Project Purple Podcast

Joining the Project Purple Podcast from right outside Ann Arbor, MI, pancreatic cancer survivor Nora Plank gives an emotional story of her diagnosis, treatment, and life after pancreatic cancer.

Nora’s journey began with a middle-of-the-night trip to the emergency room for hernia surgery, where a CT unexpectedly revealed a spot on her pancreas. With the advantage of a “lottery ticket” early diagnosis, Nora wastes no time advocating for herself, a trait she stresses the importance of. By doing research and reaching out, she discovers Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MI, where she undergoes surgery to remove half her pancreas.

Nora also sheds light on some of the lesser-discussed challenges of pancreatic cancer, such as trying to maintain normalcy during treatment and the pressures of being labeled as someone with cancer. For others facing similar emotions, she recommends seeing an oncology psychologist, emphasizing the value of having somebody outside of friends and family to talk to.

Today, Nora has turned her experience into motivation to make every minute count and give back through volunteering. She also prioritizes staying active and connected, recommending the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, a 12-week small-group fitness and wellness program designed to support adult cancer survivors. For anybody still fighting, she reminds them not to give up, to take everything one step at a time, and never to be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.

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 Evans, GA, triathlete Don Belisle guides listeners through his “ticking time bomb” health journey with host Dino Verrelli. After repeated assurances by doctors that his pancreatitis was nothing to worry about, Don decides to go with his gut and drive across the country to seek a second opinion. That decision ultimately led to a life-saving surgery and changed the course of his life.

Although doctors initially told Don not to worry about cancer, he trusted his instincts, did his own research, and sought out a second opinion at MD Anderson. There, they found a pre-cancerous cyst. Thanks to finding a second opinion, Don received an urgent 8 ½ hour total pancreatectomy, where doctors removed his pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder, which most likely saved his life. Throughout the episode, Don circles back and highlights the importance of urgency, trusting your gut, and getting a second opinion for anyone else in a similar situation.

Now, Don’s turned his experience into a mission, helping to inform and reassure others going through the same battle and procedures as he did. He is also back to training for an upcoming Iron Man, but stresses that any step forward, whether that be a walk around the block or taking out the trash, is a positive step. Don also has an upcoming book I Was Next, which chronicles his pancreatic health journey.

You can connect with Don and follow his journey through his Facebook and other social media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/p/No-Pancreas-No-Problem-61579382446349/

Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community: https://www.youtube.com/@project_purple

To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, visit www.projectpurple.org.

In this episode, Project Purple Founder and CEO Dino Verrelli sits down with author and pancreatic cancer survivor Mark Scarbrough. After an ER visit for a suspected heart attack, Mark was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 1 colloid pancreatic cancer: an incredibly rare form of the disease.

Mark opens up about the complex decisions surrounding his treatment, including why he chose a traditional open Whipple procedure over a robotic approach so his surgeon could see everything. He details his choice to endure 12 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, despite receiving conflicting advice from world-renowned oncologists and tumor boards. Along the way, Mark highlights the importance of advocating for your own care and building a personal connection with your medical team.

As the author of 37 cookbooks, Mark candidly discusses the irony of battling a digestive cancer and surviving the brutal side effects of treatment to reach what he calls his "Debra Winger moment" of absolute exhaustion. Finally, he shares a poignant writer's metaphor defining the disease as a "stripped screw," and explains the profound anxiety of finishing treatment, emphasizing why it is crucial to sit with your emotions rather than rushing to move on.

You can connect with Mark and follow his journey through his Instagram and other social media accounts: https://www.instagram.com/markscarbrough/

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 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.