Living Hope

How Can the 19th Annual Hirshberg Symposium Empower Patients and Caregivers?

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

 

Clinical Trials: Busting Myths and Fueling Innovation

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.

 

More Than Sugar: The Overlooked Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

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

Beating the Odds with Community, Advocacy, and Hope

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.

Emergency Preparedness for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

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  

 

Navigating Wildfire Crisis & Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Research

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

How Can Advocacy and Research Drive Progress in Pancreatic Cancer?

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.

 

 

 

Empowering Advocacy: Teona Ducre's Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

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

Healing Through Nutrition and Breathwork: Andrea O'Donnell's Guide for the Cancer Journey

Nourishing Wellness: Eating Healthy on the Cancer Journey with Nutritional Therapy and Breathwork Facilitator Andrea O'Donnell

 

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Diane Simeone's Revolutionary Approach to Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Diane Simeone, a leader in the field of pancreatic cancer research currently serves as the Director of the Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. Dr. Simeone founded (PRECEDE) the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium. Dr Simeone shares her insights into the challenges and advancements in combating one of the toughest forms of cancer. 

#PRECEDEConsortium #CancerBreakthroughs #DrDianeSimeone

#PancreaticCancer #CancerResearch #EarlyDetection #MooresCancerCenter