Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About ‘Brutal’ Disease That Took Her Loved Ones

Melissa Gilbert was put up for adoption immediately after birth, and 6 years later, her adoptive parents separated, and she was exposed to the trauma of divorce. Thankfully, she found refuge with her Little House On the Prairie on-screen father, Michael Landon’s family. Sadly, Michael died of pancreatic cancer in 1991, and Melissa will always remember him for his kind gesture.

Recently, Melissa took time out to reminisce on her life and how she has lost loved ones to cancer. The actress remembered her late on-screen father, Michael, and her dear friend and late actor Patrick Swayze, who also died after battling pancreatic cancer. 

Melissa Gilbert recounts loss of close friends from pancreatic cancer

Melissa has been committed to healthy living, but it seems losing Michael and Patrick has inspired her to start her lifestyle brand, and she is taking a bold step to ensure that the public is aware of pancreatic cancer.

In a discussion with People, the 60-year-old claims that pancreatic cancer “feels like a tornado” as it can go undetected and does not give any “warning” signs. Having experienced two deaths as a result of the disease and with scientific facts available, Melissa claims that being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is a death sentence as “Its survival rate is virtually nil.”

Melissa Gilbert remembers Michael Landon and Patrick Swayze

Melissa noted that having had a close relationship with Michael during his lifetime, the late star overcame all his health battles until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which she claimed “took him and decimated him so fast.”