What is TeamCCF?
TeamCCF began in 2016 as a way to raise money through athletic events for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Since its inception, TeamCCF has participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon; the TCS New York City Marathon; The Berkeley Half Marathon; the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon and 8k; The CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k; and countless 5k runs and walks.
Kara Noble of New Lenox, Illinois lost her father to cholangiocarcinoma and decided to run the 2019 Chicago Half Marathon in his memory. “This race is not going to be easy for me. While I did complete a half marathon back in 2011, the truth is, I hate running! But I have always thought about doing another one, and when this opportunity presented itself, I knew this was the race I needed to do. My runs are a time to think of the happy memories of my Dad, and I use him as my motivation to go just a bit faster or longer at the end of each run. My Dad and I ran two 5Ks together, and I know that come race day, he will be proud of me and pushing me every step of the way.” Kara ran an amazing race and was able to raise over $5,700 for the Foundation.
Laura Lee of Durham, North Carolina recently joined TeamCCF’s S.O.S. program which stands for Single Organizer or Supporter. Laura could not join an existing TeamCCF event so she chose to run on her own in a local race and raise money for the Foundation.
Laura explains “This event isn't my first fundraising for cancer, but it is the most personal. The weekend of April 18, 2020 I will run the Charlotte RaceFest Half Marathon to raise money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in honor of my dad, David, who was diagnosed in February 2019. The Foundation has been an incredible resource for our family in a very difficult time, so I am thrilled to help raise funds for their efforts.”
Rachel Hanlon of Allentown, Pennsylvania has made her time with TeamCCF a family affair. At first, Rachel signed up for the Philadelphia 8k to support her sister, Emily Eberhardt, who had been battling cholangiocarcinoma. Rachel wanted Emily to feel she was not alone in the fight against cholangiocarcinoma. In April of 2019, Emily lost her 2-year battle. The loss seemed unbearable. Rachel rallied the troops and asked her family to either join her in the 8k or cheer. Rachel said “We ran or walked in memory of Emily and all those who are affected by bile duct cancer. We were happy to support the foundation by raising money with the fundraiser and to spread awareness of this rare and deadly cancer. Emily will live on in our hearts and we will be her voice to help find a cure that she desperately needed and wanted. I will continue to race with TeamCCF and support this amazing Foundation forever.” Rachel along with Emily’s husband, kids, cousins, parents and friends came out for the race. Together the family raised over $2,500 in Emily’s honor.
Every member of TeamCCF receives a TeamCCF training shirt and a personalized fundraising page. Every marathon runner receives a race singlet with an area to write the name of a loved one he/she is honoring. The fundraising minimums are $1,000 for marathons (except New York and Chicago); $500 for ½ marathons or less and $250 for a 5k. TeamCCF coordinator, Meredith McGuffage, is on hand to help with fundraising ideas or provide training for a marathon or half marathon.
TeamCCF offers an incentive program in which team members are awarded TeamCCF gear after meeting each milestone over their fundraising minimum. In 2019, members could earn a TeamCCF water bottle, winter hat, visor, or hoodie.
TeamCCF is a great way for people of all ages and athletic abilities to come together and raise money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Since 2016, over $230,000 has been raised. Whether you are looking for your next running event or to complete your first, TeamCCF would love to support you! Email Meredith.mcguffage@cholangiocarcinoma.org or visit TeamCCF.org for more information.
