
#141Yesterday · 30 min- LH
#139Yesterday · 27 minThe Baylor Strong Project: Helping Families Navigate Pancreatic Cancer
Ashley Baylor, founder of The Baylor Strong Project, a platform supporting pancreatic cancer caregivers through education, community, and practical resources. Inspired by her own experience caring for her father, Ashley has created tools including the CareGuide app, Caregiver’s Corner newsletter, and Beyond the Diagnosis YouTube series to help families navigate pancreatic cancer with greater clarity, confidence, and connection. She also works as a consultant to families facing serious illness. #LivingHope #PancreaticCancer #PancreaticCancerAwareness #CancerSurvivor #CancerAdvocacy #TheBaylorStrongProject #Caregivers
- LH
#140Yesterday · 39 minThe Patient, the Doctor & AI: A New Partnership
Burt Rosen returns to Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer to continue our conversation—this time focusing on how artificial intelligence is changing the patient experience. Burt shares how he uses AI to better understand medical records and scan results, track symptoms, prepare for appointments, and ask better questions of his medical team. We also explore the benefits and limitations of AI, privacy concerns, and Burt’s vision of the patient, physician, and AI working together—while remembering that AI is a tool, not a replacement for trusted medical care. It’s a fascinating conversation about technology, patient advocacy, and empowering patients to become more informed partners in their own care. #LivingHopePodcast #PancreaticCancer #PancreaticCancerAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #AIinHealthcare #PatientEmpowerment
- LH
#138September 5 · 34 minDaraxonrasib: New Hope, New Questions for Pancreatic Cancer
Tori Larrick, Associate Director of Patient Services at PanCAN, joined Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer to discuss the growing excitement surrounding daraxonrasib, what emerging treatments may mean for patients, how patients can advocate for themselves and explore treatment options, and the emotional impact of hearing about promising advances that may not yet be accessible to everyone. It’s an important conversation about hope, access, advocacy, and empowering patients with trusted information. **Since this episode aired, there has been an important development: On August 26, 2026, the FDA approved daraxonrasib, under the brand name Rasonque, for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have received at least one prior systemic therapy, as well as certain patients who are not candidates for multiagent systemic therapy.
- LH
#137August 23 · 36 minKnow Your Risk: The Power of Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection
Nisha Patel, Nurse Practitioner at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, joins Living Hope to discuss pancreatic cancer risk, early detection, and the importance of screening for individuals with a strong family history or inherited genetic mutations. She explains who may qualify for high-risk surveillance, the guidelines used to make screening recommendations, what patients can expect from Hoag’s Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program, and how she works alongside Dr. Demeure to support patients throughout the process. The episode also highlights the importance of knowing your family history, understanding your personal risk, and how early detection can make a meaningful difference.
- LH
#136August 21 · 37 minA Nurse Practitioner’s Calling in Pancreatic Cancer Care
Dallas Rose Gallagher, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, is a Pancreatic Cancer Nurse Practitioner III at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. Inspired in part by the loss of her father to metastatic pancreatic cancer, Dallas specializes in pancreatic cancer care and leads both an independent diagnostic clinic and the Pancreas THRIVE Clinic, supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and life after pancreatic surgery.
- LH
#134June 26 · 33 minGoing for the Home Run: A Story of Hope, Courage, and Survivorship
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 more than statistics—they are living examples of courage, determination, and the power of hope. 💜
- LH
#135June 26 · 28 minWhen the Scientist Becomes the Patient
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 throughout his journey. Drawing on his unique perspective as both a researcher and survivor, Dr. Hynes discusses the progress being made in pancreatic cancer treatment, the critical need for increased research funding, and why he remains optimistic about the future. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, community, and focusing on what matters most—family, friendships, and making a difference for others.
- LH
#133June 16 · 41 minJust Be: Finding Hope, Adventure, and Purpose Through Cancer
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, and become a more informed partner in his care. Join us for an inspiring conversation about living with cancer, embracing adventure, mind-body wellness, patient empowerment, and finding hope through innovation and community.
- LH
#132June 5 · 35 minCould a New Approach to Chemotherapy Change the Future of Pancreatic Cancer?
