Meet Meaghan B. Murphy, a longtime magazine editor, author, and mother of three who lives in New Jersey. In this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, Meaghan talks about her book "Your Fully Charged Life." She explains how she was inspired to write it after watching her father battle pancreatic cancer.

Meaghan also shares the many obstacles she has faced in her life and how she has turned her negative experiences into a positive self-help book. The same lessons she shared in her book helped her cope with the loss of her father and pull herself out of a dark time. Meaghan also shares some of the preventative measures she has taken to avoid cancer and her discovery of a genetic mutation that makes her and her family members susceptible to breast and pancreatic cancer. If you want to learn more about Meaghan's inspiring story, join us for this helpful episode of the Project Purple Podcast.

If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.

Buy Meaghan’s book “Your Fully Charged Life” at her site:

https://meaghanbmurphy.com/

You can follow Meaghan on her Instagram to stay up to date with her at

https://www.instagram.com/meaghanbmurphy/

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

Meet Charlie, a 38-year-old from the U.K., who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This came as a huge shock to Charlie, as she had no health issues and was a lover of sports and all things exercise, even playing in a national league for hockey before becoming ill with pancreatic cancer. She shares her journey with pancreatic cancer by explaining the progression of her symptoms, which started with a loss of appetite and pains in her abdomen.

She initially blamed these symptoms on stress but said she grew more concerned about her symptoms when the doctors began questioning her, asking how long they had been going on. She was told it could be cancer, and soon enough, a CT scan and ultrasound revealed it was, in fact, pancreatic cancer. She was told her case of cancer and the fact that it had spread to her liver meant that she was not a candidate for surgery. Her treatment options were minimal, and they warned her of the aggressiveness of the chemotherapy they’d be treating her with, warning her of damaging her fertility without time to freeze eggs.

As a mother of a young baby and going through treatments for her pancreatic cancer, Charlie is fighting strong. She discusses her decision to shave her head due to losing it from the chemotherapy anyway and how that has built a sense of community for her, explaining her friends have shaved their heads as well and how people on social media have followed suit in honor of her. She emphasizes the importance of talking to others about her cancer journey and believes other patients should do the same. She shares her insights and advice on navigating cancer as a new mom and new patient in this episode of the Project Purple Podcast.

If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.

You can follow along with Charlie’s journey on her Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/charlie_andersonread/

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

Matthew Rosenblum is a social scientist who calls Michigan home. In this episode, Matthew courageously opens up about his extraordinary journey with pancreatic cancer, a battle that began at the young age of 32.

Matthew discusses how he relocated to North Carolina amidst the pandemic to support a friend's business when he developed an unusual combination of symptoms. Little did he know that what initially seemed like a consequence of his lifestyle choices or a hangover would lead to a life-altering diagnosis.

With a history of Crohn’s disease, Matthew was familiar with gastrointestinal issues, and severe itching on his palms and feet. The itching was paired with jaundice, which raised concerns. Facing this challenging reality, Matthew underwent a gallbladder removal surgery and had a bile duct stent placed, but the persistence of symptoms revealed the gravity of his situation. Consulting with doctors initially left him with no straight answer, but after persistent symptoms, brushings confirmed the dreaded diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Thus began Matthew’s journey. Tune in to this compelling episode of Project Purple Podcast to witness Matthew's inspiring story of triumph, resilience, and the power of advocacy in the face of pancreatic cancer in this week’s episode of the Project Purple Podcast.

If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.

You can follow along with Matt on his journey on his Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/myfunnypancreas/

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

With 2023 winding down and 2024 coming up over the horizon, Dino, Vin, Sam, and Zach sat down to discuss a record-breaking year for Project Purple. With this having been such a great year and us having so many exciting things in store for 2024, this week's episode provides a look at this year's events from a staff perspective and a peek behind the scenes of Project Purple.

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

Summer DeCoste, from Virginia, shares her inspiring journey as she opens up about her life-changing diagnosis in this heartfelt YouTube video. Summer reflects on the unsustainable lifestyle she led before her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2018. Candidly discussing her struggles with heavy drinking and unhealthy food choices, she reveals a raw and honest picture of the moments leading up to her medical revelation.

When she was experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and back pain, Summer sought medical attention. Despite receiving a prescription for pepsin medications, she trusted her instincts and advocated for herself during that same appointment. This pivotal decision led to scans the following day, that allowed doctors to discover pancreatic cancer.

In this emotional recount, Summer shares the challenges of processing her diagnosis and emphasizes the crucial role played by her supportive family and friends, especially her husband. Facing the daunting prospect of pancreatic cancer head-on, she found strength in their unwavering encouragement.

Summer delves into her complex relationship with faith, exploring whether she believed in a higher power before and earlier in her journey. Despite initial uncertainties, she reveals a profound connection with God throughout her journey, feeling His presence at every step.

