We would like to thank everyone for joining us in raising awareness for bile duct cancer during Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month in February. Thousands of motivated individuals around the world tweeted, baked cookies, socialized, held fundraisers, and contacted local government in an effort to raise awareness. Throughout the month, The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation also hosted a series of webcasts, including spotlights on the Young Investigator Award, emotional health, and how to organize a local support group.
The fundraising campaign to support the Young Investigator Award raised over $38,000, and we continue to receive donations. Notably, Connie Croce, Valerie Shivers, and Mark Shivers created The Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser to help raise money and awareness for cholangiocarcinoma. This fundraiser was a local event off the coast of New York, where participants braved freezing cold temperatures to jump into the icy Atlantic Ocean. The event has been a huge success, bringing in over $23,000 in January and February. More details about this local fundraiser can be found at The Polar Bear Plunge First Giving site here. Many thanks to everyone that organized and participated in The Polar Bear Plunge! If you would like to organize a local fundraiser in your community, we have resources that will assist you with this endeavor! Please fill out our fundraising form, and once you have submitted the form, you will be able to access a document that provides guidance for leading a local fundraiser.
Our efforts at creating a video highlighting Cholangiocarcinoma are underway, but we still need your help. If you have not already done so, please consider recording a friend or colleague attempting to say