LIVING HOPE: Living w/ Pancreatic Cancer

 JB Jaso and Tyler Noesen were childhood friends.  Life has a way of moving on, Tyler, married the love of his life and JB went on to join the US Army and serve our country.  Even though they had not seen each other for a while, when Tyler was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer he asked JB to join him in Washington, DC and participate in PanCAN's National Advocacy Day.  JB didn't know what...

Elissa Oblath joined the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research after hearing stories about her sister-in-laws father who had died from pancreatic cancer.  Though he died before they met, hearing her sister-in-law share stories about her father, inspired Elissa to get involved.  This connection drew Elissa to Hirshberg and she now serves as their Communication Director.  She shared he...

Kelly Barber and her sister Wendi Cihacek share their journey with pancreatic cancer. Kelly talks honestly and emotionally about losing her husband, George, in 2006 to Pancreatic Cancer. Wendi did the unimaginable and moved across the state to support her sister and help with her niece, Megan, who was 2 at the time. Kelly took her pain and grief and turned it into something positive. She became in...

Founder, Pamela Acosta Marquardt shares "What Only PanCAN is Doing."  Pam talks about how Patients/Survivors and their families can call "Patient Services," they will be assigned their own personal Case Manager and provided with the most updated resources and information at no cost. Information like "Know Your Tumor," "Clinical Trial Data Base," and the "Patient Registry," along with other helpful...

Julia Tominaga shares her journey with her brother Curtis, “the kind of brother that always looked out for his sisters...almost like having a third parent.” Curtis was diagnoses with stage IV pancreatic cancer after being taken to the ER.  There were few treatment options.  Curtis lived only two and half weeks after being diagnosed. After losing her brother, Julia wanted to do something to help ot...

Dr. Lee Reitler and Dwaine Mattei-Reitler share their unique journey with pancreatic cancer.  You'll hear how they meet, how a conversation during their first date lead them to a  surprising connection and why they are passionate about helping others battling the world's toughest cancer. 

Agi and Ron met by chance when Agi’s father coached Ron’s son’s soccer team.  Little did they know that on that day they would meet, fall in love and marry 3 months later.   Ron was a real dynamite of a man, they balanced each other immediately.  Ron was a thinker and Agi was a doer. Partners in life, partners in business and partners in fighting pancreatic cancer.  Losing Ron was devastating but,...

Dawnie Campbell, a Wife, mother, animal lover and a 2+ year pancreatic cancer survivor, shares her journey on how she went from being a energizer bunny to being exhausted.  While on a business trip Dawnie experienced pain in her side and went to urgent care.  Thinking it was a kidney stone, or infection she was give antibiotics.  After returning home the pain continues, Dawnie decided to see her D...

What happens when you take two people out of their comfort zone and turn the tables?  Special guest Dawn Kamber, Public Affairs Director and Host of “Impact OC” is usually on the other side of the mic.  Dawn interviews guests who impact Orange County in a positive way.  We turned the tables when we asked Dawn to share her journey with pancreatic cancer which started with a simple media release.  E...

For those of you that may not know, Marcus Welby, M.D. was a medical drama show that aired from 1969 to 1976.  Dr Welby was a family practitioner, with a great bedside manner, kind heart and made house calls! How do Doctors of today compare to the Dr Welby's of yesteryear?  Why do some give you a heartbreaking diagnosis only to leave you on your own? Are they embarrassed, or do they feel like they...

How many of us can say "I know what I want to be when I grow up?" Dr Rowland-Goldsmith knew exactly wanted she wanted to be at a very young age.  She was horrified to hear a couple of girls make fun and laugh at a classmate when her wig fell off while changing for P.E.  You see this little girl and been diagnosed with leukemia and lost her hair during chemotherapy.  This event affected Melissa pro...

Rick Pinson and his wife Linda became involved with PanCAN’s Orange County Affiliate in 2009 after Linda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Rick shares his journey on why he still volunteers even after Linda's death in 2012.  Rick remains actively involved and advocates in memory and in honor of Linda.  Rick has been a leader serving as Advocacy Chair for the past 6 years and more recently acc...

Would you or maybe the question is could you run 52 marathons in one year? Who does that? That is one marathon every week! All of this while holding down a full-time job from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.  Traveling Friday or Saturday, running on Sunday, returning home in time to be back at work on Monday.  Was it her love of running or something deeper and more personal? Our special guest Julie...

How would you handle only knowing your father through stories from family and friends?  How does a young man honor the father he never had the opportunity to meet?  Trent Luna, a freshman in high school shares his journey how at an incredibly young age he went to Washington, DC, to share his story with Members of Congress; attended PurpleLight a yearly ceremony bringing those affected by pancreati...

Rosa Velasco's journey with pancreatic cancer began after learning her coworker’s wife was fighting this deadly disease.  Instead of running away, Rosa ran towards Roberta and they soon became fast friends, “Besties.” Rosa and her husband Juan became a great source of support for Roberta and her husband Vic. During a PurpleLight in Orange County, a tribute to those affected by pancreatic cancer, R...

How does a man who can fix anything deal with learning his wife has pancreatic cancer? Vic Luna, “Roberta’s Husband,” shares his journey of being a Caregiver for his wife of 46 years and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.  Years ago, Vic was given the nick name "nino fix it," by family and friends.  You had a problem, or something didn't work or was broken, Vic could always fix it.  "Nino fix it...

How did a 19 year pancreatic cancer survivor start a crusade?  Find out by listening to our interview with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Volunteer and Survivor Council Member, Roberta Luna. She’s a 19-year pancreatic cancer survivor who started a crusade to bring awareness, hope and inspiration to others in their journey with pancreatic cancer. Only on OC Talk Radio, Orange County’s Only Commun...

Hear how a daughter used her grief to start the nonprofit Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  For others going thru this same journey. Find out by listening to our interview with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Founder, Pamela Acosta Marquardt. Only on OC Talk Radio, Orange County’s Only Community Radio Station. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Patient Services: pancan.org or call 877-2-PANCAN. ...