Living Hope

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.

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.

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. 💜

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

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

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.

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.

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.