Living Hope

On this episode of Living Hope we welcomed long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Michelle Hackbarth. Diagnosed in 2001, Michelle shared her extraordinary journey of faith, perseverance, and hope. More than two decades later, she continues to inspire others with her message that hope is powerful, resilience matters, and every day is truly a gift. Her story is a beautiful reminder that survivors are...

After spending more than 40 years developing medicines and leading clinical trials involving Gemzar, Dr. Martin Hynes never imagined he would become a pancreatic cancer patient himself. In this episode of Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, Dr. Hynes shares his unexpected diagnosis, the hope he found when his cancer was deemed operable, and the vital support of family and friends thr...

Burt Rosen shares his journey living with stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and renal cell carcinoma. He discusses his treatment experience, the growing role of integrative oncology and evidence-based complementary therapies in supporting quality of life, and how artificial intelligence has helped him better understand his medical records, track symptoms, prepare for appointments,...

Dr. Kessler, a member of City of Hope's multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer team, joins us on Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer to discuss innovative approaches to pancreatic cancer treatment, including the RenovoCath. We also explore the importance of collaborative, team-based care and the growing reasons for hope for patients and families facing pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cance...

Pancreatic cancer survivor Thom Mrozek joins us once again on Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the realities of long-term survivorship. Together with host Roberta Luna, Thom shares personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned while navigating life beyond diagnosis and treatment. From the physical and emotional challenges of surv...

In this episode of Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, we continue the conversation with Megan Liles from March 5 with a thoughtful and reassuring look at what patients can expect when considering a clinical trial. From understanding the informed consent process to navigating enrollment timing and trial duration, this discussion emphasizes the importance of taking your time, asking q...

In this episode of Living Hope, we are joined by Ana Karen Gonzalez from PanCAN Patient Services to discuss the emotional impact of pancreatic cancer on patients, survivors, and caregivers. Together we explore challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and scanxiety, while highlighting the importance of support, connection, and open conversations. This episode offers understan...

Megan Liles, a clinical research professional with over 28 years of experience, joins Living Hope to discuss how clinical trials work and why they are essential to advancing cancer treatments. She shares insights on improving access to research and helping patients and physicians better understand clinical trials as a care option. This is just the beginning of an important conversation—join us for...

In this episode of Living Hope, we welcome Dr. Lavanya Yohanathan a highly respected Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon (HPB) who specializes in caring for patients with pancreatic, liver, and biliary cancers. Dr. Yohanathan brings deep expertise in some of the most complex areas of HPB care, including advanced treatment sequencing for challenging cancers, innovative robotic surgical techniques, and e...

In this episode of Living Hope, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Rakeman, Vice President of Research at the Lustgarten Foundation, who leads the Foundation’s efforts to advance early detection, prevention, and treatment with the goal of making pancreatic cancer a curable disease. Dr. Rakeman breaks down key developments in the field, including the emerging link between new-onset diabetes and pancreatic...

We kick off Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month with Nick Pifani — husband, father, marathon runner, and survivor of Stage III inoperable pancreatic cancer. Nick shares how his symptoms led to a shocking diagnosis, his experience with chemo and radiation, and the emotional moment he learned his tumor had become operable. He reflects on the strength he found through family, faith, and mindset, the li...

Rob Panacci—pancreatic cancer survivor and advocate, sharing how his journey is evolving into a new chapter: the launch of “the novi foundation for cures,” a foundation and program to expand access, innovation, and collaboration in pancreatic cancer.   This episode was just the introduction. The full breakdown is coming soon.  

Kerri Kaplan, President and CEO of the Lustgarten Foundation, the world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research. Under her leadership, Lustgarten has helped drive major breakthroughs — from the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer to advances in early detection and personalized treatment that offer new hope to patients and families. Kerri also shares how the Founda...

“Cancer ghosting” describes what happens when friends, coworkers, or even family members withdraw after someone’s cancer diagnosis — not always disappearing completely, but creating painful distance when connection is needed most.  Only on OC Talk Radio. #LivingHopePodcast #PanCAN #CancerGhosting #PancreaticCancer #SupportNotSilence

Shaun Bagai, CEO of RenovoRx, joined us to discuss an innovative approach delivering chemo directly to pancreatic tumors. By targeting the cancer more precisely, this treatment may reduce side effects and improve quality of life. We explored how this approach could transform treatment for those with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, the progress being made in clinical trials, and the hope it bri...

In the final episode of our special 3-part Living Hope series with Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we welcome Dr. Sourat Darabi, Director of Precision Oncology at Hoag. She takes us inside the world of genomics and research, showing how science is uncovering new ways to detect pancreatic cancer earlier and more accurately. From biomarkers and RNA sequencing to advanced technologies that find what cu...

On this episode of Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, we welcome Dr. Michael Demeure, Medical Director of Precision Medicine at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. Dr. Demeure explains how precision medicine—using DNA sequencing to identify genetic drivers of cancer—can help doctors choose more effective treatments with fewer side effects. He discusses the importance of early detection an...

On this episode of Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, we welcome Rohail Hameed, Patient Services Manager at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Rohail brings over five years of experience supporting patients and caregivers through PanCAN’s helpline and clinical trial finder. In this candid conversation, we explore pancreatitis—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, why it may in...

On this episode of Living Hope, we explore the Genetics of Pancreatic Cancer with genetic counselor Chelsey Torres. We discuss the main types of pancreatic cancer, the difference between hereditary, familial, and sporadic cases, and why genetic testing is so important for those with a strong family history. Chelsey also highlights the role of early detection programs, the realities of inconclusive...

Absolutely—and Wendy Hammers is living proof. In this uplifting episode, comedian and 10-year pancreatic cancer survivor Wendy Hammers shares how humor, early diagnosis, and a blend of Western and Eastern healing helped her face cancer with courage and joy. She reflects on her mindset shift, the evolution of her one-woman show Ripe, and why she refuses to let cancer define her. Wendy’s journey is...

Debbie Soldano a seasoned nurse practitioner with over 25 years of oncology experience, shares pancreatic cancer prevention, patient care, and summer wellness tips. Debbie shares her personal connection to the disease through the loss of her sister, giving heartfelt insight into the emotional impact of a diagnosis and how it shapes her compassionate approach to patient care. Debbie also offers val...

We’re honored to share the story of Gerri Weiner, a three-year pancreatic cancer thriver. Diagnosed unexpectedly after a routine CT scan revealed a shadow on her pancreas, Gerri’s journey reminds us of the power of early detection. Eight years before her diagnosis, Gerri’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, making her own diagnosis all the more surreal. Now, she uses her voice to bring a...

In this episode, we welcome Ken Miller, a stage 1 pancreatic cancer survivor diagnosed less than a year ago—one of the earliest diagnoses we've featured. Ken shares how subtle signs like rising blood sugar and digestive issues led to a critical second opinion that changed everything. He opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of treatment and recovery, including fatigue, neuropathy, a...

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Month, Living Hope kicks off June with pancreatic cancer survivor and former educator Wes Semple. After a shocking diagnosis in 2005, Wes underwent emergency surgery and grueling treatment—but survival was only the beginning. In this episode, Wes shares how he transformed his experience into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate, mentor, and voice of hope for...

We continue the conversation on the link between pancreatic cancer and diabetes with Dr. Afreen Shariff, who explains the vital role hormone specialists play in symptom management and care coordination. Dr Shariff also introduces Citrus Oncology, her virtual platform offering endocrine support nationwide. Cindy Gavin of Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer shares tools like their Clinical Trial Finder and...