Chris Parrish’s 16-Year Pancreatic Cancer Survival Story
Every June, we celebrate Cancer Survivor Month — honoring those who have faced a cancer diagnosis and emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined to live fully. Few stories embody the spirit of survivorship better than that of Chris Parrish.
In 2008, at just 40 years old, Chris was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer — one of the deadliest forms of cancer — and was given just six months to live. But Chris refused to accept that fate.
His journey began with subtle signs: significant weight loss and persistent digestive issues that were repeatedly dismissed by doctors. After years of unanswered questions, a scan finally revealed the devastating diagnosis — a 5.5 cm tumor in his pancreas and lesions in his liver.
"I literally had my life flash before my eyes," Chris recalls.
But instead of surrendering, Chris took charge. He pursued second opinions and refused to settle for standard answers. His determination led him to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago, where he found a clinical trial that offered new hope.
Chris enrolled in an aggressive experimental treatment called intra-arterial therapy, circulating 40 times the normal dose of chemotherapy directly through his pancreas and liver. It was grueling, with countless blood transfusions and difficult side effects. But Chris pushed through, later reflecting:
"I just did what I had to do to survive. But when I look back on it now, I’m like, wow. Just wow."
More than anything, Chris credits his survival to his relentless advocacy and mindset.
"Be your own best advocate — nobody’s going to do it for you," he says — a philosophy that carried him through even the darkest moments.
He immersed himself in research, made sure he had backup plans, and focused on staying mentally strong.
“Your words create your reality,” Chris says. “If people are telling me I’m going to die, that’s their reality — but that’s not mine.”
Sixteen years later, Chris is not only surviving — he’s thriving. He fills his life with the things he loves: concerts, ballgames, and time spent with loved ones.
“If I only had a certain amount of time, I wanted to make sure I utilized my time doing what I really wanted to do and what I loved.”
Today, Chris is a beacon of hope for others. He serves on the board of the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and runs his own nonprofit, providing support and encouragement to patients worldwide.
"I’m always going to remind you that there’s light at the end of the tunnel," he says.
As we honor Cancer Survivor Month, Chris’s story reminds us that survival is about more than beating cancer — it’s about living fully, advocating fiercely, and never losing hope.
His message to others is clear:
"Don’t settle. You wouldn’t settle on buying a car — why settle on your life?"
Chris Parrish shows us that while cancer may challenge the body, hope and determination can triumph — and survivorship is something to be celebrated every single day.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
