Shane Burcaw Net Worth: Biography, Career, and Advocacy in 2025

Shane Burcaw net worth is estimated at $2 million to $3 million in 2025, reflecting his success as an author, YouTuber, and advocate for disability rights. Born on May 28, 1992, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Shane Burcaw has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition that has shaped his life and work. 

Through his bestselling books and writing, YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs, and motivational speaking, he shares his experiences with humor and optimism. His income sources include book royalties, social media earnings, and nonprofit work, while his marriage to Shane Burcaw wife Hannah Aylward amplifies his advocacy.  

Shane Burcaw Bio/Wiki

Who is Shane Burcaw?

Shane Burcaw is an American writer, YouTuber, and disability advocate whose candid humor and resilience have inspired millions. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at birth, he has used a wheelchair since age two, yet his work focuses on living fully despite physical challenges. 

His books and writing, including the bestselling Laughing at My Nightmare, combine wit and insight to destigmatize disability. Alongside his wife Hannah Aylward, he runs the YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs, sharing their interabled relationship. As a motivational speaker and co-founder of the nonprofit Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc., Burcaw promotes positivity and accessibility, contributing to his net worth and global influence.

Shane Burcaw Early Life and Background

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Shane Burcaw grew up in a supportive family with parents Jon and Susan Varga Burcaw and a younger brother, Andrew. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as an infant, he faced muscle weakness that required a wheelchair by age two. Despite physical limitations, his parents fostered independence, ensuring he attended school and pursued hobbies like reading and writing.

Burcaw’s childhood was marked by a love for storytelling. He attended Bethlehem Catholic High School, where he edited the school newspaper and engaged in community service. His passion for writing deepened at Moravian University, where he earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing in 2014. During college, he produced a short film, A Will to Survive, which won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy in 2013, showcasing his early creative talent. His early life and background laid the foundation for his advocacy and career.

Shane Burcaw Career

Blogging and Rise to Fame

Shane Burcaw’s career began with his blog, Laughing at My Nightmare, launched in 2011 during his college years. 

The blog used humor to chronicle his life with SMA, gaining viral attention for its positive tone. Posts about daily challenges, like navigating college or dating, resonated with readers, earning coverage from outlets like BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post. This online success paved the way for his writing and advocacy work.

Author and Bestselling Books

Burcaw’s first book, Laughing at My Nightmare (2014), adapted his blog into a memoir for young adults. Published by Roaring Brook Press, it became a New York Times bestseller, earning a 4.09 rating on Goodreads for its humorous take on disability. 

His second book, Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability (2017), answered common questions about SMA with a 4.46 rating. In 2019, Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse tackled misconceptions about his relationship with Hannah, further cementing his literary success. His books and writing are key income sources, with royalties estimated at $500,000 to $1 million annually.

YouTube and Content Creation

In 2016, Burcaw and his wife Hannah Aylward launched the YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs. With over 1.8 million subscribers by 2025, the channel features vlogs about their interabled relationship, daily life, and advocacy. 

Videos, such as Q&A sessions and travel vlogs, generate social media earnings through ads, averaging $10,000 to $50,000 monthly based on viewership. Their 2024 book, Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability, co-authored with other couples, further expanded their brand.

Motivational Speaking

As a sought-after motivational speaker, Burcaw speaks at universities, schools, and corporate events, sharing his story of resilience.

 He has been affiliated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1998, addressing donors at fundraising events. His speaking fees, estimated at $5,000 to $15,000 per event, contribute significantly to his income sources, with 10 to 20 engagements annually.

Nonprofit Work

Burcaw co-founded Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc., with his cousin Sarah Yunsov in 2016. The nonprofit provides medical equipment and technology to people with muscular dystrophy through its No More Nightmares program. 

While not a primary income source, the organization enhances his visibility, indirectly boosting his motivational speaking and YouTube channel revenue. His nonprofit work reflects his commitment to disability advocacy.

Shane Burcaw Physical Appearance, Height, and Weight

Shane Burcaw’s physical appearance is shaped by spinal muscular atrophy, which limits muscle development, resulting in a slim build and smaller stature. Standing at 4 feet 7 inches and weighing around 60 pounds, he relies on a wheelchair for mobility. His light brown hair and brown eyes complement his approachable demeanor, which shines through in his YouTube channel and public appearances.

Shane Burcaw Income Sources

Shane Burcaw’s income sources are diverse, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit:

• Book Royalties: His three bestselling books and co-authored Interabled generate $500,000 to $1 million annually, based on sales and international translations.
• YouTube Revenue: The Squirmy and Grubs channel earns $10,000 to $50,000 monthly through ads and sponsorships, totaling $120,000 to $600,000 yearly.
• Motivational Speaking: Speaking fees of $5,000 to $15,000 per event contribute $50,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on frequency.
• Merchandise Sales: The “Love That Neck” merchandise line, tied to his brand, adds $50,000 to $100,000 yearly.
• Consulting and Endorsements: Occasional brand partnerships and a past role with NBC News as a consultant provide supplementary income.

These streams collectively drive Shane Burcaw net worth to $2 million to $3 million in 2025.

Shane Burcaw Books and Writing

Shane Burcaw’s books and writing are central to his career and wealth. His works include:

• Laughing at My Nightmare (2014): A memoir blending humor and honesty, it sold thousands of copies, earning critical acclaim and awards like the Bluestem nomination.
• Not So Different (2017): A children’s book addressing disability questions, it received a 4.46 Goodreads rating and expanded his audience.
• Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse (2019): This memoir humorously explores his relationship with Hannah, resonating with readers for its authenticity.
• Interabled (2024): Co-authored with Hannah and other couples, it highlights interabled relationships, adding to his literary portfolio.

