Project Purple Podcast

Project Purple Podcast
  • 5.0 (26)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Project Purple Podcast

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.

  1. Episode 311 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Toni Bravo

    MAY 19

    Episode 311 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Toni Bravo

    “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

    1h 4m
  2. Episode 310 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Mark Wade

    APR 9

    Episode 310 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Mark Wade

    In 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

    47 min
  3. Episode 309: Unlocking the Science of Pancreatic Cancer with Dr. Cosimo Commisso

    MAR 28

    Episode 309: Unlocking the Science of Pancreatic Cancer with Dr. Cosimo Commisso

    In 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

    55 min

  4. FEB 13

    Episode 308 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with the MLB's Larry Young

    In 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

    41 min
  5. Episode 307 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Elise Roth Tedeschi

    JAN 28

    Episode 307 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Elise Roth Tedeschi

    In 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

    1h 2m
  6. Episode 306 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Alice Frati

    12/27/2024

    Episode 306 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Alice Frati

    In 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

    57 min
  7. Episode 305 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Tricia Hanna

    12/10/2024

    Episode 305 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Tricia Hanna

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tricia Hanna, a stenographer and ultrasound technologist whose own expertise played a pivotal role in her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Tricia shares her incredible journey, which began in 2021 when she was demonstrating an ultrasound for a student and discovered uterine abnormalities. This led to additional monitoring and testing, during which her CA-19 markers tripled which was cause for alarm. Initially thought to be a splenic rest, her condition was discovered to be pancreatic cancer through a biopsy, leading to a distal pancreatectomy and the removal of her spleen in October 2023. During surgery, it was discovered that her cancer had spread to two of 13 lymph nodes, classifying it as Stage 2b pancreatic cancer. Tricia opens up about the complications she faced during recovery, the impact of her professional background on her approach to her diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of early detection—especially since she experienced no symptoms at all. After finishing chemotherapy in June, she underwent genetic testing to further understand her health journey. Join us for this candid conversation about resilience, the power of early detection, and how Tricia’s experience underscores the importance of advocacy in healthcare. 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

    57 min
  8. Episode 304 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Tina Lucci

    10/23/2024

    Episode 304 - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer with Tina Lucci

    Meet Tina Lucci from Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is a special education teacher and a mother of two boys. Tina is a survivor of pancreatic cancer, having been diagnosed during the holiday season of 2019. She first felt unwell at work, so she went to the emergency room. Her diagnosis was a shock, as she had no family history of pancreatic cancer and was a mother of two young boys. Tina chose not to share her diagnosis with her loved ones initially, preferring only her immediate family to know, especially since it was the holiday season. She felt ashamed and like she had somehow brought the cancer upon herself. Tina started chemotherapy treatment but had allergic reactions, such as swelling of her tongue, and had to switch to a different regimen. She traveled from Allentown to Philadelphia to Fox Chase Cancer Center for her treatments. However, her local hospital's oncology department also provided treatment closer to her home. To date, she has undergone over 70 chemotherapy treatments and counting, and has also had radiation therapy. Chemo has been effective for her during her nearly 5-year journey. She was scheduled to undergo an Appleby procedure, but the cancer had spread to her liver, leading to the cancellation of the surgery. After spending four days in the hospital, she continued chemotherapy to keep her tumor stable. Tina has become an advocate for herself and feels that chemotherapy is the best way to extend her time with her family rather than putting herself through a risky surgery. Tina describes how cancer has made her softer and more gentle. She finds herself letting minor annoyances go and living life more fully. She takes every opportunity to spend quality time with her sisters and friends. Overall, Tina is making the most of her experience with cancer, referring to it as her "prison time." She feels that she is serving time with this disease but is making the best of it. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. Tina welcomes emails at tlucci@gmail.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

    1h 18m
See All (310)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Project Purple Podcast
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    310
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Project Purple Podcast

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