CCF is pleased to award the 2021 Mark R. Clements Award to Renuka Iyer and Lisa Craine

The Mark R. Clements award for Vision, Innovation and Collaboration is the highest honor awarded by CCF.

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) announced the 2021 Mark R. Clements honorees at its virtual annual conference. The award winners were honored for making significant contributions in driving progress towards finding a cure for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). CCF is pleased to award the Mark R. Clements Award, CCF's highest honor, to Renuka Iyer, MD received the Mark R. Clements Award for Vision, Innovation, and Collaboration and Lisa Craine received the Mark R. Clements Award for Volunteerism.

"Renuka and Lisa have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to CCA patients. We are so grateful to them and the countless hours they have selflessly given. It is my honor and a real pleasure to present the 2021 Mark R. Clements Award to these outstanding individuals whose contributions to the Foundation and the cholangiocarcinoma field are almost too numerous to list. This award is special because it is the highest honor given by the foundation each year. Congratulations to Renuka Iyer and Lisa Craine, " said Stacie Lindsey, CEO and Founder.

Dr. Renuka Iyer of Buffalo, NY has served as the Nursing Advisory Board (NAB) Medical Advisor for the past five years and has been a speaker at the CCF Annual Conference. Dr. Iyer is a Medical Oncologist who specializes in cholangiocarcinoma in Buffalo, NY. She has over 26 years of experience in the medical field. She has a passion in helping develop novel therapies for rare cancer Immunotherapy.

"Renuka championed passionately for nursing to achieve the nursing advisory board's vision to improve the quality of life and care of our Cholangiocarcinoma patients. Her inspiration, devotion and dedication in time and scientific knowledge was invaluable to our work for which we will be eternally grateful. Her impact will long live as this work continues to advance nursing scientific knowledge and improved patient care," said Susan Acquisto, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Immediate Past-Chair.

Lisa Craine of Akron, OH is a mother of two sons and is also married to her high school sweetheart, David. She was diagnosed with Stage IV Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in 2010 and given only six months to live. It has been a tough journey with two liver resections, 52 rounds of chemo in four different regimens, radiation three times and other complications, but Lisa manages to find the joy in her journey. Additionally Lisa serves as a Research Advocate, Patient Advocate and is a member of the CARE Team.

"Lisa is especially deserving of this award as she works tirelessly for the CCF family. She spends hours every day talking to patients and their families and does it all with an incredible amount of warmth, kindness, and love. She has given over 540 hours of volunteer service in 2020 alone. Lisa says yes to every task asked of her and there have been numerous tasks. From advocacy work to the wellness program and the annual conference work to patient support, Lisa demonstrates excellence in giving, loving, and creating hope for a brighter future for all those affected by cholangiocarcinoma. She is a true difference maker," said Cindy Thomas, Volunteer Specialist.

The Mark R. Clements Award for Vision, Innovation, and Collaboration is the highest honor awarded by CCF each year. As a CCA patient himself, Mark Clements was truly the inspiration and driving force around the creation of this foundation. Before Mark passed his wish was to create something that could help others have the kind of support he did. This award reflects the umbrella of hope that covers this community.