Living Hope

In Part 1 of “How AI Can Help You Navigate a Cancer Diagnosis Without Replacing Your Doctor,” Dr. Michael Turken joins Living Hope to discuss why patients and caregivers are turning to AI during cancer care, how to ask better health questions, where AI can be helpful, and where it can fall short. Dr. Turken also introduces My Doctor Friend, an AI health companion designed for people managing serious illness and the families who care for them. The conversation explores how AI can support patients in understanding health information, preparing for medical visits, and becoming more informed participants in their care—without replacing their doctor. Learn more about My Doctor Friend: My Doctor Friend

It was a meaningful look back at 10 years of progress, empowerment, and hope—and an inspiring look ahead at what the next decade may bring for Let’s Win and the pancreatic cancer community.  Congratulations to the entire Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer family on 10 incredible years! #LivingHope #PancreaticCancer #LetsWinPancreaticCancer #PancreaticCancerResearch #PatientEmpowerment #PatientAdvocacy #CancerResearch #Hope

Ashley Baylor, founder of The Baylor Strong Project, a platform supporting pancreatic cancer caregivers through education, community, and practical resources. Inspired by her own experience caring for her father, Ashley has created tools including the CareGuide app, Caregiver’s Corner newsletter, and Beyond the Diagnosis YouTube series to help families navigate pancreatic cancer with greater clarity, confidence, and connection. She also works as a consultant to families facing serious illness. #LivingHope #PancreaticCancer #PancreaticCancerAwareness #CancerSurvivor #CancerAdvocacy #TheBaylorStrongProject #Caregivers

Burt Rosen returns to Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer to continue our conversation—this time focusing on how artificial intelligence is changing the patient experience. Burt shares how he uses AI to better understand medical records and scan results, track symptoms, prepare for appointments, and ask better questions of his medical team. We also explore the benefits and limitations of AI, privacy concerns, and Burt’s vision of the patient, physician, and AI working together—while remembering that AI is a tool, not a replacement for trusted medical care. It’s a fascinating conversation about technology, patient advocacy, and empowering patients to become more informed partners in their own care. #LivingHopePodcast #PancreaticCancer #PancreaticCancerAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #AIinHealthcare #PatientEmpowerment 

Tori Larrick, Associate Director of Patient Services at PanCAN, joined Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer to discuss the growing excitement surrounding daraxonrasib, what emerging treatments may mean for patients, how patients can advocate for themselves and explore treatment options, and the emotional impact of hearing about promising advances that may not yet be accessible to everyone. It’s an important conversation about hope, access, advocacy, and empowering patients with trusted information. **Since this episode aired, there has been an important development: On August 26, 2026, the FDA approved daraxonrasib, under the brand name Rasonque, for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have received at least one prior systemic therapy, as well as certain patients who are not candidates for multiagent systemic therapy.  

Nisha Patel, Nurse Practitioner at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, joins Living Hope to discuss pancreatic cancer risk, early detection, and the importance of screening for individuals with a strong family history or inherited genetic mutations. She explains who may qualify for high-risk surveillance, the guidelines used to make screening recommendations, what patients can expect from Hoag’s Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program, and how she works alongside Dr. Demeure to support patients throughout the process. The episode also highlights the importance of knowing your family history, understanding your personal risk, and how early detection can make a meaningful difference.

Dallas Rose Gallagher, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, is a Pancreatic Cancer Nurse Practitioner III at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. Inspired in part by the loss of her father to metastatic pancreatic cancer, Dallas specializes in pancreatic cancer care and leads both an independent diagnostic clinic and the Pancreas THRIVE Clinic, supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and life after pancreatic surgery.

On this episode of Living Hope we welcomed long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Michelle Hackbarth. Diagnosed in 2001, Michelle shared her extraordinary journey of faith, perseverance, and hope. More than two decades later, she continues to inspire others with her message that hope is powerful, resilience matters, and every day is truly a gift. Her story is a beautiful reminder that survivors are more than statistics—they are living examples of courage, determination, and the power of hope. 💜

After spending more than 40 years developing medicines and leading clinical trials involving Gemzar, Dr. Martin Hynes never imagined he would become a pancreatic cancer patient himself. In this episode of Living Hope: Your Journey with Pancreatic Cancer, Dr. Hynes shares his unexpected diagnosis, the hope he found when his cancer was deemed operable, and the vital support of family and friends throughout his journey. Drawing on his unique perspective as both a researcher and survivor, Dr. Hynes discusses the progress being made in pancreatic cancer treatment, the critical need for increased research funding, and why he remains optimistic about the future. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, community, and focusing on what matters most—family, friendships, and making a difference for others.

Burt Rosen shares his journey living with stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and renal cell carcinoma. He discusses his treatment experience, the growing role of integrative oncology and evidence-based complementary therapies in supporting quality of life, and how artificial intelligence has helped him better understand his medical records, track symptoms, prepare for appointments, and become a more informed partner in his care. Join us for an inspiring conversation about living with cancer, embracing adventure, mind-body wellness, patient empowerment, and finding hope through innovation and community.