Podcast
Project Purple Podcast
Hosted by Project Purple Podcast · EN
Project Purple's vision is a world without pancreatic cancer. We have two initiatives: to help pancreatic cancer patients and fund research. With a variety of partners in the health and fitness world, our podcast will deliver an exciting look into our own background as well as the worlds of medical treatment, marathon running, crossfit, nutrition, stories of survival, inspiration, hope, and much more.
26episodes
Episodes
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Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Pamela Deasy - Project Purple Podcast Episode 322
Jan 500:59:58Tap to summarizeTuning in from across the Atlantic, from Cork, Ireland, pancreatic cancer survivor Pamela Deasy joins host Dino Verrelli to offer a unique, international perspective on the realities of the disease, the power of perseverance, and insights for patients, families, and listeners worldwide in this episode of the Project Purple Podcast. Pamela shares that her journey began in the summer of 2018, when persistent fatigue and subtle symptoms signaled something was wrong. Told she was perimenopausal, or even just depressed, she trusted her instincts and continued advocating for herself. After a series of medical issues, including kidney stones and worsening jaundice, imaging confirmed a tumor in her pancreas. She recalls the moment vividly, initially fearing the worst. She walks listeners through the challenges of her treatment, including months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a life-saving, but very life-altering Whipple procedure. Pamela opens up about the grueling recovery that followed, from severe muscle loss and ascites, to the struggle to regain basic strength and mobility. She describes daily tasks like climbing stairs as ‘Kilimanjaro every day,’ showing the relentless determination required to rebuild her body and her life. By being open about the intimate sides of her journey, Pamela highlights the fears and vulnerabilities that people living with pancreatic cancer may feel and experience, but hesitate to voice. She discusses the isolation many pancreatic cancer patients feel, but the true importance of having someone to talk to who has “walked in your shoes.” To ensure everyone has this support, Pamela co-founded Pancreatic Cancer Ireland and advocates passionately for raising awareness, resources, and community for those affected by the disease. With this organization and her own advocacy, Pamela emphasizes that early awareness and support are invaluable, reminding listeners that even in the face of a life-altering diagnosis, resilience and hope can carry you forward. Follow Pamela on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/me_the_big_c_and_life_after 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.
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Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Anne Dirkse - Episode 321
Dec 1700:59:35Tap to summarizeAnne Dirkse is an avid cyclist, endurance athlete, software developer, and lover of all things outdoors from Loveland, Colorado. On this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, she shares the personal philosophies that guide her through her Stage 4 pancreatic cancer journey. Diagnosed in March 2025, Anne draws on a lifetime of physical fitness, nutrition, and resilience to face the challenges of her disease with clarity and agency. She reflects on how subtle changes in her energy and eating habits prompted her to seek medical care, and how early scans missed the pancreatic mass despite her proactive screenings, highlighting the stealthy and aggressive nature of the disease. Rather than framing her experience as a battle, Anne focuses on what she can control: maintaining her exercise routine, prioritizing nutrition, and breaking daunting challenges into manageable steps. A lifelong adventurer, Anne shares how long-distance biking, backpacking, and other physical pursuits have shaped her mental and physical resilience. She also emphasizes the crucial role of family, friends, and her medical team in providing support, as well as how connecting with others who have faced pancreatic cancer has given her hope and perspective. Currently undergoing chemotherapy, Anne encourages listeners to find silver linings in the challenges, pursue what matters most to them, and live fully in the face of uncertainty, guided by the motto: “while we live, let us live.” You can reach Anne at https://annedirkse.com/ 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 https://www.projectpurple.org/
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Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Jon Fox - Episode 320
Dec 200:58:19Tap to summarizeJon Fox, a 41-year-old Staten Island native, shares his unique and inspiring journey on this episode of the Project Purple Podcast with host Dino Verrelli. Jon’s story begins unexpectedly at 37, when he was diagnosed with aggressive, metastatic testicular cancer: a diagnosis that would soon lead to the discovery of another, more unexpected health challenge: Stage 1 localized pancreatic cancer. Jon reflects on how the pancreatic tumor was found almost by accident during testing for his testicular cancer. Facing two serious medical battles at once, he underwent the Whipple procedure and a testicular cancer surgery simultaneously—a grueling combination that demanded resilience, patience, and determination. He candidly shares the brutal recovery that followed: months of intense complications, acute pancreatitis episodes, digestive struggles, and the ongoing challenge of learning how to live with a body transformed by surgery. Despite the hardships, Jon has channeled his experience into a passion for understanding the gastrointestinal system and the pancreas. His journey is driven by curiosity and the desire to improve his own quality of life, while helping others who face similar challenges. He shares critical lessons learned along the way: the importance of patience, giving your body time to heal, understanding nutrition and diet, and adopting a long-term mindset for recovery instead of rushing back to normal life too quickly. Jon emphasizes that every patient’s journey is unique, encouraging ongoing screenings and self-advocacy. With honesty and humor, he shares practical insights from his own experience, offering guidance for anyone navigating life after a Whipple procedure or dual cancer diagnoses. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. And, if you’d like to learn more about or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.
