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 donate.projectpurple.org/campaign/694042/donate.
Subscribe to the Project Purple Podcast for more stories from the pancreatic cancer community.
