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Honoring a Friend: Seth Weiner’s Fundraising Hike for Cholangiocarcinoma

Seth Weiner lost his longtime friend, Mark Kinsley, to cholangiocarcinoma. Seth transformed his annual 50k “One Day Hike” into a Team CCF fundraiser to honor Mark and support others battling the same cancer.

Joining Team CCF in late March, Seth set an ambitious goal to raise $5,150, inspired by his and Mark’s ages and a nod to Van Halen’s “5150” album. Seth outlined creative ways for supporters to contribute:

  • Solo hike: Walk 5K and donate $51.50.
  • Hike with others: Rally friends and collect donations.
  • Sponsor his hike: Donate per mile of his trek.
  • Share Mark’s story and the fundraiser.

Despite fundraising being outside his comfort zone, Seth was determined. By the hike on April 20, he had raised nearly $6,000 from 72 donors, surpassing his goal. He also achieved a personal best, improving his pace by shaving about 35 minutes off last year’s time.

Mark’s memory was a constant companion on the hike. Seth placed painted rocks inscribed with “Forever Missed” or “In Loving Memory” Mark Kinsley 1973-2023 along the trail, leaving heartfelt tributes to his friend. These rocks served as poignant reminders of Mark’s enduring presence and inspired Seth and those who encountered them on the path.

Reflecting on the experience, Seth emphasized the powerful interactions with donors and supporters. The realization that many had lost loved ones to cholangiocarcinoma drove him to meet his fundraising goal. He praised the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation for its invaluable support and resources.

Seth shared, “If you ask me what the experience meant, the answer will probably change daily. The interactions that I had with donors and supporters were and are probably the most impactful element. For a cancer so rare that only about 10,000 people are diagnosed each year, it was a shock to find several people I know who had lost a loved one to CCA. That pushed me harder to meet the fundraising goal and carried me through the hike.”
For those interested in joining Team CCF, contact Meredith.McGuffage@curecca.org.