Many know him from his YouTube channel helping people learn about hammock camping. He’s posted several canoe trip reports on here. He influenced me back in 2009 to buy a hammock and tarp for my canoe trips. But he’s more than just a YouTuber. He’s one of a kind and he recently gave a health update.

Please consider helping his family in this tough time. He posted this video yesterday.

Shug Emery update video

Prayers for a full, speedy recovery and for his family too, but, also that they all remain positive and trust in God's Providence through the journey that he is undertaking.

Had cancer, tried to kill me but I’ve been clean for eight years now. He can beat it, modern medicine is incredible. Hang in there, stay positive, go thru the process and he’ll be better than new. I like to say I’ll never get sick again, that chemo kills everything…

Good Luck bro!

Prayers, I always liked his videos, insightful, inspirational and funny at times.

I’ve been a big fan since I saw a video of him riding a unicycle on a not so flat and rocky forest trail back around 2008. For those that don’t know he was a ringling brothers clown on tour then became a professional entertainer until covid. He played state fairs etc. I suggest looking through his playlists at his YouTube channel. You will be entertained.

Incredible.

That man needs to live!

I have met and worked with Sean a few times over the years. He really is a pleasant soul. I wish him and his family the best on this new journey.

It popped up on my YT feed this morning. I hate hearing this stuff. I met him twice many years ago when the hammock thing was just taking off. A bunch of us were testing what would be the first underquilts. Many nights were spent. Some of (most of) them cold, some of them ok. Many thrift store sleeping bags were sacrificed to the hammock Gods back in those days. We did the ground work before hammock camping was a thing and pretty much seldom heard of. This was now 25 years ago with Mata Hari Hiker leading the charge. An incredible woman. She was the Shug, before Shug. Shortly after was when Shug hit the scene......in a grand way.
Shug picked it up and ran with it through what is now his videos from what I gather, has been 19 years now. He has turned so many on to it and kept up with every little clip, attachment, fiber, line, fabric, rating and accessory change for all that time to expose new people to the love he has for this type of system. That dude brought it mainstream. He did it in a way that resonated on such a personal and great level that everyone can identify with. That is where the magic happened. And on a platform that reached a huge audience. No better spokesman for this type of system. I look forward to him pushing on in the future, and emerging from this victorious and in his usual demeanor we have all loved. He will be back in his usual form as soon as he gets done with what needs to be done. Because the goal is to return to normal.

He has touched many. I only hope he does as well as Im doing through my cancer issues. But I don't like to jinx it......February is my big month every year as I'm on wait and watch and get my yearly scan.

I'm asymptomatic, but at some point will need chemo.

Hey Lorax best of luck with the scan. I can only imagine the anxiety you must feel.

This is a video from Shug I’ll never forget. I thought he might be insane but it turns out he knows what he’s doing and loves adventures.

-40 below hammock camping near Ely Mn.

Good Luck Lorax, I’m with you brother. Chemo wasn’t that bad for me, not saying it was fun, 8 sessions every 3 weeks, 2 days in a row for 4-5 hours. I was like, this isn’t so bad, I get to sit in a chair do crossword puzzles and flirt with the cute nurses. Saved me a fortune in haircuts haha. It didn’t really make me that sick, but I did get addicted to reality tv, wasn’t a big tv watcher before that. I looked at it like I had a broken leg. Get a cast on it, good to go in 2-3 months. 8 sessions of chemo, better than new. Well almost.

Not trying to make light of it, I am aware I was lucky. Gallows humor is a staple in an Irish head. I always knew I was going to beat it. The mind controls the body, I believe that. Hang in bro, you’re going to be fine, I believe that too.

Cheers, scat

I don't know shug personally but I feel like I do. He has a way to draw people in like that. I'm sure everybody feels it and has there own shug story. I lost a sister to a form of blood cancer many years ago. You got my support shug! Whooo Buddy!

Very sad news, he has taught me a lot about hammocking over the years. Seems like a good fellow, and always entertaining. I think he used to work as a clown.

