Get Involved in Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month: Putting Hope into Action
Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month allows patients, families, and advocates to educate the public about cholangiocarcinoma. Volunteers share how they use their personal stories, talents, and interests to spread awareness.
Honoring Loved Ones Through Awareness
For Becky Stapleton, February holds a special significance. “My Dad’s birthday is February 8, so bringing awareness while celebrating his life is special to me. By socializing the symptoms and bringing awareness…we increase the opportunity for earlier diagnosis, funding, and research.” Becky’s dedication to securing state and local proclamations began four years ago.
“I didn’t know what I was doing the first year, but I received eight state and local proclamations. I felt my Dad’s story was being seen and heard.”
Becky now guides others in requesting proclamations and finds joy in seeing the map of the U.S. filled with participation. “Some states have more than five people reaching out to say they’ve made the request!”
Building Connections and Community
For Morgan Bourne, Awareness Month is both personal and purposeful. “Preparing for Awareness Month feels deeply personal to me. It’s a way to honor my cousin Mat in a way I know he’d be proud of.” As a local business owner, she connects with fellow business owners and encourages their involvement while engaging with local government officials to build meaningful relationships. “I hope to strengthen bonds to increase support for this cause.”
“Preparation is key to hitting my goals and avoiding feeling overwhelmed by deadlines,” she explains. By organizing outreach in advance, she can present herself professionally and inspire others to join the cause. Most of all, she looks forward to seeing the results of everyone’s hard work.
A Tribute Through Illumination
For Nikki Ferraro, this work is personal, as she lost her brother to CCA when he was just 32 years old. She plays a vital role in the “Light It Green” initiative, reaching out to landmarks across the country and inviting them to illuminate in green for World Cholangiocarcinoma Day.
“Every ‘Light it Green’ approval feels like a tribute to my brother and a chance to make a difference,” Nikki shares. “Preparing for Awareness Month feels like a blend of purpose and healing,” she explains, finding meaning in each campaign milestone. Nikki has submitted over 150 lighting requests across the United States and enjoys participating in a collective movement.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of everyone’s efforts as we shine a light on Cholangiocarcinoma. I am excited about the ripple effect it creates—getting people curious, asking questions, and learning about a cancer that so often goes unnoticed.”
Turning It Up Green
Amy Payne’s platform, “Turning It Up Green,” leverages her role as a national pageant titleholder to spread awareness on local, national, and international levels.
“Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate my state, nation, and the world about such a rare cancer,” Amy explains. “The why is simple: My mother, Joan Hatfield Payne. I promised her and myself that her life, and the 79 days we scrambled even to figure out what CCA was, would never go unnoticed.”
Amy’s preparations include submitting proclamation requests to state and mayoral offices, advocating for HR4424 (Vietnam Veteran Live Fluke Cancer Study) by writing to and visiting Kentucky’s state House and Senate offices, and encouraging fellow state-level titleholders to contact their legislatures in support of the resolution.
Get Involved
Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month is a chance to amplify voices and educate communities. Whether you request proclamations, light landmarks green, or spread awareness through social media, your involvement can create a ripple effect of awareness and action. Together, we can shine a brighter light on cholangiocarcinoma and work toward earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and a cure. Visit curecca.org/awareness for more information, and contact Claire Condrey, CCF’s Volunteer Manager, with questions.