Arizona Public Media to air follow-up story on UACC patient

In March, Arizona Public Media aired an original documentary, "Winning By Living, One Cancer Story,” that chronicled the unique pancreatic cancer battle of Michelle Kirlew. In June, AZPM checks back in with the Kirlews.

AZPM, in partnership with the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, presented several documentaries and live events to raise awareness of cancer, as well as local resources and services available to newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families.

These programs and community events coincided with nationwide broadcast of the Ken Burns’ documentary presentation, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies,” based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Siddartha Mukherjee, MD.

AZPM filmmakers got to know Michelle in 2014. She is outside of the typical demographics for pancreatic cancer patients, as she is decades younger than the average patient. Fortunately ,she isn't in the 74 percent that die within one year of diagnosis. Michelle’s progress towards remission is measured by the results of medical tests and imaging, delivered to her by her oncologist and UACC Medical Director, Emad Elquza, MD.

"Winning By Living" chronicles Michelle's battle against this disease, as well as her consistently positive outlook and the strength of her family's support. One year later, Michelle continues to fight, but her inner strength has not wavered one bit.

Arizona Illustrated will air a seven-minute update on Michelle throughout the month of June. It will air on KUAT PBS Channel 6 at the following times:

• June 14: 6:30 p.m.
• June 16: 2:30 p.m.
• June 17: 1 p.m.
• June 20: 7:30 p.m.
• June 21: 4:30 a.m.
• June 21: 11:30 a.m.

Watch the follow-up video on YouTube:

-June 10, 2015