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
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 311 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Toni Bravo
May 19, 202501:03:56Tap to summarize“I’ve given myself the title of ‘cat with nine lives.’” In this inspiring episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli talks with Toni Bravo, a pancreatic cancer survivor and student at the University of Notre Dame, to share her incredible cancer journey. Toni opens up about the shocking moment she was diagnosed during her junior year of college. The diagnosis came after an accident where she was hit by a car in a crash. Despite an initial CT scan missing the tumor, Toni’s instincts told her something was wrong. Two months later, a follow-up CT scan revealed the truth. Toni reflects on how her life changed when she received the diagnosis alone, away from home. Her personal mantras, “Everything happens for a reason” and “Focus on the things you can control,” helped her navigate the challenges she faced. “I’ve always looked at everything as a redirection of my life. I’ve always had a pretty optimistic outlook,” she says. Drawing on childhood lessons, like adaptability, Toni shares how her experience taught her to cherish time. Throughout the conversation, Toni talks about the impact cancer had on her life as a young adult, processing the surgery to remove the tumor, how it changed her college career, grappling with mortality at just 20 years old, and finding peace. Her story is a powerful testament to hope, resilience, and strength. 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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Episode 310 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Mark Wade
Apr 9, 202500:46:31Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with Mark Wade, a stage III pancreatic cancer survivor, to share his deeply personal journey from diagnosis to remission. Mark opens up about the shock of his diagnosis in April 2021, the whirlwind of chemotherapy and radiation, and undergoing a Whipple procedure later that year. Mark reflects on the emotional toll of treatment and the unexpected challenges that came after, including anxiety and the difficulty of adjusting to life post-treatment. He shares how therapy helped him process his experience and why he believes in the importance of speaking honestly about mental health during and after cancer. Throughout the conversation, Mark also discusses the impact of his diagnosis on his career in education and the powerful support he received from colleagues, friends, and his wife. His story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and the ongoing work of healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally. 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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Episode 309: Unlocking the Science of Pancreatic Cancer with Dr. Cosimo Commisso
Mar 28, 202500:54:50Tap to summarizeIn this fascinating episode of the Project Purple Podcast, CEO & Founder Dino Verrelli welcomes Dr. Cosimo Commisso, interim director and deputy director of the NCI-designated Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. A leader in cancer metabolism research, Dr. Commisso shares groundbreaking insights into how pancreatic cancer cells survive and thrive—and what that means for future treatments. Dr. Commisso breaks down the complex science behind tumor microenvironments, metabolic vulnerabilities, and the latest advances in targeting pancreatic cancer at a cellular level. He also discusses the challenges researchers face, the hope emerging from new studies, and why funding for this research is more critical than ever. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or science enthusiast, this episode delivers a powerful look at the cutting edge of pancreatic cancer research and the fight for better treatments. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more inspiring stories. 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
Transcribe →Episode 308 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with the MLB's Larry Young
Feb 13, 202500:40:53Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of the Project Purple Podcast, founder & CEO Dino Verrelli sits down with nine-year pancreatic cancer survivor Larry Young, a former MLB umpire who became Umpire Supervisor. From making split-second calls on the field to facing the toughest battle of his life, Larry shares his journey from diagnosis to today emphasizing the importance of early detection, perseverance, and support. Larry discusses the moment he knew something was wrong, his grueling treatment process, and the life-changing impact of family and faith. He also shares insights from his work with other survivors and his hope for the future of pancreatic cancer treatment. Whether you're a baseball fan, a cancer warrior, or someone looking for inspiration, Larry’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more inspiring stories. 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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Episode 307 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Elise Roth Tedeschi
Jan 28, 202501:02:09Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with pancreatic cancer survivor and advocate Elise Roth Tedeschi. Diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2012, Elise shares her incredible journey of perseverance, faith, and advocacy that defied all odds. From the early misdiagnoses to groundbreaking treatments and her unwavering determination to remain positive, Elise's story is one of resilience and hope. Listen as Elise discusses the importance of being your own advocate, the role of mindset and faith in her survival, and the powerful support she received from her community. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone navigating the challenges of pancreatic cancer. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories of inspiration and awareness. 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 Elise, follow her pancreatic cancer advocacy Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/stageivcancersurvivor/ or add her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliserothtedeschi/ 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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Episode 306 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Alice Frati
Dec 27, 202400:57:01Tap to summarizeIn this compelling episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with Alice Frati, a resilient pancreatic cancer survivor, to discuss her journey. From the initial signs of illness in 2019 to her groundbreaking surgery and ongoing recovery, Alice shares the emotional and physical challenges she faced, including navigating treatment during the pandemic and adapting to life-changing medical procedures. She highlights the importance of advocacy, the power of community, and her determination to thrive despite adversity. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the value of support systems in overcoming life's toughest battles. 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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