Project Purple Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli has a compelling conversation with Amy Johnston of Pennsylvania, a 34-year-old mother of three young kids, who says that listening to her instincts and advocating for herself made all the difference in her journey with pancreatic cancer. Amy talks about how just a couple of months ago, she was at her healthiest—working out five days a week, eating better, and feeling strong after having her third child. Then, in January, she says she was suddenly hit with severe GI pain during dinner, and immediately knew something was not right. She describes how she was continually told by her doctors that it was nothing serious, even after asking several times if the problem was related to her pancreas. Frustrated, Amy shares that she switched doctors and hospitals, which eventually led to the discovery of a 1.7 cm tumor. After a biopsy confirmed pancreatic cancer, she recounts the shock of learning the tumor had actually been visible months earlier, but was missed due to poor imaging and assumptions based on her youth. Choosing to have surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Amy shares how she underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in May. In early June, she began her 12 rounds of chemotherapy and shares candidly about the challenges of treatment and the importance of staying active and positive despite the fatigue and side effects. She also talks about the comfort she’s found in community support, creative outlets like crocheting, and especially in her growing faith, sharing that she plans to be baptized in a few months. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for yourself and pushing for answers. Amy stresses, “If I hadn’t switched doctors, I could have thought this was a stomach bug.” She encourages others to focus on the facts of their own situation, connect with others facing similar journeys, and maintain hope throughout. Tune in for an honest and inspiring episode about resilience, motherhood, and faith in the face of pancreatic cancer. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more powerful stories from the pancreatic cancer community. If you’d like to donate to or support Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/ and follow us on social media with these links: https://www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple https://www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ https://twitter.com/Run4Purple

In this extremely motivational episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Michael Kennedy of Vermont, a lawyer and avid runner whose 20 years on the roads and trails unexpectedly prepared him for the toughest marathon of his life: pancreatic cancer. Michael shares how his story began in 2023, a year packed with long runs, two marathons, and a 100‑mile relay. But when back pain crept in after the relay, he brushed it off as age or overtraining. But within weeks, his symptoms escalated: rapid weight loss, changes in digestion, and eventually, a scan soon confirmed what no runner expects to hear: a tumor was on his pancreas. He recounts how his diagnosis in October 2023 launched him into treatment with the same discipline he’d honed as an athlete. Michael reflects on the months of chemotherapy, the neuropathy that forced him to wear mittens just to grab milk from the fridge, and the exhausting stretch of radiation—all to make surgery possible. In June 2024, he underwent a Whipple procedure with an innovative addition he advocated to have: a cutting‑edge CIVASheet radiation implant that allowed him to avoid post‑surgery chemo. Michael also describes how, even through treatment, he kept running. Running became a lifeline: “It’s not gonna take the things from me unless it beats ’em out of me,” he says. He explains how discovering Project Purple gave him something to look forward to: a goal of finishing a marathon in the same calendar year as his Whipple surgery. Just months after leaving the hospital, he crossed the finish line of a December marathon in Jacksonville wearing a Project Purple singlet, and has since completed other races with the organization. In this conversation, Mike opens up about scanxiety, hope, and the power of staying positive. He discusses how his runner’s mindset and experience being a high school basketball coach have taught him that you can do hard things one step at a time, which helped him through chemo and into recovery. And he offers practical advice: know the symptoms, and when life hands you a challenge, focus on WIN: What’s Important Now. Mike’s story is one of three Ps: positivity, perseverance, and the unexpected ways our passions can prepare us for life’s biggest battles. You can find Mike on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/mkennedyvt/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. And, if you’d like to learn more about or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.

In this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Carmen Stewart, a pancreatic cancer survivor from across the globe, calling in all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa. Her story is one of perseverance, clarity, and transformation in the face of staggering odds. Carmen opens up about her whirlwind diagnosis in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, which followed months of persistent pain, varying symptoms, and repeated misdiagnoses, from gastroenteritis and hepatitis. She talks about how she pushed for surgery before lockdown hit in her country, against her doctor’s initial plan, and how she underwent a Whipple procedure alone, with no support system allowed into the hospital due to pandemic restrictions. She goes into detail about her surgery, saying her surgeon called it a “miracle,” as her tumor had been capped and fully contained, preventing the cancer from spreading. Carmen explains her recovery wasn’t easy—it was complicated by sepsis, delays in chemotherapy, a contraction of COVID-19, and the emotional toll of isolation. Still, she forged ahead, adding that it was the help of natural therapies, the love of and from her daughters, and an unwavering will to survive that kept her going. Carmen speaks candidly about survivor’s guilt and the reality of life after treatment, which changed drastically for her in many ways. Her perspective is grounded in realism: “If it comes back, I’ll deal with it. But if I’m clear, that’s great.” She discusses how her experience reshaped her life—from managing her health and finishing her degree, to letting go of fear and finding joy in the present. Her message is clear: trust your instincts, choose the right medical team, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Tune in to hear Carmen’s candid conversation about navigating illness during a global crisis, rebuilding after the trauma that comes with this disease, and finding meaning in survival. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. To learn more or donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/.