Like most of you, I’ve followed him from the beginning. I have his complete cook kit, and other hammock items. I hammock camp because of him.
My 70 th birthday was December 30, my sweetheart got a hold of him and he surprised me with a happy birthday song.
I was so touched, and continue to be.
I received a text from him yesterday, he knows it’s going to be a tussle.
I told him he has a loving, hammock family behind him.
Prayers and Love to you, Shug and your family.

Sad sad sad news. He was a big inspiration in my earlier hammock adventures. I always enjoy his videos on YouTube. I learned a lot from them.


Tony

I have no doubt that Shug will bounce back from this and make a full recovery. The man is strong and resilient. We're all sending positive vibes Shug. You got this!

Love Shug,

The man is one of the best and I wish him strength and perseverance through this process. If there’s anyone that can keep a positive mindset through this type of process, it’s Shug! Hang in there buddy, this is but a chapter in your story, not the end. After this is done, he can give us a good old “wooo buddy!!!” Best of luck Shug, we’ll be thinking of you.

Tony

Wow. I am humbled. Sometimes a feller need to get knocked to his knees to get the heart opened up!
I'm a peace and I am calm but axes honed and ready for Battle.

We meet with the oncologist this morning. The BIG Meeting. Meg, Aerial and myself. We will get questions answered that we have mulled.
It has been a BEAUTIFUL weekend. My heart is wide open. Last night I had a 5 minute Laugh Attack while Aerial and her friend Kahlani watched me like I was a psycho.Oh it felt so dang good. So...crawled in bed with Meg after the Laughter Fit and it happened again. My gut hurts from it this morning. It was a GIFT~~~ As far as I know the 5 week hospital incarceration begins Tuesday or Wednesday. That too we find today.


The roller coaster is already moving on the track clickedy click up the incline ready for the big and formidable drop. Wheeeeeee!!!!!
Whooooo Bad Bloody Buddy))))))
Shug

Hang in bro. The miracles of modern medicine and the human body mind and spirit mind will get you thru. I was in the hospital for 23 days, the one time I had a male nurse he walked in the room and said, holy shoot dude, I never seen so many things attached to one person! Had a pick line in my arm attached to 10 pumps putting 12 different fluids in my body. Getting my dinner out of a green bag, blood transfusion and who knows what else. It seemed every 15 minutes I was getting a shot or a pill, it was non stop. They have like a board where they put down who is the nurse in duty etc. I got up, like dragging 10 things attached to me and wrote - Hey doc - Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment with lightning bolts around it. Ramones.
You are going to beat it. Rock on.

I see his GoFundMe is doing well, as it should be.
I hit it.
There's no way I couldn't.
it ain't charity. it's just helping a good man carry the load a little.

Rock on, Shug!

The Lord of Lollygag is one straight shooter, he ain't done yet. Rock on Shug.

Good will for bad blood.

I’ll share this then shut up. When I started the chemo thing I had lunch at a spot by me called the Whistle Stop Cafe and got the lunch special with soup. Good soup good restaurant immediately clicked in. True story I had the lunch special at WSC for prob 28 out of 30 days a month the whole time. The only thing I made at home was popcorn and ice, made lotsa ice. Was good friends with all the waitresses and the owner cuz I was there at the counter every day. The day I got my clean scan I drove straight there from the doc office and told tall Tammy I want the meat loaf special, I’ve been thinking about it all day. And she said something like it’s the small things right. And I said well yeah I just got a clean cancer scan, and she was like what! Nobody had any idea cuz I always had a hat on and didn’t look that sick I guess. I was an instant rock star after that.
Point of story is beat cancer you are an instant rock star. You are a member of an elite club.

Reminds me of my fav Groucho Marx quote.
I would never want to be in a club that would have me as a member.

