Living Hope

A Survivor's Journey Through Time and Resilience

Thom Mrozek, a 12-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, diagnosed on the unique day of Leap Day. Thom's diagnosis day has become symbolic of his extraordinary journey—rare, remarkable, and filled with unexpected turns. As he celebrates each leap year, he also marks another year of survival, another year of making a difference, and another year of cherishing the gift of time. His story is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering human spirit. 

This episode is dedicated to Tom Gregory and his wife Debbie. 

"Strength in Support: Mike Greenstein's Journey as a Caregiver in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer"

In this episode of Living Hope, we welcome Mike Greenstein, a committed advocate in the battle against pancreatic cancer, driven by his experience as a caregiver for his sister Jackie. Mike combines his business expertise with deep compassion in his work at Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer, aiming to strengthen the network of support for patients and their families. He delves into the caregiver's view on recognizing a patient's struggles and discusses ways to assist his sister within this reality. Additionally, Mike highlights the vital role that coaches play in guiding families through the pancreatic cancer journey. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on empathy, assistance, and united efforts towards hope.

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever" is dedicated to Jaclyn Hope Greenstein. Jackie is remembered for her spirit and profound love for her family and friends, she was the embodiment of courage. Facing her fears with unwavering bravery.  Her legacy of inspiration continues to touch lives daily.

 

 

 

 

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Turns 25!

Pamela Acosta Marquardt and Julie Fleshman have both been profoundly impacted by the loss of their parents to pancreatic cancer, which fueled their dedication to creating change. In 1996, Pam faced the loss of her mother after a six-month struggle with the disease. Confronted by the lack of resources and support for pancreatic cancer, she was driven to take action, ensuring that individuals and families affected by this illness would have access to vital information, resources, and hope. Similarly, Julie's journey at PanCAN was ignited by personal tragedy when she lost her father just four months following his diagnosis at the age of 52. Dissatisfied with the inadequate treatment options available, Julie has spent over two decades as a leader and a global catalyst for change, fighting for better outcomes for those facing pancreatic cancer. Together, their personal experiences have not only shaped their leadership at PanCAN but also exemplified their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Facts vs Feelings

While facts are critical to understanding and treating the disease, feelings are equally important in shaping the patient's experience and approach to care. The podcast serves as a reminder that in the face of a challenging diagnosis, the fusion of facts and feelings guides not just survival, but the quality of life.

Clinical Trials from a Dr/Reseachers perspective

Dr. Jose Trevino serves multifaceted roles one as the Surgeon-in-Chief at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center. He is dedicated to not only providing patient care and education but also contributing to the field of pancreatic cancer research.  Developing novel therapies and advancing research in health disparities related to pancreatic cancer are crucial efforts that can have a significant impact on improving outcomes for patients.  Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical research and improving healthcare outcomes. We had a honest in depth talk with Dr. Trevino about the world of clinical trials.  

"I wanted to be the that person that was going to tackle the the biggest obstacles and you can't get a bigger obstacle than pancreatic cancer." Dr Trevino

"As long as you speak my name I shall live forever" is dedicated to Shana Stein and the others who have participated in a clinical trial with our deepest appreciation.

 

Sarah Banks personal journey with her mothers fight against pancreatic cancer.

Sarah Banks from Hirshberg Foundation joins us to discuss her own mother's journey with Pancreatic Cancer.  Sarah Banks' personal connection to pancreatic cancer through her mother's journey likely provides a deeply heartfelt and insightful perspective. Her experience may offer a unique blend of personal and professional insights into the challenges faced by both patients and their families when dealing with this disease.

Survivor Jay Sandler

Jay shares his personal journey with pancreatic cancer. Such openness can be incredibly impactful for others facing similar challenges, offering them insight, guidance, and hope.

Drs message ”it’s your pancreas don’t eat”

Thom Mrozek's decade-long battle with pancreatic cancer is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of a challenging illness. Such a journey likely involved numerous highs and lows, requiring immense strength and perseverance.

East meets West medicine

Dr. Lighter Chen's exploration of acupressure and its potential to facilitate the body's natural healing process by balancing energy flow aligns with traditional Chinese medicine principles. Acupressure is believed to stimulate specific points on the body to alleviate pain, enhance relaxation, and promote overall wellness by addressing imbalances in the body's energy pathways.

Thom Mrozek shares his experience with the Whipple Procedure

Thom Mrozek's willingness to share his experience with the Whipple Procedure offers invaluable insight into a significant aspect of pancreatic cancer treatment. The procedure is known for its complexity and challenges, and hearing firsthand from someone who has undergone it can provide a unique perspective. Thom's journey and his insights could help demystify the procedure for others facing similar decisions and offer them a sense of what to expect in terms of recovery and adapting to post-operative life. What specific aspects of his experience did Thom find most challenging, and what advice does he have for individuals preparing for or recovering from the Whipple Procedure?