Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Rhode Island, pancreatic cancer survivor and author Marla Schreffler shares a story shaped by intuition, timing, and persistence with host Dino Verrelli. A school psychologist by profession, Marla reflects on how her life before diagnosis was defined by overall health and a heightened awareness of changes in her body: an awareness that ultimately played a key role in how her cancer was discovered. In April 2024, Marla shares how she began noticing subtle but escalating changes with her body, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and unexpected weight loss. What initially appeared to be just a diabetes diagnosis quickly evolved into something far more complex, as testing revealed a tumor on her pancreas, which was later discovered to be cancerous. In those early moments, Marla recalls confusion and shock, but also a growing sense that something had not been right for some time. Trusting her instincts and pushing for further evaluation proved critical, ultimately leading to an early diagnosis that allowed for swift action. She went on to complete chemotherapy, radiation, and the Whipple procedure, where the tumor was later found to be completely dead, and she is now in remission. Throughout her experience, Marla emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and communication within the healthcare system. A researcher at heart, she took it upon herself to deeply understand her diagnosis and treatment options, asking questions, seeking clarity, and working collaboratively with her care team to create moments of comfort, even in the most vulnerable settings. From small acts of agency she insisted on to larger conversations about how patients are treated and heard, Marla reflects on the many ways control can be reclaimed even in the face of cancer. Following her Whipple procedure, she channeled her experience into writing Status: Warrior Woman, a book inspired by her journey and designed to help others better understand what to expect and how to cope. At its core, her message is clear: advocating for yourself can make all the difference. Marla’s book is available through her website at www.pancreaticsurvivorwarrior.org and on Amazon. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community! To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit www.projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Manchester, Connecticut, pancreatic cancer survivor Michelle Richards and her husband and caregiver Brian share a powerful story of resilience, faith, and facing the unknown together with host Dino Verrelli. Having already navigated cancer many times within their family, including their son’s battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple relatives affected, Michelle describes their diagnosis as “not our first rodeo,” yet one that brought entirely new challenges. After months of persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, and discomfort, Michelle shares that she and Brian struggled to find answers, often feeling as though they were “out in the desert” searching for clarity. It wasn’t until imaging in late 2024 revealed a tumor that their journey truly began, marked by conflicting diagnoses, emotional highs and lows, and the critical importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your health. With support from family, including an oncologist niece, and second opinions from leading institutions, Michelle ultimately faced an aggressive pancreatic cancer diagnosis head-on. Throughout treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a major surgery removing much of her pancreas and spleen, Michelle shares how she leaned into positivity, faith, and the belief that mindset plays a crucial role in healing. Brian offers an equally important perspective, reflecting on the caregiver experience and how life is forever changed after a diagnosis like this. From finding meaning in small signs, like rainbows, and placing deep faith in God’s plan, to participating in and fundraising for Project Purple’s Double Mile just as she finished radiation, Michelle’s story is one of determination, community, and hope. Together, Michelle and Brian emphasize the importance of listening to your body, supporting both survivors and caregivers, and choosing strength in the face of uncertainty. Michelle welcomes connection through her Instagram and Facebook pages: https://www.instagram.com/seashell1023 https://www.facebook.com/michelle.s.richards.5/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit www.projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Brooklyn, Keith De-Lin takes listeners on a journey from a misdiagnosis to discovering a rare neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor with host Dino Verrelli. A lifelong vegan and