Cheers, scat

Wishing Shug a speedy recovery and some good reads: Bush Runner: the Adventures of Pierre Esprit Radisson by Mark Bourrie circ: 2019, The Elusive Mr. Pond: The Soldier, Fur Trader & Explorer Who Opened the Northwest by Barry Gough circ: 2014, The Mad Trapper of Rat River: a True Story of Canada's Biggest Man Hunt by Dick North circ: 2005. Reading Adventure Stories and Cook Books ( Everybody has to eat..) Books are a good way to spend time at home recovering as you can stop and start at any time... An Interlibrary loan should be able to bring in books not available at your local library I think ?

You got this, Shug. Thoughts, prayers, and whoo-buddy!

Shug: "Wow. I am humbled. Sometimes a feller need to get knocked to his knees to get the heart opened up!
I'm a peace and I am calm but axes honed and ready for Battle.

We meet with the oncologist this morning. The BIG Meeting. Meg, Aerial and myself. We will get questions answered that we have mulled.
It has been a BEAUTIFUL weekend. My heart is wide open. Last night I had a 5 minute Laugh Attack while Aerial and her friend Kahlani watched me like I was a psycho.Oh it felt so dang good. So...crawled in bed with Meg after the Laughter Fit and it happened again. My gut hurts from it this morning. It was a GIFT~~~ As far as I know the 5 week hospital incarceration begins Tuesday or Wednesday. That too we find today.



The roller coaster is already moving on the track clickedy click up the incline ready for the big and formidable drop. Wheeeeeee!!!!!
Whooooo Bad Bloody Buddy))))))
Shug"

I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer 3 years ago. The prognosis was a 15% chance of living 5 years. My family, my church family and other churches began to pray. After 2 years of imminotherapy treatments I was able to get to the point of the operation. Now I am still considered stage 4, but in remission with no detectable signs of cancer.

There is no explanation for that other then the Lord. I will be praying for you as well.

That’s awesome. Love that story. A generation ago being told you have cancer was a death sentence. The miracles of modern medicine the amazing human body mind and spirit have changed the rules.
When I was in the hospital I got addicted to watching reruns of Hogans Heroes and fell asleep to a Gordon Lightfoot concert on my phone every night. I got to be good friends with the nurse at night, Polish woman named Margaret. Was kind of bittersweet when I told her I am so glad I got to be friends with you but I hope I never see you again. Never did. Life goes on…

Five years survivor of Prostate Cancer. This shit doesn't always win!!!!

Never give up!!!!

moosedoggie: "Five years survivor of Prostate Cancer. This shit doesn't always win!!!!

Never give up!!!! "

Exactly! Never give up!!! I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer in December 2022. Had major surgery right away, then chemo through the spring of 2023, with no evidence of cancer since.

I thought my canoe tripping days might be over, but nope! I had a great, relaxing trip a couple months after finishing chemo, more strenuous trips the next summer, and then last September, finished the Border Route Challenge.

Hang in there Shug, you can do this! Chemo is tough but there’s a lot of good life afterwards.

It was from randomly finding Shug videos on You Tube that led me to trying hammock camping and I since then haven’t slept a night on the ground while canoe camping. I wish him the very best outcome in the coming fight!

A lot of reality Monday!!!!! We were exhausted when we got home. Oncologist very hopeful. This weekend never stopped....I felt like a Sideshow Performer! "Come see the Bad Blood Man...Alive...Alive"
I’m so sick of talking about cancer now…..BORING!!!! Haaaaa My Oncologist and the team think I am fit and have a great attitude. That makes them hopeful. I have some hurdles to get through to make it to bone marrow transplant cleanly. I also have to get several more bone marrow biopsies along the way. He spoke a lot of science. Complicated what goes on in the marrow! So I go into the hospital for 5 weeks this coming Thursday 9am and start all the chemo. Ready for the train to roll. I'll be a bona fide Cancer Resident.

Hospital….Can’t use a razor blade…electric only. Soft toothbrush…..no nail clipping…filing only. I reckon I cannot risk bleeding after first 8 days of chemo as they kill all my platelets too. OH BOY!!!
I will feel bad day 9…be sick and all but will slowly get better for bone marrow transplant if all works to plan.

