Living Hope

We learned about clinical trials and their importance with Fatima Zelada-Arenas. Fatima is the Director of Patient Services Research and Education at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She works directly with pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers providing resources and information. Fatima has a special interest in patient advocacy, research, and mental health.  We talked about clinical trials and their importance. 

 

You can learn more "Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials:  What You Need to Know"

https://youtu.be/rf9A1dErCsw

Sisters, Allison and Erica start a non profit organization to honor their mother and continue her legacy.  Miracle for Melanie continues the Legacy that their mother started many years ago and continued during her fight with pancreatic cancer. 

For more information please visit the website www.miracle4melanie.org

"As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever," is dedicated to Melanie Darvin Stridler and to our Nation's Heroes she dedicated her life to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erica’s way of navigating her own grief by trying to make an impact or a difference

in the lives of others.

 

Jennifer Garrepy, Reiki Master, advanced studies in Healing Touch, and one of fewer than 100 Certified Healing Touch for Animals Practitioners worldwide. We chatted about how and why she was called to the healing arts, what to expect, how to prepare as well as my experience with a Healing Touch session.  After my session I felt more relaxed than I had in a long time, a calmness.  

For more information on Reiki/Healing Touch or to schedule an appointment please go to garrepy.com

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

 

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

 

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

"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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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