Bill Perkins, founder of Top Fan Rivalry, a baseball-centered community organization and a pancreatic cancer survivor, speaks with host Dino Verrelli in this powerful episode of the Project Purple Podcast. Hailing from Laguna Beach in the OC, Bill’s story is as candid as it is inspiring. He shares how a moment in early 2022, when his wife noticed he looked jaundiced, set off a whirlwind of tests that led to a shocking diagnosis. What doctors first believed was a harmless blockage turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Within weeks, Bill underwent a grueling Whipple procedure, followed by a slow recovery and seven months of intense chemotherapy. He describes the emotional toll of being just 46 years old and hearing words like “life expectancy,” the terrifying stretch when a misread scan made it seem like the cancer had returned, and the strength it took to face survivor’s guilt even after being declared cancer-free. Through it all, Bill credits faith, humor, a mental commitment to never giving up, and his wife's unwavering support as his anchors. A lifelong baseball fan, he opens up about how MLB’s Stand Up To Cancer tribute moves him to tears and why a Rocky quote—“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward”—became his mantra. Now, more than three years out from surgery, Bill is channeling his resilience into helping others. Partnering with Project Purple, he’s walking the equivalent distance from Dodger Stadium to Yankee Stadium (2,791 miles!) to raise awareness and prove that “you can do hard things,” hoping his journey inspires anyone facing dark days. Bill’s advice is simple but hard-earned: be patient, fight with your loved ones by your side, keep a positive attitude, and remember, “the sun always comes up the next day.” Tune in for an episode full of honesty, perspective, and hope as Bill reminds us what it means to get knocked down, get back up, and keep moving forward. To support Bill’s fundraising efforts, visit https://donate.projectpurple.org/campaign/694042/donate. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more 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 www.projectpurple.org/.

In this episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Lew Worthington, a former pastor and seminary professor turned author from Lansing, Michigan. He courageously shares his remarkable journey with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, describing how a persistent side pain quickly turned into a life-altering diagnosis in 2020 that he was told gave him just months to live. Lew recounts to listeners the difficult road he had ahead of him, undergoing intensive chemotherapy, targeted radiation, and devastating side effects. He mentions that, despite the odds of survival, he reached remission, only to face a recurrence of cancer that tested his resolve and faith once again. Fortunately, Lew shares that his health is stable, and he stays active playing tennis two to three times a week. Despite the bleak statistics surrounding pancreatic cancer, Lew’s resilience propelled him forward. His story goes far beyond the medical, exploring profound reflections on life, hope, mortality, and spirituality. He grapples with the “why” of suffering and shares how his faith evolved through moments of doubt and acceptance. Lew also talks about the importance of compassion, not just from loved ones, but from the wider community. He discusses his recent book, Unlikely Hope: My Journey From Dying to Living with Pancreatic Cancer, a thoughtful autobiography that chronicles not only his two-time battle with cancer, but also the meaning he discovered along the way, blending medical realities with philosophical and theological insights. Listen in on this moving conversation that offers not only a story of survival, but also encouragement to listeners to always cling to whatever hope they can find, all while advocating for improved early pancreatic cancer detection. Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast to hear more stories from the pancreatic cancer community. Learn more about Lew on his website https://lewworthington.com/ and find his book on Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Hope-Journey-Living-Pancreatic/dp/B0F896HY38. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit www.projectpurple.org/. To learn more about Project Purple, visit www.projectpurple.org/ or follow us on social media at these links: www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ twitter.com/Run4Purple www.youtube.com/channel/UCgA8nVhUY6_MLj5z3rnDQZQ