dedicated fitness enthusiast, Keith was always focused on his health, but at 48, persistent acid reflux and unusual symptoms led him to push for answers that would change his life. Initially diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Keith underwent months of intensive chemotherapy intended for that diagnosis, as well as treatment for a severe portal vein thrombosis, before finally receiving the correct diagnosis: non-functioning neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. He reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of facing a misdiagnosis, the vital role of advocacy—especially having his doctor wife by his side—and how his mindset and positivity carried him through treatment. Keith shares how living in the moment, relying on a strong support system, and embracing your unique recovery journey can guide you through even the most challenging experiences. From maintaining his workout routine to planning adventures like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, he demonstrates resilience, hope, and perspective in action. Keith welcomes connection through his Instagram @keithdelin: https://www.instagram.com/keithdelin/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit www.projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast is Andrew Waters, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medical Surgical Oncology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Waters joins host Dino Verrelli to discuss his lab’s recent research recovery grant from Project Purple and his journey into pancreatic cancer research. Dr. Waters discusses the critical role of KRAS mutations that are found in about 93-94% of pancreatic cancer cases. KRAS and RAS-targeted therapies have evolved from being considered “undruggable” to becoming one of the most exciting and progressive areas in cancer treatment. Recent clinical breakthroughs include promising results from RevMed’s investigational drug Daraxonrasib, which targets multiple KRAS mutations and has demonstrated early trial outcomes. We learn about the challenges that remain in pancreatic cancer research, including complex FDA approvals and access to use. Dr. Waters highlights his lab’s research into how pancreatic cancer cells develop resistance to KRAS inhibitors by leveraging related proteins such as HRAS. NRAS and MRAS. Understanding these mechanisms could help researchers develop therapies and improve treatment durability and patient outcomes. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community! You can learn more about Waters lab at https://med.uc.edu/depart/cancer-biology/labs/waters-laboratory. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Indiana, pancreatic cancer survivor Beth Benedix has a deeply reflective and powerful conversation with host Dino Verrelli. A professor emerita of world literature, religious studies, and community engagement at DePauw University, Beth is also the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and creativity back into classrooms: an effort that reflects her lifelong passion for education and human connection. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2020, Beth recounts her sudden diagnosis in the emergency room after experiencing severe back pain. What followed was an intense journey that included complications from testing, weeks in the hospital with pancreatitis, chemotherapy, and the Whipple procedure. Despite being declared in remission, Beth shares the emotional and physical toll of a recent recurrence, including the frustration of not being heard by medical professionals when new symptoms arose years later. Beth speaks candidly about advocating for herself within a healthcare system that can often feel dismissive, drawing parallels to the education system and the broader challenge of creating spaces where people truly feel seen and heard. Beyond her medical journey, she also reflects on identity, creativity, and the process of making meaning in the face of illness—through music, relationships, and the ways she stays grounded in connection. Rejecting the traditional “fight” narrative often associated with cancer, Beth advocates instead for individuality in how people navigate their diagnoses. Grounded in an existentialist perspective and inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s idea to “become who you are,” Beth describes pancreatic cancer not only as a hardship, but as a vehicle for deeper self-understanding, connection, and even moments of unexpected beauty. From confronting fear and uncertainty to embracing joy, humor, and intentional relationships, Beth’s story offers a profound meditation on what it means to live fully in the face of the unknown. Beth welcomes connection via email at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit projectpurple.org.