His writing, syndicated by outlets like The Washington Post, generates steady royalties and enhances his reputation as a disability advocate.

Shane Burcaw YouTube Channel

The YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs, co-run with Hannah, is a cornerstone of Burcaw’s social media earnings. Launched in 2016, it has over 1.8 million subscribers and 300 million views by 2025. Content includes vlogs on travel, daily routines, and their IVF journey, fostering connection with viewers.

Ad revenue, calculated at $3 to $5 per 1,000 views, yields $10,000 to $50,000 monthly. Sponsorships with brands like accessibility-focused companies add $5,000 to $20,000 per deal. The channel’s success amplifies Burcaw’s advocacy and income sources.

Shane Burcaw Nonprofit Work

Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc., co-founded by Shane Burcaw, supports individuals with muscular dystrophy. The nonprofit’s No More Nightmares program provides wheelchairs, communication devices, and adaptive technology, impacting hundreds of lives.

Funded through donations and fundraising events, it reported $500,000 in contributions in 2024. While Burcaw draws no salary from the organization, its prominence boosts his motivational speaking gigs and YouTube channel engagement, indirectly contributing to his net worth.

Shane Burcaw Motivational Speaking

Shane Burcaw’s motivational speaking career inspires audiences nationwide. He speaks at colleges, corporate events, and disability-focused conferences, sharing stories of resilience and humor.

His affiliation with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1998 has led to high-profile engagements, with fees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per event. In 2024, he delivered 15 speeches, earning $75,000 to $225,000. His talks emphasize embracing differences and overcoming challenges, reinforcing his influence and income sources.

Shane Burcaw Wife

Shane Burcaw’s wife, Hannah Aylward, is a key partner in his personal and professional life. They met in 2015 after Hannah, then a sociology student at Carleton College, emailed Burcaw upon seeing his documentary.

Their relationship, documented on Squirmy and Grubs, culminated in a 2020 backyard wedding due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hannah films and edits their YouTube channel, co-authors content, and supports disability advocacy. Their interabled relationship challenges stereotypes, inspiring followers and enhancing Burcaw’s brand.

Shane Burcaw Social Media Earnings

Shane Burcaw’s social media earnings stem from multiple platforms:

• YouTube: Squirmy and Grubs generates $120,000 to $600,000 annually through ads and sponsorships.
• Instagram: With 620,000 followers, Burcaw earns $1,000 to $5,000 per sponsored post, totaling $20,000 to $100,000 yearly.
• Twitter/X: His 18,500 followers yield smaller earnings, around $500 to $2,000 per post, contributing $5,000 to $20,000 annually.
• Merchandise: Online sales of branded apparel like “Love That Neck” add $50,000 to $100,000 yearly.

These platforms amplify his reach and income sources, driving his net worth.

Shane Burcaw on Social Media

Shane Burcaw leverages social media to share his story and advocate for disability rights. His Instagram and YouTube channel are primary platforms, offering vlogs and insights into his life with Hannah. Twitter/X and Facebook complement his presence, with regular posts engaging followers and driving social media earnings.

Shane Burcaw Fun Facts

• Emmy Winner: Burcaw’s college film A Will to Survive won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy in 2013.
• Viral Blogger: His Laughing at My Nightmare blog went viral in 2011, amassing millions of views.
• IVF Journey: He and Hannah openly share their IVF experiences, inspiring others facing fertility challenges.
• Humor Advocate: Burcaw’s comedic approach to SMA has been praised by outlets like The Washington Post.
• Nonprofit Impact: His organization has donated over $1 million in equipment to people with muscular dystrophy.
• Book Awards: His books have been nominated for awards like the Bluestem and Monarch.
• Accessible Home: In 2021, Burcaw and Hannah bought an accessible home in Minneapolis, tailored to his needs.

FAQs About Shane Burcaw Net Worth

1. What is Shane Burcaw’s net worth in 2025?
   Shane Burcaw net worth is estimated at $2 million to $3 million, driven by books and writing, YouTube channel, and motivational speaking.
2. How much is Shane Burcaw worth from YouTube?
   The Squirmy and Grubs YouTube channel generates $120,000 to $600,000 annually through ads and sponsorships.
3. What are Shane Burcaw’s main income sources?
   His income sources include book royalties, social media earnings, motivational speaking, merchandise, and consulting.
4. What books has Shane Burcaw written?
   He authored Laughing at My Nightmare (2014), Not So Different (2017), Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse (2019), and co-authored Interabled (2024).
5. How does Shane Burcaw’s nonprofit work contribute to his wealth?
   While nonprofit work doesn’t directly generate income, it boosts his visibility, increasing motivational speaking and YouTube revenue.
6. Who is Shane Burcaw’s wife?
   Shane Burcaw’s wife is Hannah Aylward, married in 2020, who co-runs their YouTube channel and advocacy efforts.
7. How does Shane Burcaw earn from social media?
   Social media earnings come from YouTube ads, Instagram sponsorships, Twitter/X posts, and merchandise, totaling $200,000 to $800,000 yearly.

Conclusion on Shane Burcaw Net Worth

Shane Burcaw net worth of $2 million to $3 million in 2025 reflects his multifaceted career as an author, YouTuber, and disability advocate. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, he transformed challenges into opportunities through books and writing, a thriving YouTube channel, and impactful motivational speaking. 

His nonprofit work with Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc., and partnership with wife Hannah Aylward amplify his influence. Burcaw’s journey, rooted in humor and resilience, inspires millions while building a sustainable financial foundation through diverse income sources.