I've been knocked to my knees but this has opened my heart. Like I've said, I've seen my death and this ain't it.

I appreciate all of you giving me sweet support. Thankee.
Shug

Wow Thx for sharing. You are gonna meet some nice people who are going to set you straight. You’re young fit good attitude, go for it. Beat cancer you are a rock star.
I wish you the best, hope you check in along the way.

Cheers, scat

Shug: "I’m so sick of talking about cancer now…..BORING!!!! "

Fair enough. So, after you lick the big C, what's your next canoe trip looking like?

sns: "

Shug: "I’m so sick of talking about cancer now…..BORING!!!! "

Fair enough. So, after you lick the big C, what's your next canoe trip looking like?"

Isolated. Path less taken. That is my wish.

The Lorax: "I see his GoFundMe is doing well, as it should be.
I hit it.
There's no way I couldn't.
it ain't charity. it's just helping a good man carry the load a little.


Rock on, Shug!
"

Go Fund Me deal a good opportunity to help Shug and his family. Kick in if you are able friends.

Hoping to hear an update. You’re not alone bro, only a post away. When I did my 23 day gig missmolly helped get me thru. I miss missmolly. Say hi when you get a chance.

Cheers, scat

Hey Shug, pulling for you. I've been a bone marrow donor in the past (ask me anything about it - the donation procedure is easy compared to what the patients go through) so I'm always hopeful when someone else gets another shot at a cure.

For everyone else, I encourage you all to consider joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry. No cost ever to you as a donor, when you sign up they send you a kit in the mail and you swab your cheek and send it back in, and then maybe someday they contact you and say "you're the perfect match for someone, will you donate to save their life." Odds are they never do contact you, but if they do, you could be the best person in the world to save someone else's life.

You do have to be under 35 to be a donor as younger donors result in the best transplant success, but if there any youths hanging around here ... click that link above.

Does anybody have any info about Sean’s health that they can share?

I find myself thinking about him and his health quite a lot, even though I’ve never met him in person.

If you see this Shug, keep givin’ er hell!!!! Wooo budddy!

Been on my mind too. Should be 2 weeks of treatment tmrw. That’s 40% out of the way, nice. Hoping all is going well, 3 more weeks to go and you’re a rock star!

I received the following message from Sean a few days ago. I think he meant to post it rather then respond to the email so I will do so on his behalf:

It is day 12 of my incarceration. Went off the full-time chemo Thursday now it’s just keeping me alive while my blood builds back and they’re doing a great job. I have about another 3 to 3 1/2 weeks in here just do not get sick and little by little my energy seems to be feeling better because I’m getting two or three blood transfusions every day to keep me the level. It’s still pretty tough being here, but what are you gonna do. Sometimes just like grabbing a campsite you don’t want to stay and are the only one left and then overnight it kind of becomes one of your favorites.
For the first time in my life, I’m wearing men’s adult pull-up pants yes, basically a diaper. That really hurt it first but you know what I look good in them they fit right they give a little confidence and I’m still in that part where I am pooping a lot and who doesn’t enjoy some poop talk.
I’ve even let go and I’m letting all the nurses clean me up and clean the bathroom because that’s what nurses do. They are the best. They’re with me all the time or around. They were what makes this thing run. One nurse told me she said oh yeah, I can have a bag of feces and set it on the table and eat my lunch next to it doesn’t phase me at all.
Their commitment to their job amazes me.
My mind many times in my 12 days here so far is gone to paddling and how it differs them backpacking how sometimes maybe paddlers dread a portage but a guy like me who’s a backpacker looks forward to a portage cause it’s like a little mini backpacking trip with a boat on your head and no sun hitting you
But truly, I want to thank everybody for their support people that just send out a little shout out or those that went to my GoFundMe page or should I say my daughter‘s GoFundMe page that she did for me it really helps that out pouring of love, I can feel it when I close my eyes at night to go to sleep. It’s almost like there’s a there’s snow in the air underneath me and I’m just riding on it face first billing down toward the Earth and I don’t know I see it is maybe the way one would see good vibes karma just love that that’s what it’s all about.
Whooooo Bad Blood Buddy

noodle: "Hey Shug, pulling for you. I've been a bone marrow donor in the past (ask me anything about it - the donation procedure is easy compared to what the patients go through) so I'm always hopeful when someone else gets another shot at a cure.


