A three-time survivor reflects on his journey through treatment, survivorship, science, and service—and what it means to really “show up” after cancer.
When we sat down to talk with Jasan Zimmerman on the Game Over: c*ncer podcast, we weren’t just interviewing a colleague—we were connecting with a friend who embodies the power of resilience, honesty, and reinvention.
Jasan’s story isn’t just about surviving cancer. It’s about what comes after survival—how a life once shaped by treatment and fear can evolve into purpose, advocacy, and leadership.
A Journey Through Diagnosis and Survival
Jasan was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma as an infant. At 15, he faced thyroid cancer, likely a result of his earlier treatment. And again at 21, the cancer returned. These pivotal moments came at vastly different stages of life—each shaping his perspective in ways he didn’t fully unpack until years later.
For a long time, Jasan didn’t want to talk about cancer. “I didn’t want to be the sick kid,” he told us. He avoided the topic throughout high school and even into adulthood. But unresolved trauma doesn’t stay hidden forever. It began to manifest in his mental health—an area of survivorship that too often gets overlooked.
“Once treatment is over, you’re not done. You’re just beginning a new chapter. And mental health is part of that story.”
It wasn’t until Jasan was in his 30s that he finally stepped into a support group for adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors. Even then, it took months of sitting quietly before he was ready to speak. But that act of just showing up—even if he had to sit in the car for 30 minutes to do it—was the start of something transformative.
Watch Jasan’s episode here: Game Over: c*ncer EP30: Jasan Zimmerman
From Science to Service
Jasan’s career path is as layered as his personal story. With a background in molecular biology and biochemistry, he spent over a decade in biotech working on projects as complex as creating fuel from corn husks and manufacturing socks from bacteria. But the lab didn’t fill his cup. After a layoff and a little soul-searching, he transitioned into nonprofit work.
Today, Jasan serves as the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. He also chairs the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Stanford’s AYA Cancer Program. It’s a role that allows him to combine his scientific knowledge, nonprofit experience, and survivor’s perspective—all while advocating for research and patient-centered care.
Lessons from the Conversation
Jasan’s candid reflection revealed a number of valuable takeaways—for survivors, caregivers, advocates, and donors alike:
- Survivorship Isn’t a Finish Line—It’s a New Beginning
Cancer is either a life sentence or a death sentence. While cancer treatment may end, the emotional and physical side effects often linger for years, even decades. Jasan reminds us that “finishing” treatment doesn’t mean you’re healed. Survivors deserve support long after their last hospital visit.
- Mental Health Matters—More Than We Admit
Jasan was open about his struggle to address mental health and the internal resistance many survivors face. Therapy and support groups were game-changers—but only once he was ready. “Even now, there are times when it’s still not the right time,” he said. That kind of honesty is a reminder to give survivors space to process on their own terms.
- There’s No One Right Way to Be a Survivor
Whether you become a public advocate or choose to move on quietly, there is no “correct” path. As Jasan said, “You don’t have to be a super survivor. Do what works best for you.” It’s a message that should be at the core of all survivorship programming.
- Include Patients in Research—Always
One of Jasan’s current passions is ensuring patients have a voice in research planning, clinical trial design, and care programs. His advocacy is simple but powerful: Don’t design systems for survivors without input from survivors.
- Real Impact Happens When Collaboration Aligns with Passion
Jasan described how foundation support—like that from CKc—has helped drive clinical trials forward, leading to life-changing outcomes for kids with devastating diagnoses like DIPG. For Jasan, helping fund those trials is personal. “These are the moments that make the hard days worth it,” he said.
A Final Message for Survivors and Supporters
When we asked Jasan what he hoped listeners would take away from his story, his response was heartfelt and real: If you’re out of treatment and you just want to go live your life—do that. That is survivorship. You don’t have to turn your story into something for other people.
From science to storytelling, Jasan’s work centers on one goal: making life better for those facing cancer. And for that, we’re incredibly grateful.
If you’re moved by Jasan’s story and want to be part of the progress that’s helping kids and families facing cancer, visit cannonballkidscancer.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
Know a survivor or advocate whose story needs to be shared? Email us at info@cannonballkidscancer.org to nominate a guest!
