Shannon Volkov, CCA Caregiver

A Profound Experience as a Caregiver

Shannon Volkov’s journey as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in January 2015, had a profound influence on her life. At the time of diagnosis, Shannon was applying to medical school. Off to an exciting start and first semester, she quickly decided to defer her studies and move back home to become a full-time caregiver. During this challenging time, Shannon’s mother was her biggest supporter, cheering her on as she ran a marathon for the American Cancer Society. Tragically, Shannon’s mother passed away just 18 months after her diagnosis, leaving Shannon with tremendous loss and grief to work through. Shannon knew she would need to reevaluate her career plans and education.

Finding Her Calling

Shannon’s experience as a caregiver had a lasting influence on her, particularly the compassion and support she witnessed from an oncology nurse who took the time to listen, answer questions, and even hold her hand during difficult moments. The moments of hand-holding were not forgotten. Those experiences inspired Shannon to pivot her career path and pursue nursing, focusing on oncology.

Today, Shannon works as an oncology nurse, where she is passionate about serving, caring for, and advocating for cholangiocarcinoma patients. She sees herself as a “walking billboard” for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF), sharing resources and support with every patient she meets.

Dedicated to Serving Others

Shannon’s dedication to serving others extends beyond her nursing career. She volunteers with multiple organizations, including CholangioConnect, where she mentors fellow caregivers and has done so since 2018, and Cycle for Survival, where she was recently a keynote speaker at an event that raised $15 million for rare cancer research. Shannon was also recently honored by the Fight for Two Foundation, where she volunteers for her tireless efforts in supporting and advocating for those affected by cancer.

A Shining Example of Resilience and Compassion

Shannon’s journey from caregiver to passionate oncology nurse and advocate is a testament to her resilience and compassion. Her experiences have shaped her into a dedicated professional who is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cholangiocarcinoma and other cancers.
Shannon continues to inspire and support others through her work, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.