20-Year Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Anne Shimabukuro’s Story of Hope and Advocacy

Anne Shimabukuro Marks 20 Years Since Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

In November, during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is highlighting the journey of 20-year survivor Anne Shimabukuro as part of its $250 million campaign, All Together We Can, pancan.org reported. Diagnosed in 2005 at age 37 while working in finance and raising two young daughters, Shimabukuro underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation after her oncologist directed her to the organization for reliable information.

The five-year national campaign aims to invest in research, expand patient support, and fund advocacy efforts. Shimabukuro’s two decades as a survivor reflect both medical advancements and ongoing challenges in treating a disease where more than 90% of patients have a sad story to tell.

Building Community and Family Involvement in D.C.

After connecting with PanCAN’s Washington, D.C., area affiliate, Shimabukuro met other patients and volunteers. She and her husband, John, along with their daughters, began participating in the region’s first PanCAN PurpleStride event, establishing a family tradition of walking and volunteering.

John has served as affiliate co-chair for the D.C., area. While their daughter Emily takes part in PurpleStride on a regular basis, their daughter Holly completed an internship with PanCAN and kept on working for the group throughout her college years.

Advocacy Work and Federal Research Grant Reviews

Shimabukuro has expanded her involvement beyond local volunteering into national advocacy, meeting with members of Congress alongside her daughters to call for greater federal funding for pancreatic cancer research. For the past three years, she has reviewed Department of Defense pancreatic cancer research grant proposals, evaluating projects submitted by researchers.

At PanCAN’s recent Scientific Summit, Shimabukuro reviewed emerging developments, including early detection methods, blood-based tests, personalized medicine, and RAS inhibitors. She believes being diagnosed early played a critical role in her own outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About PanCAN’s Campaign and Research

What is the All Together We Can campaign?

All Together We Can is a five-year, $250 million initiative launched by PanCAN to invest in breakthrough research, expand patient support services, and advocate to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer, according to pancan.org.

What treatments did Anne Shimabukuro undergo after her 2005 diagnosis?

Following her diagnosis at age 37, Shimabukuro underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation while balancing her career in finance and raising two young daughters, as reported by pancan.org.

How does Anne Shimabukuro contribute to research evaluation today?

According to pancan.org, Shimabukuro evaluates grant proposals for pancreatic cancer research submitted to the Department of Defense, providing her with direct insight into the concepts investigators are exploring and the financial support required to develop them.

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