Shauna Rae

I Am Shauna Rae premiered in the United States on January 11, 2022, and ran for two seasons through 2023. The reality series follows Shauna as she navigates dating, driving, work, social expectations, and other aspects of adult life while often being mistaken for a child.

The series presented challenges involving everyday independence, including a blind date, a visit to the Jersey Shore, gym training, horseback riding, and attempts to find clothing that fits. Shauna appeared in all 16 episodes, and the series made her a prominent television personality.

Shauna developed a rare form of brain cancer during infancy and received chemotherapy at six months old. The treatment affected her pituitary gland and led to pituitary dwarfism, which stopped her growth and left her with the stature and appearance of a much younger child.

She began taking growth hormones at age 8, but the treatment was eventually stopped permanently when she reached puberty. She has been in full remission from cancer for years. Her short stature has also created practical difficulties, including being questioned about her age and needing hand controls to drive because pedal extensions could not accommodate her.

Shauna's acting credits include the television miniseries Lisey's Story, in which she played Young Girl, and The Adventures of Rybread and His Friends, where she provided the voice of Shauna. She also appeared in Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza and voiced Rebecca in Psycho City: The Movie.

She began using Instagram in March 2020 and later created a self-titled YouTube channel featuring question-and-answer videos and tutorials. Her online content discusses her condition, disability awareness, television appearances, and everyday experiences. She also uses the nickname Tank.

Shauna's parents are Scott Lesick and Patty Schrankel. Her mother married Mark Schrankel, who appeared on I Am Shauna Rae. Shauna has an older sister, Tara Lesnick, and two half-siblings, Morgan Rae and Rylee.

During the second season of I Am Shauna Rae, Shauna went on dates with travel blogger Dan Swygart. Their relationship did not progress beyond friendship. She also went on a date with Thomas, a volunteer firefighter who has pituitary dwarfism, after they were introduced by a matchmaker.