU. All spiritual traditions of the world and many poets teach us of the gifts that our suffering brings should one have the strength to face into the storm, hold on, and persevere. SISU may be a Finnish word, but the concept is universal - as is redemption. Shaana reminds us anew of these supremely human processes.

Greg Pickering, Ph. D. (Clinical Psychology); Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) and B.A. (English and Psychology).

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart and then put it back together again. Hamm’s honest account of her mother’s decision to use MAiD, the impact it had on her sobriety, and her discovery of signs from the afterlife are all very relatable and inspiring. A must read for anyone facing the death of a parent and/or struggling in the aftermath. If her goal was to help others on their own grief journey, I’d say “mission accomplished!”

[Jamie Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of grit, love, recovery and letting go of the a relationship you hold dear. The courage of all the people involved in this story will melt your heart and perhaps give you the courage you may require to be going through one of your most difficult times. This story grabbed me from the get go and I had a hard time putting it down. The writing is captivating and witty. Please do yourself a favour and read this book.

[Venetta Cox-Mlynczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Incredible Read!!

Wow, wow, wow and wow!! What a privilege to read your heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and inspiring book!! I knew it would be incredible, but that is an understatement! I was completely captivated. I’m sending you the biggest, warmest hug for sharing your beautiful Mom's courageous and unimaginable journey with us! She was/is a remarkable woman, whom I feel blessed to have gotten to know, and her daughter is nothing short of amazing!! I’m so in awe of you, Shaana! Your book has truly touched my heart on many levels. I felt like you were sitting with me, personally telling me your story. Your writing style is fabulous, and the title is so fitting. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!!

[Kathie Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So many things I could relate to, the signs are everywhere. Open your heart and mind to heal. Sisu will help guide you. I meet the author briefly and hope to meet her again. Thank you so much for writing your story and your mom's.❤️