Living Hope

Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer breaks down the barriers.

Let's Win launched in 2016 with a goal of breaking down the barriers between the doctors, the patients and the researchers so that everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has easy access to the latest information about the best treatment options.

 

Join us as we talk about the growth of Survivor stories, importance of clinical trials and genetic testing.  Let's Win platform educates patients and guides them to get to treatments and to clinical trials and information in lawmans terms.

 

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever," today's episode of Living Hope is dedicated to Anne Glauber

 

What is the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition?

Jenny Isaacson, Vice President of Stewardship & Partnerships at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, is responsible for the overall management and direction of the organization’s stewardship efforts. She also oversees strategic partnerships including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, that came together in 2013 to discuss working together to raise global pancreatic cancer awareness and work collaboratively to support each other's efforts.  The group consists of more than 90 pancreatic cancer organizations in over 30 countries working to raise awareness and rewrite history for the world’s toughest cancer. 

"As long as you speak my name I shall live forever" is dedicated to Sandra Mack, a ten year pc survivor who died in September 2022

 

Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis - Not the best way to start your birthday.

Tom, away from home, gets a call on his 65 birthday from his Dr, not wishing him a happy birthday but instead telling him she needed to see you as soon as possible.

Tom, very active and an enthusiast bike rider is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Tom was not a candidate for surgery but went on a clinical trial.  Treatment went on for 15 months after which Tom received good news - he was "NED" - no evidence of disease.  Tom started an oral chemo and continues to take it today.  We talk about the importance of clinical trials, how he has been able to return to a "normal" way of life, he continues to ride his bike, play golf and enjoy life.  Tom continued to be as active as possible during treatment and found this was a way to help him through his treatment and the anxiety that goes along with treatment.  Tom shares his inspiration journey and how he continues to help others through their treatment and journey by hosting a support group through Zoom, every Friday 9am -10:30am PT - to join this support group or for more information regarding group please email Tom at ta20390@yahoo.com

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever."  This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to Susan Stueber.  When the pandemic hit Susan wanted to provide a weekly support group to help patients/survivors and caregivers.  She formed a group through Zoom and asked Tom to help her co-host the group which Tom has continued to do since Susan's death on September 29, 2022 her 70th birthday.

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever," is dedicated to Susan Stueber who in response to the pandemic wanted to offer a safe place for other pancreatic cancer patients/survivors and their Caregivers to turn.  To join the Friday morning support group please reach out to Tom at ta20390@yahoo.com

You’ve heard the saying ”It’s not what you know but who you know.”

"It's not what you know but who you know," was certainly true for 10-year pancreatic survivor Thom Mrozek.  Thom wasn't sure how public he wanted to be about his diagnosis, but when his daughter, who at that time attended an episcopal school asked at Chapel "can we pray for my dad?" her request started the ball rolling.

 

Thom woke up one morning with a recurring pain that went on for a few days.  The pain became worse, and he took himself to urgent care.  The location of his pain caused the urgent care Dr to check his heart.  His heart looked good, and the Dr felt it was a stomach problem probably an ulcer or acid reflux. He was given some medicine and told to follow up with his Primary Care doctor.  Thom went to his internist who ordered a series of tests.  Thom, standing in front of his office received a phone call from his Dr "Thom it's your pancreas, stop eating!" that comment lead to a "six-week testing treadmill."

 

Thom shares his inspirational journey and how a prayer request led to a community of support for Thom and his family.

 

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever." This episode is dedicated to Lupe Romero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How one professors advice changes anothers career path

Melissa knew at a very young age that she wanted to help those with cancer.  Initially she wanted to be an oncologist.  A professor took her aside and told her "you have a gift in you as a teacher, educator, researcher, you don't you consider this as a career?" 

Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith, affectionally referred to as Dr RG by her students took that advice and is the Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular biology and Co-Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Chapman University.  We welcome Melissa back to learn about her unique teaching program for future physicians and researchers. 

 

"As long as you speak my name I shall live forever" is dedicated to Sandra Mack

Ron and Agi made a promise together to find a cure, Agi still continues the fight 25 years after Ron’s death.

Reflecting back over 25 years with Hirshberg Founder Agi Hirshberg and her daughter Lisa Manheim, Executive Director.  Hirshberg Foundation got its start more than 25 years ago when Ron Hirshberg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Ron and Agi decided they were going to beat this disease together and live a long life, sadly six months later Ron died.  They had made a promise together to find a cure, it was only natural that Agi would continue after Ron's death.  We chat about how Hirshberg started with only two doctors, the importance of the "Five Pillars," the labs Hirshberg has funded, how five universities in the UC system collaborate together.

"As long as you speak my name I shall live forever" is dedicated to Ron Hirshbert

 

 

What is the LA Cancer Challenge?

Sarah Banks is the Development Manager for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  The 25th annual LA CANCER CHALLENGE was a walk/run benefitting the Hirschberg Foundation and their ongoing work battling Pancreatic Cancer.  LACC was held on Sunday, October 23rd, on the beautiful campus of UCLA, where much of the foundation’s research is conducted.  LACC is an annual Halloween-themed event benefiting pancreatic cancer research and includes a Fit Family Expo, activity tents, Candyland Kids Zone, Kids costume contest and so more!

#LACC #UCLA #pancreaticcancerawareness

 

Trust and Estate Planning attorney profession hits home with her mothers diagnosis

Ben Franklin has been quoted as saying “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except Death and taxes” Death is a harsh reality that none of us wants to think about or deal with regardless of our health. Death is part of life and planning your estate can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be met, and your loved ones are taken care of.  

Allison Lee is a Trust and Estate Planning Attorney and the Associate General Counsel for Free Will.  Allison, whose career was helping others plan their estate now suddenly found it deeply personal.  She was shocked to learn that her otherwise healthy mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Allison shares her journey and the importance of estate planning.

Taking care of your Estate Planning will make things go smoothly.  Not having a plan in place your Estate could end up in Court and state law is going to govern where your assets go.  As hard as this can be the best thing we can do for our loved ones and ourselves is to have our arrangements in place.  This episode is not meant to take away hope but more to offer resources.  If you'd like more information, please contact Free Will at F-R-E-E-W-I-L-L-D-O-T-C-O-M

 

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever" -

today's episode is dedicated to Melanie Darvin Stratler.

Pancreatic Cancer 101

We talk a lot about pancreatic cancer but for those who don't have a connection,  who may be newly diagnosed or just curious may not have a understanding of what we are talking about.  Hopefully this episode will help answer some questions.

 

What is the ViewRay MRIdian and how is it used for pancreatic cancer patients?

Dr Kim joined us to talk about the use of the ViewRay MRIdian for treatment of pancreatic cancer at Hoag Hospital.  Dr Kim explains that the tumor needs to be hit with high energy x-ray beams.  To be able to hit the tumor you need to be able to see the tumor.  It's that simple. 

This is the only machine that uses MRI imaging to visualize the tumor. Tumors move with each breath and this machine allows the tracking of the tumor in real time allowing them to be precise in delivering treatment.

This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to the donors of the View Ray MRIdian Dean and Gerda Koontz

#DeanandGerdaKoontz #PancreaticCancer #Hoag Health

See the ViewRay MRIdian https://youtu.be/RRx8kd0vaXw