In this in-depth episode of the Project Purple Podcast, CEO & Founder Dino Verrelli welcomes Dr. Despina Siolas, a physician-scientist at Cornell University whose work spans both the clinic and the research lab. With an M.D. from Stony Brook School of Medicine, a Ph.D. in genetics from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and medical oncology training at NYU, Dr. Siolas brings a unique perspective to the fight against pancreatic cancer. Dr. Siolas shares her personal journey into medicine, inspired by her mother’s colon cancer diagnosis when she was just 16, and explains how her dual role as a clinician and researcher allows her to translate what she sees in the clinic directly into groundbreaking studies. She dives into the challenges and intricacies of studying KRAS mutations, found in 93% of pancreatic tumors, and how new insights and emerging therapies are finally offering hope for patients. Listeners will hear about the importance of genetic testing, the collaboration of diverse teams in her lab, and the role of patient advocacy in shaping research priorities. Dr. Siolas also discusses her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, the necessity of systemic change in research, and how Project Purple’s Recovery Grant helped her continue critical work after unexpected funding challenges. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or science enthusiast, this episode provides a powerful look at the intersection of patient care, genetic research, and innovative treatments, highlighting how progress in the lab can directly impact lives in the clinic. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. Read our press release to learn more about how Project Purple’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Recovery Grant is helping Dr. Siolas sustain her important work: https://www.projectpurple.org/project-purple-awards-weill-cornell-medicine-375k-to-advance-pancreatic-cancer-research/ You can follow Dr. Siolas for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despina-siolas-md-phd-7249a982

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Marina del Rey, California, Stage 4 pancreatic cancer survivor Mark Allen Ruegg shares his extraordinary journey from a sudden, life-altering diagnosis to becoming a powerful advocate for healing and hope with host Dino Verrelli. Mark built a life rooted in creativity as a dancer and co-owner of a small production company with his wife until everything changed just over two years ago. What began as severe pain and an initial misdiagnosis of pancreatitis quickly spiraled into something far more serious. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma and given just 4–6 months to live, he was forced to confront the unimaginable: going from planning his future to being told he was terminal. But Mark refused to accept that outcome. Leaning on his large and supportive network, he and his family searched relentlessly for answers, ultimately connecting with a long-term survivor whose story shifted everything. From that moment on, Mark redirected his focus: not on dying, but on surviving. Grounded in the belief that mindset is a critical component of healing, he committed fully to what he calls his “healing bubble,” shutting out fear-driven narratives and focusing instead on positivity, presence, and possibility. Through a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, holistic practices, meditation, and intentional lifestyle changes, including nutrition and stress reduction, Mark approached his diagnosis from every angle. He emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, reducing stress, and allowing the body the space to heal from within. Supported by his wife and family, and surrounded by messages of encouragement that now literally fill his home—letters covering the walls—Mark cultivated an environment rooted in hope and resilience. Today, in what doctors once called impossible, Mark shares that he has no detectable cancer in his body. His journey from a Stage 4 diagnosis to remission has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired him to guide and support others facing similar battles. Now stepping into a role of service, he shares his story to remind others that healing is possible, and that belief, mindset, and community can make all the difference. Mark welcomes connection through his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallenruegg/, where he also shares updates on his upcoming book and writing on Substack. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from the Los Angeles area, film and television professional Matt Cassani sits down with host Dino Verrelli to share his experience being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at just 34 years old, and the long, uncertain road that followed. Matt opens up about the subtle but persistent symptoms he initially dismissed, including stomach discomfort and abdominal pressure, which he was initially told by doctors were diet-related. But when a coworker noticed he looked jaundiced during Mother’s Day weekend last year, a visit to urgent care quickly escalated, leading to a shocking Stage 2 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. From there, everything moved quickly. Matt discusses starting chemotherapy at UCLA, undergoing the Whipple procedure, and just recently completing treatment after months of physical and mental challenges. He reflects on what it means to face a disease often labeled as “something older people get,” and how his diagnosis reshaped his understanding of cancer among younger adults. He speaks about carrying the BRCA-2 gene, the importance of genetic awareness, and why advocating for yourself, and knowing when something isn’t right, can be life-saving. He also shares how stepping back from constant self-research, focusing on the present, and finding small grounding practices helped protect his mental health. Matt highlights the immense support of the people around him, the value of getting outside and celebrating small victories, and even the simple comforts that helped him cope, like building Legos and giving himself permission to enjoy treats along the way! Looking back, Matt describes pancreatic cancer as a painful, yet profound opportunity for reflection, one that ultimately pushed him to prioritize time with loved ones and approach life with deeper gratitude. Matt welcomes connection and can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mattcassani/. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from sunny Venice, Florida, originally from Wisconsin, pancreatic cancer survivor Rhonda Vavrek sits down with host Dino Verrelli to share her remarkable journey through a changing diagnosis and what it truly means to keep going when the road is anything but straight. Rhonda shares how, in June 2012, what began as upper back pain and jaundice led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis: something she never expected after a lifetime of good health. Initially staged at 2/2A, she qualified for the Whipple procedure and underwent chemotherapy before surgery. Post-Whipple, however, doctors discovered the cancer had metastasized to her liver and lungs, advancing her to Stage 4 and giving her an estimated six months to live. As she emphasizes, though, “Stage 4 does not mean we give up,” a mantra that carried her forward. She reflects on the many twists and turns that followed, including FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy, liver ablation, lung and rib surgeries, and more than five surgeries and 50 CT scans in total. Now NED since 2018, Rhonda speaks about what carried her through: an incredible team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses; her deep faith; and the unwavering support of her husband of nearly 45 years, whom she credits with pushing her forward when she wanted to stop. She also opens up about survivor’s guilt, scanxiety, and the importance of truly knowing your body and advocating for yourself. Rhonda mentions the role humor played in helping her cope, including naming her chemo port “George Clooney,” and why setting goals, giving yourself grace, and tuning out the noise of statistics can make all the difference. Her story is a powerful reminder that while pancreatic cancer is terrifying, the monster she describes it as does not get to take over your life. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org.

