4 minute read
Advocating for Change, Shawna Ackley is a Force
Survivors Giving Back
Meet Shawna
By Amy Litterini
When you meet Shawna Ackley for the first time, it becomes immediately obvious that you're in the presence of a positive force. Shawna is a 41-year-old breast cancer survivor, wife of Jason, and mother of son Stellan, age 6. At the time of her diagnosis three years ago, she was chasing a busy toddler with no known risk factors for breast cancer. Shawna’s stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast was treated with bilateral (both sides) mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by endocrine therapy to limit the chances of her cancer returning.
I first had the pleasure of making Shawna's acquaintance early on through the Drive Fore a Cure fundraising event hosted by her friend Debbie Cupo (read Deb’s survivor story here). Shawna was the guest speaker, and she shared her survivorship story alongside her surgeon, Dr. Liz Desjardins. We’ve made regular and frequent connections ever since. We would stay in touch to connect about the many projects Shawna was involved in, all ultimately in support of her fellow cancer survivors or people she would never meet who needed breast cancer screening. The first time she reached out, it was about how she could distribute weighted blankets to breast cancer survivors across the state. Next, it was to let our clinics know about a holiday event where presents were distributed for breast cancer survivors and their family members in the greater Portland area. The third time was to talk about LD 1836, legislation that was passed in the state of Maine about coverage for diagnostic imaging for breast cancer detection.
As the three-year anniversary of her diagnosis approaches on October 20, 2024, she was able to take some time to reflect on everything that’s happened to her since. This July, Shawna participated in her 10th Tri for a Cure, a passion for her long before her diagnosis. Since being diagnosed, Shawna has modeled in the New England Breast Cancer Alliance’s (NEBCA) “Runway for Hope” and then served as a board member. At NEBCA, she joined in the distribution of $300,000 in donated goods from the United Breast Cancer Foundation. She helped to raise and/or save our cancer community over $100,000 by fundraising or sharing grants. She became a Susan G Komen Center for Public Policy Advocacy Ambassador, and
attended the Komen Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. There, she met with our members of Congress to advocate for the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act, Safe Step Act, and SCREENS for Cancer Act.
Shawna shared: “I’ve made so many beautiful friends that I would never have met without cancer.
Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for change on the high cost of diagnostic imaging for those going through this behind me. I will continue to share resources with my fellow survivors, no one fights alone." In October, she’ll return to DC to continue advocating for change.
Shawna’s positive energy and genuine willingness to step up and get involved is truly inspiring. I have no doubt there will be multiple other connections we'll make over the years as she continues to push to improve cancer survivorship and the lives of Maine breast cancer survivors. Keep an eye out for Shawna in the next few years as chances are good you'll see her in some role for the greater good in the world of cancer survivorship!