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Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Danielle Buchanan - Episode 319
Nov 700:52:21Tap to summarizeDanielle Buchanan, a proud Texan, devoted wife, and mother of three boys shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey on this episode of the Project Purple Podcast with host Dino Verrelli. A registered nurse and lifelong picture of health, Danielle reflects on how her life changed suddenly in February 2021, when unusual symptoms after a family Super Bowl celebration led to imaging that revealed a mass on her pancreas. Just 48 hours later, on her 48th birthday, she was diagnosed with Stage 2A pancreatic cancer. She describes her grueling treatment journey, including chemotherapy, radiation, and the complex Whipple procedure, and how she has fortunately had no evidence of disease since early 2022. Danielle also opens up about her survivor’s guilt, and emphasizes the critical role of hope and community support, from family members who cared for her three boys to the “prayer warriors” who surrounded her. Danielle reveals that during a difficult period of depression post-treatment, she felt a clear calling from God to return to nursing, but with renewed purpose. Now working full-time as a radiation nurse in an oncology infusion center, she supports patients undergoing chemotherapy, and Danielle shares that she draws from her own journey to offer compassion, insight, and hope. She smiles as she shares how she is now living life to the fullest and encourages others facing pancreatic cancer that they can, too. Danielle urges everyone to advocate for themselves and to “hold on to hope like it’s your job,” reminding us all that even a difficult diagnosis doesn’t define the life you can live. 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.
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Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Amy Johnston - Episode 318
Oct 2200:48:26Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli has a compelling conversation with Amy Johnston of Pennsylvania, a 34-year-old mother of three young kids, who says that listening to her instincts and advocating for herself made all the difference in her journey with pancreatic cancer. Amy talks about how just a couple of months ago, she was at her healthiest—working out five days a week, eating better, and feeling strong after having her third child. Then, in January, she says she was suddenly hit with severe GI pain during dinner, and immediately knew something was not right. She describes how she was continually told by her doctors that it was nothing serious, even after asking several times if the problem was related to her pancreas. Frustrated, Amy shares that she switched doctors and hospitals, which eventually led to the discovery of a 1.7 cm tumor. After a biopsy confirmed pancreatic cancer, she recounts the shock of learning the tumor had actually been visible months earlier, but was missed due to poor imaging and assumptions based on her youth. Choosing to have surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Amy shares how she underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in May. In early June, she began her 12 rounds of chemotherapy and shares candidly about the challenges of treatment and the importance of staying active and positive despite the fatigue and side effects. She also talks about the comfort she’s found in community support, creative outlets like crocheting, and especially in her growing faith, sharing that she plans to be baptized in a few months. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for yourself and pushing for answers. Amy stresses, “If I hadn’t switched doctors, I could have thought this was a stomach bug.” She encourages others to focus on the facts of their own situation, connect with others facing similar journeys, and maintain hope throughout. Tune in for an honest and inspiring episode about resilience, motherhood, and faith in the face of pancreatic cancer. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more powerful stories from the pancreatic cancer community. If you’d like to donate to or support Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/ and follow us on social media with these links: https://www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple https://www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ https://twitter.com/Run4Purple
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Episode 317 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Michael Kennedy
