When Mike Shoreman set out to become the first person to cross all five Great Lakes on a paddleboard, he did so to raise funds and awareness for Jack.org, a national youth mental health organization.

One hundred forty kilometres later, the pride of Whitby, Ontario, made history while highlighting his passion for supporting physical and mental wellness.

Mike is the newest National Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF). “We are inspired by Mike’s passion and understanding of what it means to live with better mental health, which is part of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation’s mission,” says Kenton Boston, CMHF President and CEO. 

 As Mike puts it, “Saying ‘I need help’ is one of the hardest things we can do. But it’s also one of the best things we can do because people genuinely want to help.”

The darkness before the light

Mike’s life took a devastating turn in 2018 when the paddleboard instructor and entrepreneur was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. After several painful hospital visits, the news wasn’t good: doctors told him he might never walk properly, drive, or paddleboard again. 

The condition left him with serious mobility issues, limited hearing and vision, chronic vertigo, and facial paralysis. As his physical therapy stalled, his mental health took a serious hit, leading to a breakdown in 2019.

“I went from being an independent business owner to not having a business, not having an income coming in, losing my independence, losing my social life, losing basically my identity…and I shut myself off,” Mike recalls. “While I was going to physical rehab…the focus on my mental health wasn’t there. And it got very dark, and very isolating.”

After a suicide attempt, Mike’s family stepped in to help him access the support he needed. It was a major turning point. 

Slowly, with the help of physiotherapy and mental health treatment, he began to rebuild. “Attempting to take my life led to me going into a crisis centre, which was probably the best thing that could have happened,” Mike says. “It put me in contact with a counsellor, a therapist, (and with) mindfulness activities. Normally I would say, ‘This isn’t for me,’ but suddenly I was doing it, I was enjoying it, and it was working.”

From personal journey to the national spotlight

The day he stood on a paddleboard again was a breakthrough — not just physically, but mentally. He knew then that he had a new mission: to raise awareness about mental health and inspire others to find strength in the struggle. 

Mike started small, organizing local fundraising events, but he dreamed big. In 2021, he set out on his Great Lakes quest. His first attempt was cut short by dangerous weather, but he didn’t give up. He spent another year physically and mentally training, then assembled a team of 38 coaches, captains, nutritionists, logistics professionals, web designers, and weather specialists.

After a lot of hard work and determination, Mike made history in 2022. His watery journey sparked national and international conversations around mental health, resilience, and accessibility. In 2024, his paddleboard was even inducted into the Canadian Canoe Museum, and he was recognized as “Changemaker of the Year” by the Council of the Great Lakes Region.

Helping others find their strength

These days, Mike travels across North America, sharing his story and inspiring audiences to build resilience, boost confidence, and achieve their goals. Whether speaking to corporate teams, students, or community groups, Mike blends real-world advice with personal stories that show the extraordinary is possible. His talks aren’t just inspiring — they offer practical tools that people can take away and put into action right away.

“I have a renewed sense of purpose,” Mike says. “I get to travel the country, work with different groups, and remind them to keep going.”

Recognized by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the House of Commons, and the Prime Minister, Mike’s journey is proof that even the biggest setbacks can lead to something incredible.

Joining the CMHF

Three core values of the CMHF — strength through community, open conversations, and making health approachable — resonate deeply with Mike, who encourages men to seek support by building their own “crews of four” to normalize mental health conversations. 

“Everybody should have a four. One in five of us struggles with mental illness, so why do we always focus on the one, when we could focus on the four?”

mike shoremaN

One of his key recommendations for guys who feel isolated is to “lean into community. Join a sports team, join a group, volunteer…it’s through these connections that we find support.”

Next up for Mike

Learn more about Mike in an upcoming Don’t Change Much podcast episode. You can also read more in his autobiography, Lightkeepers, and on his Facebook, X, and Instagram channels. 

Whether it’s checking in on a friend or starting a conversation, Mike encourages his audiences to take action when it comes to mental health. “Just because I am at a peak now doesn’t mean that I won’t hit a valley again. But I am confident that with what I’ve learned, the next valley will be easier to get through to get to the next peak.”

Do you have an inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear. Send us an email at [email protected] or ping us in the comments below.