Melissa Gilbert reveals that Michael Landon possessed a great sense of humor during his final days.

Just a week before his death, the last time Melissa Gilbert spent time with her TV dad.

In 1991, three months after announcing his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, "Little House on the Prairie" star Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, passed away at the age of 54.

Laura Ingalls, who portrayed "Half Pint" Gilbert in the TV series, is joining forces with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). The organization focuses on funding research, offering patient/caregiver support, and advocating for increased federal funding for pancreatic cancer patients.

"I had been running from the grieving process my whole life and trying to avoid it. But it was really important for me to go and have that goodbye time, which I didn’t have with my father. . . . This was a chance to gift myself with that goodbye and say to him all the things I needed to say." — Melissa Gilbert

"Leslie Landon Matthews, a dear friend of mine for 50 years, called me to inform me about her father's diagnosis before it was made public. She wanted me to know before it was announced in a press conference. I was devastated upon hearing the news."

"The loss of my mentor and father figure left me feeling terrible, as I had already lost my own father to suicide at a young age. This new loss was particularly difficult to bear, as it meant losing another important male influence in my life. It left me feeling shaken."

"Gilbert stated, "I watched from a distance initially because I didn't want to intrude, but later decided to visit him. This was during his pancreatic cancer journey. I spent time with him and it turned out to be just a week before he passed away.""

Modern Prairie, Gilbert's lifestyle brand, is launching a special collection in November, featuring purple, the official color of pancreatic cancer awareness. All proceeds from the collection will support PanCAN.

Landon's last meeting with Gilbert remains fresh in her memory.

"She confessed that it was extremely difficult. She had spent her entire life evading the grieving process. However, she realized that it was crucial for her to confront it and have a proper goodbye with her father, whom she had not had the chance to say goodbye to. This was an opportunity for her to give herself the closure she needed and express her feelings to her father."

The meeting was described by Gilbert as "difficult and uncomfortable," but she added that it was also "filled with a lot of laughter."

"Despite being sick, Michael always had a great sense of humor. Even when one of his horses bit my son Dakota on the finger, Michael maintained his humor. I didn't want to tell Michael until we knew how bad it was, but it turned out to be nothing."

"I went into the room to sit with Mike, and he asked, 'Did one of the horses bite the kid?' Gilbert replied, 'Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't want you to know that. He asked, 'Is he okay?' I said, 'Yeah, he's fine.' He said, 'Thank God it wasn't worse. I would feel awful.' Then he said, 'Wait a minute, I'm dying from pancreatic cancer. How could I feel any worse?'"

""It made me laugh, but it also broke my heart a little bit, knowing that this incredible person, who was able to find humor in even the darkest of times, was no longer going to be around to help me do that," said Gilbert."

The actress characterized Landon as a determined individual who was actively attempting to overcome the illness.

"Gilbert explained that he was trying both conventional and holistic treatments, and doing everything possible to fight his condition. However, he was always in a hospital, treatment center, or holistic medicine center, and even discussed doing coffee enemas. Despite his constant efforts, nothing worked, and it was only very close to the end that everyone realized it was the end."

Michael Landon, the star of 'Little House', was determined about his health: daughter.

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, with a five-year survival rate of 13%. There is no standard early-detection test, and few effective treatment options, according to PanCAN.

The actress was "non-functional" for a considerable period following Landon's death.

"Gilbert recounted how he consumed numerous vanilla malts for an inexplicable reason. Despite not understanding why it stuck in his memory, he acknowledged the support of his family and the responsibility of caring for his young child. The sight of his son, Dakota, brought him hope amidst the sorrow, grief, and depression that he had to endure."

"Gilbert stated that his sister would visit him daily just to hang out. He also mentioned how his friends were very helpful during a difficult and sad time, as they allowed him to talk about Michael and how he impacted his life. Despite this, Gilbert promised himself to grieve and not suppress his feelings this time around, even though it was challenging."

"Dedicating myself to helping Michael Landon's family cope with their grief also helped me a lot, as it allowed me to focus on something other than my own pain. As a result, the pain became more manageable and easier to deal with."

Gilbert may lose a loved one to the disease again.

Patrick Swayze, her friend, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008 and passed away a year later at the age of 57.

"I remember hearing about his diagnosis and thinking, ‘Oh my God, he’s going to die,’" Gilbert admitted. "I watched him battle and battle . . . the time he was able to squeeze out of that diagnosis was nothing short of miraculous. I think so much of that was because treatments had changed a bit. . . . It may not have spread as far as Michael’s did at that point. But I do think the journey is different for everyone."

Gilbert expressed his gratitude for his family and wife, Lisa, being there to support him throughout the difficult times. He kept his distance to avoid being intrusive.

"As the president of the Screen Actors Guild, I faced a challenge when one of our members' insurance coverage was denied for a necessary treatment. I received a call from him, and I was able to resolve the issue by making a phone call. This experience gave me a great sense of accomplishment in being able to help Buddy receive the treatment he needed."

"I couldn't do it for Michael Landon, but I felt empowered to fight for Buddy Swayze. When he passed, I felt a sense of loss and frustration, like another good person had been taken by a terrible disease. I knew I had to do something, so I decided to fight."

Gilbert expressed gratitude for creating a special collection that would not only honor "two powerful physical specimens of men," but all the many others across the country who are fighting the illness.

"Gilbert said, 'I’m going to beat it,' and it’s crucial for people to comprehend that supporting one cancer research can benefit all others. As research progresses, treatments and cures can be applied to other cancers. . . . Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, but early detection can be achieved as research advances."

"Although all cancers are cruel, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer is abysmal due to its difficulty in detection and rapid progression. This cancer is particularly bad because it is so sneaky. However, I am still determined to fight."