Beating Pancreatic Cancer: 9 Years Clear and Living Healthy With Tara and Neal Wilkes

episode 22:

When Tara Wilkes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she was told that even with the most aggressive treatment she would likely only have 12 to 18 months to live. That was nine years ago.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Sarah sits down with Tara and her husband Neil to hear their extraordinary story of survival, faith, and the quiet strength it takes to face the unthinkable. From the first signs of fatigue to a life changing Whipple surgery, daily chemo, and years of follow-up scans, Tara shares how she fought for her life, one step and one prayer at a time.

They discuss the emotional toll, the importance of support systems, the role of faith, and what it means to truly live after a life-threatening diagnosis. If you or someone you love is walking through a difficult health journey, this episode is a must-listen.

Join Sarah Crews and guests Tara and Neal Wilkes for a moving story of resilience and faith. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given just months to live, Tara defied the odds. This episode explores survival, support, and what it truly means to live with purpose after facing the unthinkable.

episode NOTES

When Tara Wilkes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she was told that even with the most aggressive treatment she would likely only have 12 to 18 months to live. That was nine years ago.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Sarah sits down with Tara and her husband Neil to hear their extraordinary story of survival, faith, and the quiet strength it takes to face the unthinkable. From the first signs of fatigue to a life changing Whipple surgery, daily chemo, and years of follow-up scans, Tara shares how she fought for her life, one step and one prayer at a time.

They discuss the emotional toll, the importance of support systems, the role of faith, and what it means to truly live after a life-threatening diagnosis. If you or someone you love is walking through a difficult health journey, this episode is a must-listen.

episode NOTES

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Hi, I’m Sarah Crews—a hairstylist with 30 years of experience, starting from a small-town beauty shop in rural Kentucky to becoming a partner in a luxury Nashville salon and a national educator for one of the world’s top professional hair care brands. Along the way, I’ve traveled, built lifelong connections, and collaborated with leading industry media sources to create content, educational materials, and even style for New York Fashion Week.

Now, as the host of The Lessons From Your Hairstylist Podcast, I’m bringing my passion for transformation beyond the salon chair. Whether it's hair, life, or career changes, I believe small steps can lead to big results. Join me each week as we explore practical ways to overcome obstacles and chat with beauty, health, and wellness experts to inspire meaningful change in our lives.

Hey there!

Meet Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah Crews—a hairstylist with 30 years of experience, starting from a small-town beauty shop in rural Kentucky to becoming a partner in a luxury Nashville salon and a national educator for one of the world’s top professional hair care brands. Along the way, I’ve traveled, built lifelong connections, and collaborated with leading industry media sources to create content, educational materials, and even style for New York Fashion Week.

Now, as the host of The Lessons From Your Hairstylist Podcast, I’m bringing my passion for transformation beyond the salon chair. Whether it's hair, life, or career changes, I believe small steps can lead to big results. Join me each week as we explore practical ways to overcome obstacles and chat with beauty, health, and wellness experts to inspire meaningful change in our lives.

Hey there!

Meet Sarah