For everyone else, I encourage you all to consider joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry. No cost ever to you as a donor, when you sign up they send you a kit in the mail and you swab your cheek and send it back in, and then maybe someday they contact you and say "you're the perfect match for someone, will you donate to save their life." Odds are they never do contact you, but if they do, you could be the best person in the world to save someone else's life.

You do have to be under 35 to be a donor as younger donors result in the best transplant success, but if there any youths hanging around here ... click that link above."

I worked at the NMDP 30 years ago. Thanks for you donation! Great organization.

Thx for sharing that. You know you got it made when you get that first bowl of lime jello. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep going!

BWCA: "I worked at the NMDP 30 years ago. Thanks for you donation! Great organization."

I also worked there in the early 2010s too a couple years after my donation. They drilled patient privacy into everyone during onboarding so even though I worked in IT I never looked up who my recipient was, but man, was it tempting. Fantastic org and I always think I might try to head back there later in my career.

Great to hear from you Shug! Life is a journey and you’re on the four wheel drive section of yours now. I know you’ll pull through this. It’s your attitude. It’s always been so positive over the years I’m sure you’ve built a huge reserve of good vibes in your heart. Keep on rockin’ friend. I can’t wait to see you jamming on your bass again. ??

Shug, your attitude toward all this is so very admirable. I hesitate to think what I would be thinking if going through the same. Heck, I complain that it's all over if my knees hurt after a portage.

You're truly an inspiration.

Looking forward to continuing good news for you.

Keep fightin’ Shug - we are all with you.

Thank you Shug for the update. I wonder if the nurses would make an exception and allow you to set up 'ol Green Bean in the hospital room. Even if they make you sleep in that hospital bed, just seeing your favorite hammock strung up in the corner would probably help keep your spirits up. Sending positive vibes your way Shugety Shug Shug.

Hang in there buddy!

Halfway thru the 5 week treatment thing. Hoping all is well as can be. I’m sure they are keeping you busy. The sweetest words you will hear are when a sweet smiling nurse asks you to choose between chicken broth & lime jello for your first meal on the way back. I chose lime jello cuz I hadn’t had jello for a long time & prob haven’t since haha. Getting there is a goal to keep in mind. Hope you can check in - Good Luck!

Your attitude through this is nothing short of inspirational, Shug. "Hang" in there, you're fighting the good fight and we're all rooting for you!
Looking forward to many more Shug videos on YouTube!

Shug gave an update on how it’s been going with his treatment today.

Update video from Shug

Wow what an amazing dude! That’s awesome! You are relatively young physically fit mentally strong and in the best care there is. They know how to fix this stuff these days. Keep going you are gonna be fine. Hope to hear an update, I like this kinda party.

I watched your latest YouTube update Shug. You are a trooper, your positive aura is the best.

Nothing but positive thoughts your way

One bright side is - You’re gonna save a fortune in haircuts!
I lost my hair eyebrows & eyelashes. Try to take your contacts out with no eyelashes, you don’t know how much you miss them. One time I was struggling a bit and the lens popped out, landed in the toilet and got stubbornly suction cupped to the side of the bowl. Oh boy, so after about 30 minutes of delicate minor surgery and much effort chasing it around in the toilet water I finally managing to get it back. Which was good, major disaster averted, but talk about getting the stink eye…

Ok that was bad - I have always found that gallows humor helps.
Best of Luck!