On this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with Andy Lyons, a commercial photographer from the heart of the Midwest, Iowa, as he shares his deeply personal journey with familial pancreatic cancer. With a family history spanning three generations, affecting countless family members, including his grandmother, mother, and brother, Andy has long felt the shadow of this disease. Diagnosed in 2021 after over two decades of proactive screenings, including ultrasound endoscopies and genetic testing through research studies in Chicago and Pittsburgh, Andy was fortunate to catch his pancreatic cancer early. He reflects on the importance of vigilance and early detection, and how his experience demonstrates the power of knowledge, community, and persistence in managing a disease often considered a death sentence, even when it runs in your family. Andy shares the emotional and practical aspects of his journey: robotic surgery at UPMC, chemotherapy, the support of caregivers and his community, and the mental resilience that comes from maintaining humor, positivity, and hope. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions, connecting with other patients, and taking control of your health, summarized in the motto: “knowledge is power.” Through his story, Andy shows that pancreatic cancer is scary, but it’s not invincible. He talks about the strength found in numbers, the hope that comes from proactive care, and even the symbolic meaning of a survivor tattoo and a healing blanket passed among friends as a gesture of solidarity. You can reach Andy at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or support Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit projectpurple.org.

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Brownton, Minnesota, home to the land of 10,000 lakes, seven-year pancreatic cancer survivor Rita Krueger sits down with host Dino Verrelli to share her extraordinary story of perseverance, faith, and finding purpose after a life-altering diagnosis. Rita was diagnosed in March 2018, and soon learned she would need a full pancreatectomy: a life-changing surgery that would require her to adapt to an entirely new way of living. Her recovery was grueling, especially in the early months when eating made her profoundly ill, but Rita describes herself as tenacious. With the help of her unwavering determination, she slowly rebuilt her health and strength, eventually rediscovering normalcy in her daily life. After a 30-year career in IT, Rita’s journey took a new direction. Following her treatment, she wrote a book, Hope for an Outstanding Outcome, inspired by the many people who told her that her story gave them hope. Wanting to extend that encouragement to others, she founded ritaann.org, where she provides “survival packs” filled with helpful items, including her book, to individuals battling pancreatic cancer. The bags, army green in color, reflect the warrior mentality with which she describes helped her approach her own battle. Rita also opens up about the importance of faith, positivity, and community. She credits her “tribe,” the solid, supportive people around her, for helping her stay grounded during the hardest moments. Her husband even contributed reflections to each chapter of her book to share the caregiver perspective. Today, Rita works in her local school district, embracing a role she never imagined for herself. She continues to advocate for hope, connection, and empowerment for those facing pancreatic cancer, and reminds listeners that strength comes not only from physical recovery, but from the people and beliefs that carry you through it. To learn more about Rita, read her book, or support her mission, visit www.ritaann.org. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org.