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 cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leaving many patients with limited treatment options and difficult decisions to navigate. Yet researchers and physicians continue to advance the field, developing new therapies and technologies designed to improve outcomes, expand treatment possibilities, and enhance quality of life. In this episode, we take a closer look at the RenovoCath, a first-of-its-kind FDA-cleared device that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor. Dr. Kessler explains how this innovative approach differs from traditional systemic chemotherapy and why it has generated excitement among clinicians and patients alike. We also discuss the value of multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer care and how collaboration among specialists can help ensure patients receive comprehensive, personalized treatment. Most importantly, we explore the progress being made in pancreatic cancer care and the reasons for optimism as new therapies and treatment strategies continue to emerge.
- LH
#131May 20 · 39 minThe Unspoken Side of Survivorship
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 survivorship to resilience, hope, and quality of life, this conversation explores topics that are often not discussed enough. Surviving pancreatic cancer is something to celebrate — but survivorship also comes with ongoing challenges that deserve understanding, support, and continued advocacy. Join us every Thursday at 11am PT for Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, live on OC Talk Radio and livestreaming from UCI’s Beall Applied Innovation Center #PancreaticCancer #CancerSurvivor #Survivorship #LivingHope #PanCAN #CancerAwareness #Hope #PatientAdvocacy #OCTalkRadio
- LH
#130April 8 · 38 minInformed, Protected, Empowered: Navigating Clinical Trials
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 questions, and feeling confident in your decisions. We explore the strong safety measures and oversight systems in place to protect participants, as well as key patient rights—including the ability to withdraw at any time and the importance of understanding how personal data and samples are used. The episode also highlights real patient experiences, the value of support systems, and the growing need for clear, practical tools—like question checklists—to help guide decision-making. Above all, this continuing conversation offers encouragement: with the right information, support, and resources, patients and families can approach clinical trials with greater clarity, confidence, and hope.
- LH
#129March 22 · 25 minBeyond the Diagnosis: The Emotional Journey of Pancreatic Cancer
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 understanding, reassurance, and hope for those navigating the journey.
- LH
#128March 21 · 30 minClinical Trials Explained: Breaking Myths, Building Hope
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 Part 2: Clinical Trials Explained: Patient Rights, Protections, and What to Expect, where we’ll take a deeper look at the patient experience and what you need to know before considering participation in a clinical trial. “As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever” is dedicated to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serving others and giving a voice to those who needed it most. Her legacy of leadership, courage, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.
- LH
#127Dec 15, 2025 · 36 minRobotics, Sequencing, and Hope: Advances in Pancreatic & HPB Cancer Surgery
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 emerging approaches such as transplant oncology. Dr. Yohanathan helps us understand why pancreatic cancer surgery is so complex, how surgeons determine the best treatment path, and what new advances are offering real hope to patients today. We explore the importance of multidisciplinary care, the growing role of robotics, and the thoughtful, compassionate way she guides patients through difficult decisions. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or simply someone seeking clarity and hope, this conversation offers invaluable insight into the rapidly evolving world of HPB cancer care.
- LH
#126Nov 26, 2025 · 26 minCan Pancreatic Cancer Become a Curable Disease?
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 cancer, reasons behind long-term recurrence, the status of cancer vaccines, innovations in immunotherapy, strategies to overcome the tumor’s dense barrier, and new progress in KRAS-targeted therapies. He closes with an inspiring message of hope, highlighting why this is one of the most promising and transformative moments in pancreatic cancer research—and what it means for survivors, patients, families, and the future ahead. "As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever," is dedicated to Wes Semple #PancreaticCancerAwareness #LivingHopePodcast #LustgartenFoundation
- LH
#125Nov 15, 2025 · 25 minA Phone call brings new hope
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 life-changing Whipple surgery performed by Dr. Charlie Yeo, and his journey to no evidence of disease. Now an advocate and Survivor Council Co-Chair with PanCAN, Nick offers hope and guidance to anyone facing this diagnosis. A powerful story of resilience and second chances.
- LH
#124Nov 15, 2025 · 25 minHope has to have a Plan
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.
- LH
#123Oct 27, 2025 · 37 minIs Hope on the Horizon for Pancreatic Cancer Patients?
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 Foundation began, the meaning behind its name, and how collaborations like Stand Up To Cancer are accelerating progress in prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
- LH
#122Oct 21, 2025 · 26 minWhat is Cancer Ghosting?
“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