Team CCF makes major strides
2023 was an incredible year for Team CCF. Team members participated in five marathons across the country. In 2023, Team CCF participated in more races, had more individual runners, and raised more funds for cholangiocarcinoma research and patient services than ever before. Team members hosted a variety of successful fundraisers and encouraged their friends and families to support their efforts by donating and cheering them on at the races.
On Sunday, October 8, 25 Team CCF participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The team raised $61,614.89 with 25 runners. Lia Cyr of Newington, Connecticut, ran in memory of her brother Matt Sgambato, “The reason people want to run a marathon is because the challenge is physically you. The distance, how you get there, is all up to you and how hard you put the work in. After losing my brother to this rare cancer in 2019, I wanted to continue the fight in his honor. I wanted to fight my hardest by training in the brutal summer heat, as Matt fought so hard for 335 days. And I chose to do so as part of Team CCF in the city I once told myself I would run another 26.2 in.”
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k took place on Saturday, October 28th. The team of 13+ members was all from the same family honoring Michelle “Chelle” Strati and raised $14,393.18. Chelle’s husband, Alex Strati, shared, “It was an incredible family weekend honoring Chelle and supporting CCF. The kids and I have been absolutely humbled by the extent of the financial, physical, and just plain love shown by so many.” Chelle’s daughter, Aubrey Grossnickle, added, “The weekend was full of support and love from family and friends. We are very grateful for the community God has blessed us with. It meant a lot to me to honor my mom in this way. Our daily goal is to honor my mom and let her light shine through us. She touched so many lives, and we want to continue to do that.”
In November, Team CCF participated in the TCS New York City Marathon. The team of 15 traveled to New York City to complete the 26.2 miles on Sunday, November 5. Together, the team raised a record-breaking $115,427.92! This is the most considerable amount a single marathon team has raised for the Foundation to date, nearly doubling the total from last year’s race.
Allie Doyle of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, shared, “The 2023 New York City Marathon healed something in me that I didn’t even realize was broken. Having lost my best friend and Father to cholangiocarcinoma, I needed a way to move through my grief. We shared many miles and trips to NYC, so this was the perfect opportunity to get back into something that we loved doing together while raising funds for this devastating disease that took him from the world too soon. Through the early morning miles, fundraising, and telling his story, a part of me that I had lost with his passing started returning. Life can be messy when you lose a loved one, but having the opportunity to honor him and his legacy gave me strength and hope. I am eternally grateful for Team CCF and this race and will hold it closely for the rest of my life. No Short Pours.”
Eric Mai of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, ran with his good friend Dave McMahon in memory of Dave’s wife, Jodi. Eric said of the day, “It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many amazing people and warriors impacted by this disease.”
Andi Truitt of St Cloud, Minnesota, ran with Team CCF for the 2nd year in honor of her friend, Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt. The two women, living in different states, met up in New York for the weekend. As a patient, Stephanie shared her feelings about the weekend “Team CCF holds profound significance for me as a CCA patient for numerous reasons. Witnessing our runners push through physical fatigue, mental barriers, and other obstacles to complete a marathon is an inspirational testament to endurance and perseverance. This resilience echoes the journey of a CCA patient, navigating endless treatments and confronting our own unique set of challenges and obstacles. The community aspect of Team CCF is something I cherish equally, highlighting the unity we cultivate as a community to support our runners and fostering an overall camaraderie and uplifting atmosphere in the lead-up to and throughout the event. This sense of togetherness also reflects the reality for patients with CCA, as our struggles against this cancer are sustained by the incredible communities rallying to support and uplift us. Additionally, I find solace in the healing aspect of Team CCF. Many runners and supporters have experienced the heartbreaking loss of loved ones to this disease. Participating in this initiative becomes a beautiful way to honor and remember them individually while collectively striving to improve outcomes for those diagnosed in the future. Finally, simply watching the sheer willpower exhibited by our marathon runners inspires a sense of awe and admiration. It showcases the indomitable human spirit and the ability to overcome challenges through resilience and mental strength.”
At the end of November, Team CCF participated in the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8k. The team of 7 consisted of 2 marathoners, four half marathoners, and 1 8k runner and raised $9,629.78. Rachel Hanlon, a team member for the past six years, said, “As always, I ran in November for my sister Emily. She was a wonderful person, and it’s incredibly hard to believe it’s been four years since she was not here with us. Spreading awareness of this rare and awful cancer will hopefully help others have more time with their loved ones. We work for a cure to stop the suffering.”
To wrap up the year, Team CCF participated in the Holualoa Tucson Marathon. The 4-member team raised $8,568.44. Long-time Team CCF member Diana Park shared, “I always seem to have a different focus with every race. The drive is always to honor my mom, but the focus, well that’s what changes your whole run. My focus on the Tucson marathon was to enjoy the beauty. I wanted to enjoy all the beauty, enjoy my run, and finish. It was as simple as that. As always, with every step I took, my mother was beside me the whole way.
Team CCF is looking forward to 2024. Our Chicago team has placed all 29 runners. If you have a bib and want to join the team and raise money, email meredith.mcguffage@curecca.org. Registration for the New York City Marathon will open in March of 2024. If you are interested, send an email to join the waitlist. Visit TeamCCF.org or email meredith.mcguffage@curecca.org for more information.