Sep 2500:48:16Tap to summarizeIn this extremely motivational episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Michael Kennedy of Vermont, a lawyer and avid runner whose 20 years on the roads and trails unexpectedly prepared him for the toughest marathon of his life: pancreatic cancer. Michael shares how his story began in 2023, a year packed with long runs, two marathons, and a 100‑mile relay. But when back pain crept in after the relay, he brushed it off as age or overtraining. But within weeks, his symptoms escalated: rapid weight loss, changes in digestion, and eventually, a scan soon confirmed what no runner expects to hear: a tumor was on his pancreas. He recounts how his diagnosis in October 2023 launched him into treatment with the same discipline he’d honed as an athlete. Michael reflects on the months of chemotherapy, the neuropathy that forced him to wear mittens just to grab milk from the fridge, and the exhausting stretch of radiation—all to make surgery possible. In June 2024, he underwent a Whipple procedure with an innovative addition he advocated to have: a cutting‑edge CIVASheet radiation implant that allowed him to avoid post‑surgery chemo. Michael also describes how, even through treatment, he kept running. Running became a lifeline: “It’s not gonna take the things from me unless it beats ’em out of me,” he says. He explains how discovering Project Purple gave him something to look forward to: a goal of finishing a marathon in the same calendar year as his Whipple surgery. Just months after leaving the hospital, he crossed the finish line of a December marathon in Jacksonville wearing a Project Purple singlet, and has since completed other races with the organization. In this conversation, Mike opens up about scanxiety, hope, and the power of staying positive. He discusses how his runner’s mindset and experience being a high school basketball coach have taught him that you can do hard things one step at a time, which helped him through chemo and into recovery. And he offers practical advice: know the symptoms, and when life hands you a challenge, focus on WIN: What’s Important Now. Mike’s story is one of three Ps: positivity, perseverance, and the unexpected ways our passions can prepare us for life’s biggest battles. You can find Mike on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/mkennedyvt/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. And, if you’d like to learn more about or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.
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Episode 315 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Bill Perkins
Aug 2001:00:19Tap to summarizeBill Perkins, founder of Top Fan Rivalry, a baseball-centered community organization and a pancreatic cancer survivor, speaks with host Dino Verrelli in this powerful episode of the Project Purple Podcast. Hailing from Laguna Beach in the OC, Bill’s story is as candid as it is inspiring. He shares how a moment in early 2022, when his wife noticed he looked jaundiced, set off a whirlwind of tests that led to a shocking diagnosis. What doctors first believed was a harmless blockage turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Within weeks, Bill underwent a grueling Whipple procedure, followed by a slow recovery and seven months of intense chemotherapy. He describes the emotional toll of being just 46 years old and hearing words like “life expectancy,” the terrifying stretch when a misread scan made it seem like the cancer had returned, and the strength it took to face survivor’s guilt even after being declared cancer-free. Through it all, Bill credits faith, humor, a mental commitment to never giving up, and his wife's unwavering support as his anchors. A lifelong baseball fan, he opens up about how MLB’s Stand Up To Cancer tribute moves him to tears and why a Rocky quote—“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward”—became his mantra. Now, more than three years out from surgery, Bill is channeling his resilience into helping others. Partnering with Project Purple, he’s walking the equivalent distance from Dodger Stadium to Yankee Stadium (2,791 miles!) to raise awareness and prove that “you can do hard things,” hoping his journey inspires anyone facing dark days. Bill’s advice is simple but hard-earned: be patient, fight with your loved ones by your side, keep a positive attitude, and remember, “the sun always comes up the next day.” Tune in for an episode full of honesty, perspective, and hope as Bill reminds us what it means to get knocked down, get back up, and keep moving forward. To support Bill’s fundraising efforts, visit https://donate.projectpurple.org/campaign/694042/donate. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org/.
