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What Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Can Teach Us About Time, Family, and Living Well: Ben Sasse's Story
Description
What happens when a sudden diagnosis gives you only months to live? In this episode of Everyone Dies, we explore what it means to live fully on the threshold of life’s final chapters. https://bit.ly/4ezL0FC
First, we share the deeply moving, self-written obituary of Nora Patricia Keenan, who passed away from complications of colorectal cancer. With unapologetic honesty, Nora looks back at her journey through chaos, addiction, recovery, and growth, reminding us that a meaningful life isn’t about being spotless—it’s about being honest and showing up.
Then, we dive into a powerful discussion about former Nebraska Senator and University of Florida President Ben Sasse, who was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Then, we dive into a powerful discussion about former Nebraska Senator and University of Florida President Ben Sasse, who was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Sasse shared a raw look at how a terminal diagnosis brings acute clarity, his experience on a targeted clinical trial, and how he is spending his limited time with his wife and three children.
We close the episode with a beautiful reading of Rev. Henry Scott Holland's classic poem, "Death Is Nothing at All."
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction: Honesty, Grit, and Redeeming the Time
- 02:18 – Recipe of the Week: Disappearing Dip
- 02:45 – Nora Patricia Keenan’s Incredible Self-Written Obituary
- 05:46 – Living on the Threshold: Senator Ben Sasse's Journey with Stage IV Cancer
- 09:54 – Family, Faith and Survival - Sasse's 60 Minutes Interview
- 24:40 – Poem: "Death Is Nothing at All" by Rev. Henry Scott Holland
- 27:15 – Outro
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