Every Labor Day, over 5,000 runners and 10,000 spectators fill the streets of New Haven for one of Connecticut’s most beloved events. At the heart of it all is John Bysiewicz, race director of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Races since 1989 and founder of JB Sports, the company behind over 20 more races and 30,000 participants annually. In this heartfelt episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with John to talk about how the New Haven Road Race has grown from a local favorite to a nationally recognized event. From neighborhood routes and live music to Olympic-caliber athletes and college scholarships, the race has always been about more than just running; it’s about giving back. John also opens up about his dear friend Mark Gilhuly, the longtime race announcer for the event. Known as “Mr. Happy,” John goes into detail about the type of person Mark was and how he brought joy and connection to every runner who crossed the finish line. Memories are shared of Mark’s optimism during his Stage 4 diagnosis, and how the race continues to honor his legacy. In a full-circle moment, Project Purple has been named a signature charity of the race, and John shares how proud he is that his daughter, Sophie, is running the New York City Marathon with Project Purple in Mark’s honor. This episode is about more than talking about the race where Project Purple got its start 15 years ago; it’s about honoring a legacy, building community, and making each step count. Want to run for a reason or cheer on an unforgettable day in New Haven? Learn more and register here: https://www.projectpurple.org/events/new-haven-road-races/ Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more powerful stories from the pancreatic cancer community: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgA8nVhUY6_MLj5z3rnDQZQ If you’d like to donate to or support Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/ and follow us on social media with these links: https://www.facebook.com/Run4ProjectPurple https://www.instagram.com/projectpurple/ https://twitter.com/Run4Purple

“I think that’s what I would define pancreatic cancer as: never, ever give up.” In this powerful episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli speaks with Kelianne O’Shea, a 29-year-old from Cape May, New Jersey, who was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer just one year ago. Now on maintenance chemo and marking a full year of what she calls “surviving pancreatic cancer,” Kelianne opens up about the physical and emotional rollercoaster of facing a devastating diagnosis at just 28 years old. She shares the story of her sudden symptoms and the ER visit that changed her life. Doctors initially gave her just months to live. But after a year of aggressive chemotherapy, her tumor has shrunk in half, and her medical team is hopeful. Kelianne reflects on how she navigated major life milestones, including getting married and going on her honeymoon, while undergoing treatment. Her story is one of strength, acceptance, and emotional honesty. She speaks candidly about the harm of toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of allowing cancer patients to feel and express their emotions freely. “You don’t always have to be positive,” she says. “Sometimes, you just want to be sad, and that’s okay.” Now, Kelianne is sharing her journey publicly, using social media to educate others and connect with fellow survivors. From finding a cancer therapist to building a strong support system, her insights are heartfelt and grounded in experience. “This journey isn’t linear,” she reminds listeners. Kelianne’s story is a testament to perseverance and the healing power of connection. You can find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keliannefield9/. 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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Doug “Censor” Martin, from Long Island. Doug is well-known online for his gaming expertise. He has competed in esports championships and shares gaming content on YouTube and social media. Doug also discusses his interest in fitness and how he established himself as a gamer with a fitness lifestyle, which he felt made him stand out in the gaming community. By sharing his life online, Doug found himself in many people's dream job: getting paid to play video games. During this time, he was also focusing heavily on his fitness goals. However, he felt that the people and habits around him were compromising his mental health. Doug explains that he went through a transformative period as he dealt with negative feedback and criticism online, especially after being open about the end of his relationship. This experience led him to reassess his online persona and prioritize maintaining his authenticity and high standards for his content. Doug describes his passion for self-improvement and his desire to always exceed expectations. He set his sights on breaking the world record for the most pull-ups in 24 hours. He underwent a grueling training cycle that tested both his physical and mental strengths, a long 16 months of it. Despite enduring significant pain and mental strain, he remained focused on achieving his goal. Recently, he successfully broke the record. He credits his success in doing so to the support and motivation of his coach, Jackson. Doug dedicated his record-breaking journey to Project Purple, raising awareness and nearly $10k for pancreatic cancer research and patient aid. He shares that he lost his grandmother to pancreatic cancer when he was young. He aimed to use his platform to raise awareness about the disease and encourage others to be selfless. Doug invites others to pursue their own goals, whether that involves breaking a world record or simply making a positive impact on the world. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. If you’d like to follow Doug’s social media, he can be found at @censor on all platforms. 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 Meg Barber. She is the head women’s basketball coach at NYU. Meg played basketball at NYU and has built an impressive coaching resume, having coached at D1 and D2 schools before returning to NYU. Meg has run the NYC marathon several times as a charity partner with Project Purple. Meg discusses her coaching philosophy and how her approach has fostered a strong team dynamic, which she calls a sisterhood. She explains that her bond with the team goes beyond basketball and shares what she looks for when recruiting team members. Last season, she and her team went undefeated at 31-0 and won the championship for their division. Meg reflects on this achievement and emphasizes her sense of belonging as the head coach at NYU. Her passion for basketball comes from her father, who was her first coach and introduced her to the sport. She shares memories of his support and recalls the day she told him she got the job at NYU. She always feels his presence on the court, even after his passing. She lost her father to pancreatic cancer. Meg and Dino discuss the state of women’s basketball and women’s sports, highlighting the increased media attention and public interest. Meg shares the impact on the sports industry and society and discusses the significance of young girls seeing women’s professional sports being televised, something she did not experience growing up as a female athlete. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. Follow the NYU Women’s basketball team on Instagram, instagram.com/nyuwomenshoops 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