Thought I would check back in again…bump. Does anyone have any Shug news they can share publicly? His last video made it seem like things were going as well as could be reasonably hoped for. I hope that is still the case for Shug and his family.

You’re still on our minds Shug!! I hope you’re all secure in sector 7!

I just got the good word a week ago that I have 4 bone marrow donors 100% match. Also several with a 7/8?% match. They are all 21 to 26 years old so I expect some pep in my step.
The needle is moving forward. I’m still home and feel good. Hemoglobins at 10.8 on my labs today.
Might be two weeks or six weeks before I go into U of M Cancer hospital. We will know more in a week or two. I’m still in the “blah” stage and OK with that.
My energy is good but more chemo to come when I go into the U of M.
Shug

brp: "Thought I would check back in again…bump. Does anyone have any Shug news they can share publicly? His last video made it seem like things were going as well as could be reasonably hoped for. I hope that is still the case for Shug and his family.


You’re still on our minds Shug!! I hope you’re all secure in sector 7!"

Shug: "I just got the good word a week ago that I have 4 bone marrow donors 100% match. Also several with a 7/8?% match. They are all 21 to 26 years old so I expect some pep in my step.
The needle is moving forward. I’m still home and feel good. Hemoglobins at 10.8 on my labs today.
Might be two weeks or six weeks before I go into U of M Cancer hospital. We will know more in a week or two. I’m still in the “blah” stage and OK with that.
My energy is good but more chemo to come when I go into the U of M.
Shug

brp: "Thought I would check back in again…bump. Does anyone have any Shug news they can share publicly? His last video made it seem like things were going as well as could be reasonably hoped for. I hope that is still the case for Shug and his family.



You’re still on our minds Shug!! I hope you’re all secure in sector 7!"

"

That’s great news! Thanks for sharing Shug! We’re all pulling for you and wishing you the very best of care. The U is the place to be, they have helped out many people from my family.

Tony

Wow that’s heavy duty. Keep going and best of luck to you. The miracle of the human body and your mind and modern medicine are on your side. Thx for sharing, I’m on your side as well.

That’s awesome they found so many 100% matched donors.

Keep your chin up, we’re pulling for you.

Such wonderful news. Wishing you good health and successful transplant results.

You are an inspiration. Not sure I’d have the same attitude and sense of humor you have in this situation.

Thanks for the update Shug. It's great to hear that you have multiple bone marrow donor matches. I'm sure the chemo sucks but your positive attitude and physical strength is your superpower. Please know that we're all here wishing you the best. Sending more positive vibes your way. You got this buddy. Whooo Buddy

I thankee for the good and kind words everybody.
Still have a lot ahead of me....more chemo, the bone marrow transplant and the 100 days post remission which may be the hardest part. The goal is to not get a virus or fungal infection while the new bone marrow moves its me.
All secure in sector seven,
Shug

Chemo head!

Glad to hear your positive update. You were indispensable in my journey to learn about hanging. Many thanks!

Oh hey, did you every figure out a way to pee in a pee bottle in a hammock? I hate having to exit to feed the mosquitoes - especially since the plumbing pipes have narrowed over the years which provide a prolonged banquet for those little vampires. Probably the only very important subject I didn't see you cover. If you have a method, a written description will do. No need to make a video.

Ahhhh....the old pee quandary. I just get up to pee....even in deep winter. Sometimes I see the night change from when I racked out by doing so.
So I am not a peeinthebottle guy.
Shug the Dry

Glad to hear your positive update. You were indispensible in my journey to learn about hanging. Many thanks!


Oh hey, did you ever figure out a way to pee in a pee bottle in a hammock? I hate having to exit to feed the mosquitoes - especially since the plumbing pipes have narrowed over the years which provide a prolonged banquet for those little vampires. Probably the only very important subject I didn't see you cover. If you have a method, a written description will do. No need to make a video. "

That's a good look bro. Bright side is it'll save you a fortune in haircuts...

That Chemo Head is a bad ass look Shug. You might consider that long term. Just sayin'