Having lost her mother to cancer, Summer opens up about the negative mindset she harbored, fearing a similar fate for herself. However, she has overcome that negative manifestation, highlighting her resilience and a newfound perspective on life.

Join Summer DeCoste on this transformative journey, as she navigates battling pancreatic cancer, finding strength in faith, and rewriting her narrative with hope and courage.

Connect with Summer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summer_thymes/

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

Introducing Ana Brazil, an indomitable spirit hailing from Oakland, California, who faced an unexpected battle with bladder cancer after discovering blood in her urine. As she navigated through the challenges of bladder cancer treatments, an unforeseen twist emerged – an early stage of pancreatic cancer was detected.

Ana, a talented writer of historical fiction, weaves this chapter of her life, or her 'episode' with cancer. While doctors successfully eradicated all traces of bladder cancer, a significant portion of her pancreas and spleen had to be removed due to the pancreatic cancer. The tumors manifested in dual forms, adenocarcinoma and a neuroendocrine tumor (N.E.T.).

In this episode, Ana shares insights into her 'episode' with pancreatic cancer. She discusses the impact cancer has had on her and her husband's retirement plans, restricting them from relocating to proximity to her treatment center. Despite reaching Stage 4, Ana refuses to let the diagnosis define her. She bravely challenges the idea of becoming a statistic and breaks free from the stigma associated with Stage 4 cancer.

Join us on the Project Purple Podcast to witness Ana's inspiring 'episode' and gain a deeper understanding of her spirit and positivity, that break through the constraints of cancer.

Ana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ana.brazil/

Ana’s Website https://anabrazil.com/

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

Stefanie Sacks, a resident of New York, reflects on her upbringing, which was marked by disordered eating and chronic illness. During her early years, she developed an interest in cooking and began reading about food. She was curious about the connection between food and health, which led her to pursue a degree in culinary nutrition. She continued her education and earned several more degrees, including one in nutrition education. Stefanie was determined to write a book about her experiences and knowledge on nutrition and wellness.

Stefanie is a strong advocate for nutrition and emphasizes the importance of being aware of what you consume. She highlights the link between cancer and certain foods and offers her services to help people make healthy food choices during cancer treatment and in general.

For valuable nutritional information from Stefanie, visit: https://www.wtfork.com/

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

Meet Martin Inderbitizin from Switzerland. Having just completed his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the age of 32, Martin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, disrupting his plans to embark on a new career.

His research focused on stress and emotions, and little did he know that this scientific knowledge would prove invaluable in coping with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. To cope, he took up running, even signing up for a triathlon without prior competitive experience. He registered for the triathlon while receiving chemotherapy, using it as a distraction from cancer.

Despite a decade-long battle, Martin emphasizes that he doesn't feel the illness but rather the effects of the treatments. Running made him feel alive and provided a way to shift from illness to health.

He advocates for a constructive mindset, embracing all emotions instead of strictly pursuing positivity. Martin underscores the importance of listening to your body and maintaining a healthy pace, whether in running or coping with challenges.

In sharing insights into the biology of the mind, Martin highlights the crucial acknowledgment of certain emotions and reactions.

Learn more about Martin at https://www.instagram.com/marbitz/

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

Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable story of Jen Wells, residing in West Virginia. Jen's life took an unforeseen turn with a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, initially leaving her with a mere three months to live.

As a devoted single mother, Jen's transparent approach with her children about her diagnosis reflects her remarkable strength and openness. Join us as we uncover Jen's journey, from her passion for running and her dedicated nursing career to the hurdles she has conquered since her diagnosis.

In this touching episode, Jen offers insights into her participation in groundbreaking clinical trials at Johns Hopkins, sharing the positive strides she has made in her battle against pancreatic cancer. Prepare to be moved by Jen's tale of resilience and hope. Tune in for an unforgettable narrative of courage and perseverance.

Follow Jen’s Instagram to keep up with her journey:

https://www.instagram.com/jenwells13/

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

Witness the incredible journey of Ali Brown, the three-time Guinness World Record holder from Northern Ireland, as he shatters records in honor of his late partner, Sharon Deegan. In a stunning display of resilience and love, Ali's most recent accomplishment, a staggering 150-hour continuous drumming session, Ali paid homage to Sharon's courage in her battle against pancreatic cancer. Their profound love story, which began in 2017, was tragically cut short when Sharon succumbed to the illness in early 2021, following a struggle of three and a half years and a challenging Whipple procedure.

Join us on the Project Purple Podcast as Ali opens up about his emotional journey, his relentless pursuit of drumming records, and how his music has become a vessel for spreading awareness about pancreatic cancer and mental health. In a candid conversation, Ali reveals the intertwining nature of his own mental health struggles and his mission to honor Sharon's legacy, demonstrating how the power of rhythm and passion can transcend boundaries and inspire hope in the darkest of times.

To keep up with Ali, follow him on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/alib_drummer/

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