A man who uses a wheelchair has spoken out after he and his wife received thousands of hurtful comments following the announcement that they are expecting their first child.
Shane and Hannah Burcaw, better known online as Squirmy and Grubs, have built an audience of more than 1.8 million YouTube subscribers by documenting their relationship and challenging misconceptions about disability.
The couple have been together for more than nine years and married in September 2020.
Shane lives with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, while Hannah does not have a physical disability.
Although the pair have spent years answering questions about their relationship, their recent pregnancy announcement has brought a fresh wave of criticism, including comments questioning whether Shane can be an effective parent.
Now, the father-to-be has responded to the negativity in an emotional statement.
What did Shane Burcaw say about the comments?
Shane addressed the criticism on Instagram after Hannah shared a particularly hurtful comment suggesting that she would effectively be raising their child alone.
The comment read: "Being a single married mom is so hard. Good luck."
Hannah revealed that the remark had attracted tens of thousands of likes, something she found particularly disappointing.
Shane subsequently explained that the reaction to their pregnancy had left him emotionally exhausted.
He described receiving thousands of negative comments every day, many based on assumptions about what disabled people can and cannot do.
However, he challenged the idea that having a physical disability prevents someone from actively participating in raising a child.
Shane acknowledged that certain activities would require adaptations and creative solutions, but explained that disabled parents have successfully navigated similar challenges before.
He also emphasised that parenting involves far more than physical tasks such as changing nappies or washing bottles.
According to Shane, raising a child is fundamentally about providing emotional support, teaching important life lessons and helping them develop into a confident and compassionate adult.
He said none of those responsibilities depends on having fully functioning arms.
How do Shane and Hannah Burcaw have intimacy?
One of the most common questions the couple receive concerns their intimate relationship.
Because Shane has limited mobility and requires assistance with many everyday activities, some viewers have questioned whether the pair can maintain a conventional romantic and sexual relationship.
However, Shane and Hannah have repeatedly explained that their relationship includes physical intimacy, despite the assumptions made by strangers.
In an interview with MEL Magazine, Shane revealed that questions about their sex life were among the most frequent they received on YouTube.
He confirmed that they have a fulfilling intimate relationship but explained that they deliberately avoid sharing specific details about their sexual activities.
The couple have also discussed how they balance caregiving responsibilities with romance, challenging the misconception that one automatically excludes the other.
Hannah is Shane's primary caregiver, but both have stressed that their marriage is built on mutual support, affection and shared responsibilities.
They have chosen to keep the practical details of their sexual relationship private, despite continued curiosity from their audience.
How did Shane and Hannah become pregnant?
The couple announced their pregnancy on September 8, 2026, revealing that Hannah was already 20 weeks pregnant.
They are expecting their first child in January 2027.
However, their journey to parenthood has not been straightforward.
Shane and Hannah previously spoke openly about experiencing fertility difficulties and undergoing IVF treatment.
They began fertility testing in 2022 and subsequently documented their attempts to conceive, including an unsuccessful period of treatment.
After taking a break from the process, the couple decided to explore their options again in 2026.
Although they have shared aspects of their fertility journey, the couple's pregnancy announcement should not be taken as evidence of any particular conception method without their confirmation.
Why did the couple keep their pregnancy secret?
Despite regularly sharing their lives online, Shane and Hannah waited approximately five months before announcing the pregnancy publicly.
Speaking to PEOPLE, they explained that the decision was partly motivated by a desire to enjoy the experience privately before inviting public attention.
They were also concerned about the negative comments they expected to receive.
Shane previously admitted that he anticipated people would question his suitability as a father because of his disability.
The couple also explained that they wanted to protect their child's privacy, particularly because their baby would not be able to consent to appearing online.
Although they intend to share parts of their parenting journey, they plan to be selective about what they make public.
How will Shane care for their baby?
Shane has acknowledged that becoming a father will introduce practical challenges, particularly when it comes to physically interacting with his child.
However, he and Hannah have already begun exploring adaptive equipment and techniques to help him participate in everyday parenting activities.
These include supportive pillows that could allow their baby to rest safely on his lap and specially designed carriers that can attach to his wheelchair.
Shane has also spoken with other disabled parents about their experiences, explaining that those conversations have helped reassure him.
While he recognises that some physical tasks will require assistance, he remains excited about the emotional and developmental aspects of fatherhood.
For the couple, the arrival of their first child represents an exciting new chapter after years of fertility challenges.
And despite the criticism they continue to receive, Shane and Hannah remain determined to demonstrate that disability does not determine someone's ability to love, support or raise a family.