Chris was an athlete through high school and college. He was a track and field runner and landed a fellowship and later a job at Sports Illustrated. Chris speaks to the experience he gained working at a media company. After some time at Sports Illustrated, he realized there was little coverage of what he was most passionate about, running and track and field. This is where his interest was and he wanted to start a media company that focused on this niche of the sports industry. Dino met Chris through their mutual community of running at the Chicago marathon. Chris shares insight on how having both the running background and his time as a sports journalist has allowed him to improve his storytelling and better connect with the athletes he is featuring. He talks about the difference in working for a large media company versus trying to build up his own publication for the niche topic of running. Chris shares his experience covering major marathons and the Olympics. He discusses the lack of public interest in track and field media after the buzz of the Olympics dies down. He talks about the challenge of trying to keep that audience engaged with the running content post-Olympics and points out how mainstream media companies do not continue coverage of these incredible record-breaking athletes. Chris reveals that the mission of his magazine is to keep these athletes in the spotlight year-round like any other sports competitors. Dino asks Chris about Citius's future and how he will scoop out the next stars in the world of track and field competition. He explains how he covers championships and stays up to date with athletes in high school and college who go on to compete professionally. Chris explains his goal is to target high school and college students who compete or have competed at their respective levels and who have more interest in keeping up with their counterparts who are breaking records or making it to higher-stakes competitions. He explains there is a level of relatability in this demographic and therefore are more engaged with the content he is putting out. Chris believes in targeting an everyday runner such as a marathon runner, as they are doing it for a personal goal and not necessarily competitively. Tune into this week’s episode of the Project Purple Podcast to learn more about Chris and his effort to expand his media company and about the world of track and field. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. Visit his magazine’s website for more about his media company and to stay up to date with all things running: citiusmag.com/ Follow Citius Magazine on social media: @CitiusMag 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 Sam Constantino of upstate New York. Sam and Dino have a long history together, both are very close with each other’s families. Like Dino, Sam also lost his father to pancreatic cancer. His father was diagnosed right around the time of Sam’s diagnosis. Sam lost his father only 18 days after his own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Doctors said his father’s tumor was too large and at that stage in his life, he was unable even to treat the cancerous tumor. During his diagnosis, he was also mourning his father. He explains the emotional toll the family had to take during this time and the values they strive to adhere to to get through this hard time. Sam relies heavily on faith and quality loving time with his family after this life-changing experience with cancer. Sam has always been an active and athletic person. From childhood, he was always involved in sports and athletic competitions and maintained a healthy lifestyle. He credits his lifestyle choices and athleticism for keeping him well as long as he has been considering he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on November 3rd, 2022. He also shares his perspective as a former athlete, connecting his time as an athlete to fighting pancreatic cancer. Sam shares a lot about how a positive mindset and staying active helped through his journey and kept him motivated in his post-cancer life. He stresses “moving forward”, and highlights the importance of laughing at yourself and spending quality time with loved ones. Join us for this week’s episode of the Project Purple Podcast Sam’s inspiring story! If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. If you’d like to connect with Sam, he welcomes emails at samcon87892@gmail.com You can also become a member of the “SamStong” Facebook Group to keep up with Sam’s journey at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/723595379129298 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

Dino speaks with running coach Ryan Welsh, our endurance coach, to prepare runners for the upcoming marathon season. Ryan shared some advice for those who are training for the races that are just weeks away, now that we are in September. They discussed the "dos and don'ts" of training, which they stress are especially important to stick with at this point of the training cycle. Ryan emphasizes how important it is to stick with the habits that brought you to this peak moment in the training cycle, such as maintaining recovery days and listening to your body. Ryan and Dino shared their insights as runners and discussed what to expect on race day. Ryan covered everything from footwear to nutrition and stressed having a race weekend itinerary for those traveling into the marathon destinations. Ryan also spoke on the nervousness and anxiety that runners may face as these big marathons approach and emphasized embracing those feelings and appreciating them as “good stress” and provided some other motivating insights. Ryan also shares about the run club he hosts with his wife in northern New Jersey and the community they have built around running. You can tune in to this week’s episode of the Project Purple Podcast to learn more about training for a marathon or if you’re interested in learning what it takes for our committed runners to run 26.2 miles. If you’d like to donate to Project Purple’s mission of a world without pancreatic cancer, please visit https://www.projectpurple.org/. Visit Ryan’s run club page at instagram.com/redbankrunclub Follow his instagram account for his coaching content: instagram.com/rwelsh_coaching Contact Ryan for running related inquiries rwelsh12@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