Episodes

3 hours ago
3 hours ago
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 others facing this disease. From returning to the classroom to lobbying in Washington, Wes reminds us that survivorship can spark lifelong impact.
#LivingHopePodcast #PancreaticCancerSurvivor #CancerSurvivorMonth #WesSemple #PanCAN #HopeInAction #SurvivorStory #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSupport #PurpleStride

Friday May 30, 2025
The Hidden Link: Diabetes, Hormones & Pancreatic Cancer
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
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 Doctor Finder, along with the value of their fully bilingual website.

Saturday Mar 29, 2025
How Can the 19th Annual Hirshberg Symposium Empower Patients and Caregivers?
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
The Symposium empowers Patients and Caregivers by offering cutting-edge insights on surgical advancements, practical guidance on nutrition and mindfulness, and real-life perspectives from survivors and caregivers. The 19th Annual Hirshberg Symposium empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to navigate the pancreatic cancer journey with confidence and hope.
📅 Event Details: April 5th at UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center. Free to attend with a healthy lunch included.
🌐 Register online at: pancreatic.org

Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Clinical Trials: Busting Myths and Fueling Innovation
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Clinical trials aren’t a last resort—they’re a pathway to better treatments and new hope. In this episode of Living Hope, guest Robert Panacci joins us to dispel common myths about clinical trials.
We also explore how venture capital funding is driving innovation and accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research.

Saturday Mar 22, 2025
More Than Sugar: The Overlooked Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
On this episode of Living Hope, we explore the powerful connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer with Dr. Afreen Shariff (Citrus Oncology, Duke University)
and Cindy Gavin (Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer)
Topics include:
🔹 Diabetes as a warning sign
🔹 Overlapping symptoms & delayed diagnosis
🔹 Blood sugar management in cancer care
🔹 Patient advocacy & awareness
🔹 Let’s Win’s NEW trial & doctor finders
This episode is a powerful reminder that awareness, self-advocacy, and early intervention can make a difference. With organizations like Let’s Win and innovations like Citrus Oncology, patients now have more resources and support than ever before.
#LivingHopePodcast #PancreaticCancer #DiabetesAndCancer #LetsWinPC #HopeInAction #SurvivorStrong #EarlyDetection #CitrusOncology

Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Beating the Odds with Community, Advocacy, and Hope
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Gary Fong, a retired automotive executive, passionate and dedicated advocate who has been living with pancreatic cancer for over eight years. Diagnosed in 2016, Gary shares his journey through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as the critical role of community support in helping him stay positive and motivated.
Through resilience, advocacy, and the support of loved ones, Gary continues to live an active life while championing hope, awareness, and research. His story is a powerful reminder that no one fights alone.

Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Emergency Preparedness for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
In this episode of Living Hope, we explore the critical topic of emergency preparedness for pancreatic cancer patients, with a special focus on natural disasters like wildfires. Guest, Alejandra Alvarez, Associate Director, Patient Services, Research and Education with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, shares practical tips on creating a grab-and-go kit, including essentials like medications, important documents, and personal items. We also delve into the emotional challenges patients and caregivers face during emergencies, emphasizing the need for mental health support.
Tune in for a conversation filled with practical insights, hope, and inspiration.
"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever," is dedicated to Marianna DeBonis
#PancreaticCancer #EmergencyPreparedness #StayPrepared #GrabAndGoKit #DisasterPreparedness

Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Navigating Wildfire Crisis & Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Research
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Wildfires in LA County are taking a heavy toll, with historic blazes impacting areas like Pacific Palisades and Eaton. Emergency preparedness is critical—especially for cancer patients who need grab-and-go kits (meds, records, contacts) and N95 masks to combat poor air quality.
Meanwhile, promising pancreatic cancer research is creating hope for early detection and improved treatments, even as funding and end-of-life discussions remain key issues.
Thoughts and prayers to all affected.
#Wildfires #EmergencyPrep #CancerResearch #PancreaticCancer

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
How Can Advocacy and Research Drive Progress in Pancreatic Cancer?
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
January is Clinical Awareness Month on Living Hope, survivor *Robert Panacci joined us to discuss clinical trials, cancer research funding, and the power of advocacy. Together, we tackled misconceptions, government accountability, and the urgent need for early detection in pancreatic cancer.
"As long as you speak my name I shall live forever," is dedicated to Jack Santeramo
*Rob is a recurring guest. Catch up on his inspiring journey in previous episodes, where he shares his story of resilience and hope. Watch on OC Talk Radio’s YouTube or listen on most podcast platforms.

Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Empowering Advocacy: Teona Ducre's Journey with Pancreatic Cancer
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Teona Ducre is a pancreatic cancer survivor who uses her personal journey to raise awareness about the disease, particularly within the Black community. Diagnosed in 2016, she empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and emphasizes the importance of early detection. As a member of PanCAN’s Survivor Council Alumni, she promotes genetic and biomarker testing to improve treatment outcomes and assess familial risk, appearing in public service campaigns to amplify her mission.
In celebration of National Survivor Month this episode is dedicated to Survivor Kay Kays who was diagnosed in 1994