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Episode 314 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Lew Worthington
Aug 5, 202500:57:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Lew Worthington, a former pastor and seminary professor turned author from Lansing, Michigan. He courageously shares his remarkable journey with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, describing how a persistent side pain quickly turned into a life-altering diagnosis in 2020 that he was told gave him just months to live. Lew recounts to listeners the difficult road he had ahead of him, undergoing intensive chemotherapy, targeted radiation, and devastating side effects. He mentions that, despite the odds of survival, he reached remission, only to face a recurrence of cancer that tested his resolve and faith once again. Fortunately, Lew shares that his health is stable, and he stays active playing tennis two to three times a week. Despite the bleak statistics surrounding pancreatic cancer, Lew’s resilience propelled him forward. His story goes far beyond the medical, exploring profound reflections on life, hope, mortality, and spirituality. He grapples with the “why” of suffering and shares how his faith evolved through moments of doubt and acceptance. Lew also talks about the importance of compassion, not just from loved ones, but from the wider community. He discusses his recent book, Unlikely Hope: My Journey From Dying to Living with Pancreatic Cancer, a thoughtful autobiography that chronicles not only his two-time battle with cancer, but also the meaning he discovered along the way, blending medical realities with philosophical and theological insights. Listen in on this moving conversation that offers not only a story of survival, but also encouragement to listeners to always cling to whatever hope they can find, all while advocating for improved early pancreatic cancer detection. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. Learn more about Lew on his website https://lewworthington.com/ and find his book on Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Hope-Journey-Living-Pancreatic/dp/B0F896HY38. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org/. To learn more about Project Purple, visit www.projectpurple.org/ or follow us on social media at these links: www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ twitter.com/Run4Purple www.youtube.com/channel/UCgA8nVhUY6_MLj5z3rnDQZQ
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Episode 313 - Honoring a Legacy: John Bysiewicz on the New Haven Road Race and Remembering Mark Gilhuly
Jul 29, 202500:26:59Tap to summarizeEvery Labor Day, over 5,000 runners and 10,000 spectators fill the streets of New Haven for one of Connecticut’s most beloved events. At the heart of it all is John Bysiewicz, race director of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Races since 1989 and founder of JB Sports, the company behind over 20 more races and 30,000 participants annually. In this heartfelt episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with John to talk about how the New Haven Road Race has grown from a local favorite to a nationally recognized event. From neighborhood routes and live music to Olympic-caliber athletes and college scholarships, the race has always been about more than just running; it’s about giving back. John also opens up about his dear friend Mark Gilhuly, the longtime race announcer for the event. Known as “Mr. Happy,” John goes into detail about the type of person Mark was and how he brought joy and connection to every runner who crossed the finish line. Memories are shared of Mark’s optimism during his Stage 4 diagnosis, and how the race continues to honor his legacy. In a full-circle moment, Project Purple has been named a signature charity of the race, and John shares how proud he is that his daughter, Sophie, is running the New York City Marathon with Project Purple in Mark’s honor. This episode is about more than talking about the race where Project Purple got its start 15 years ago; it’s about honoring a legacy, building community, and making each step count. Want to run for a reason or cheer on an unforgettable day in New Haven? Learn more and register here: https://www.projectpurple.org/events/new-haven-road-races/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more powerful stories from the pancreatic cancer community: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgA8nVhUY6_MLj5z3rnDQZQ If you’d like to donate to or support Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/ and follow us on social media with these links: https://www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple https://www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ https://twitter.com/Run4Purple
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Episode 312 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Kelianne O’Shea
Jul 23, 202500:45:33Tap to summarize“I think that’s what I would define pancreatic cancer as: never, ever give up.” In this powerful episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Kelianne O’Shea, a 29-year-old from Cape May, New Jersey, who was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer just one year ago. Now on maintenance chemo and marking a full year of what she calls “surviving pancreatic cancer,” Kelianne opens up about the physical and emotional rollercoaster of facing a devastating diagnosis at just 28 years old. She shares the story of her sudden symptoms and the ER visit that changed her life. Doctors initially gave her just months to live. But after a year of aggressive chemotherapy, her tumor has shrunk in half, and her medical team is hopeful. Kelianne reflects on how she navigated major life milestones, including getting married and going on her honeymoon, while undergoing treatment. Her story is one of strength, acceptance, and emotional honesty. She speaks candidly about the harm of toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of allowing cancer patients to feel and express their emotions freely. “You don’t always have to be positive,” she says. “Sometimes, you just want to be sad, and that’s okay.” Now, Kelianne is sharing her journey publicly, using social media to educate others and connect with fellow survivors. From finding a cancer therapist to building a strong support system, her insights are heartfelt and grounded in experience. “This journey isn’t linear,” she reminds listeners. Kelianne’s story is a testament to perseverance and the healing power of connection. You can find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keliannefield9/. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more powerful stories from the pancreatic cancer community. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. To learn more about Project Purple, visit https://www.projectpurple.org/ or follow us on social media at these links: https://www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple https://www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ https://twitter.com/Run4Purple https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgA8nVhUY6_MLj5z3rnDQZQ
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