Winter 2023-2024 Community Fundraiser Highlights

This winter, our Community Fundraisers created new ways to raise funds for much-needed research and programs and to shine a spotlight on cholangiocarcinoma awareness. Events included pickleball, table tennis, Super Bowl squares, and a special benefit night. Without our community’s dedication, the Foundation could not extend our reach in such meaningful ways. We are grateful for the CCF community’s talent, creativity, and heart.

Annual Jingle for Janet 5k/3k

The Jingle for Janet Fundraiser, an annual event dedicated to honoring the memory of Janet Parker and raising funds for CCA research, took place on December 23, 2023, in Waterford, Wisconsin. The event has become one of CCF’s longest-running community fundraisers, organized by Janet’s husband, Eric Parker, marking its sixth consecutive year.
The event not only commemorates Janet’s life but also serves as a means to contribute to vital CCA research and patient services. Over the years, the Jingle for Janet Fundraiser has garnered tremendous support, with 100% of the proceeds dedicated to advancing CCA research and supporting patients.

The 2023 event proved exceptional, raising over $10,000 – the highest amount ever recorded in the history of the race. The fundraiser has amassed $45,000 since its inception, underlining the community’s commitment to combating cholangiocarcinoma.

Eric noted the “Overwhelming Christmas joy and love permeating Waterford’s streets as family, friends, and neighbors came together to run and walk in support of the cause.”

Bayview Secondary School Table Tennis Tournament

Wesley Lam, a teacher at Bayview Secondary School in Ontario, Canada, taught with Neil Marr, who lost his wife Priscilla to CCA. Neil and Priscilla’s story inspired Wes to do something to raise awareness. He organized a student Table Tennis Tournament in memory of Priscilla Marr and found creative ways to involve students. The event tripled their fundraising goal and proved fun for all involved. Engaging students in supporting a teacher while also raising awareness about a lesser-known disease helps pave the path for instilling empathy and altruism that can last a lifetime.

“Have Fun and Do Good” Pickle Ball Tournament

Abby Oringer and friends organized a pickleball tournament in memory of their friend Rhonda Brown. Rhonda was their beloved member of The Sea Ranch Club of Boca Raton, Florida. She was an avid pickleball player and confidante adored by many. A dear friend noted, “If you wanted honesty and authenticity, Rhonda would offer it. So, you see, the loss is real and felt deeply by many–and it is with this feeling that we endeavor to honor and remember her with something that will leave a legacy for others.”

In Rhonda’s memory, friends organized a pickleball round-robin and awarded prizes to the winners. This was followed by a potluck dinner where everyone shared their favorite memories of Rhonda. The fun, heartwarming event helped friends come together to remember Rhonda’s lasting legacy and raised $2,012 for CCA research.

“Moe’s 4 Cancer” Dining Event

Vaishvik Vidavalapati hosted a give-back night at Moe’s Southwest Grill in Branchburg, New Jersey. He hosted the fundraising event with the Somerset County VoTech Connect4Cancer Club on March 1st to raise funds for CCF. Vaishvik is the president of Connect4Cancer Club at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School. He led his fellow students in doing something during CCA Awareness Month to highlight this historically overlooked cancer while raising funds for important research. Not only did he engage students and their families, but he also shared information with those frequenting the restaurant on the night of the fundraiser. Learning to proactively share complicated health information with the community at a young age sets the stage for lifelong learning and world-changing advocacy.

Karli’s Angels Social Media Fundraiser

Karli DeVall is a patient who was diagnosed with CCA in 2023. She and her husband, Matt, have been active volunteers at CCF. The two created a video with Incyte as part of its ChOLLECTIVE series aimed at amplifying the voices of CCA patients and their caregivers for CCA Awareness Month 2024. Karli leveraged the video and thought strategically about extending its reach past Awareness Month. She quickly started a fundraising campaign on social media asking for donations and providing T-shirts, raising $2,647. This was Karli’s first time organizing a fundraiser, and she plans to do it again next March. Using her voice during such a difficult time in her life inspires the CCF community and beyond.

Deb Kilmer’s Celebration of 10 cancer-free years and Fundraiser

Deb Kilmer celebrated her ten years of surviving cholangiocarcinoma with a special event to benefit the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. The event included dinner and dancing with 155 friends, family, and colleagues. The event raised $6,000 for CCF’s research programs. Deb said, “My favorite part of the night was seeing how happy everybody was, and then the next day, I received feedback that was so sweet and positive from many attendees.”

Even though it has been almost ten years since her diagnosis, she said cholangiocarcinoma will always be a part of her life, journey, and future, “I want to help raise awareness and find a cure. Live each day as if it were your last!”

Super Bowl Square fundraiser and the Color for Shore Art Fundraisers

After their father’s diagnosis, the Mezzacappa daughters found hope through engaging friends and family in raising awareness. They organized a Superbowl square pool with determination and creativity, selling each square for $15. They intended to donate half the winnings to CCF. It was a big surprise to her when most of the winners returned their prize money to the cause, going directly to the Foundation. The fundraiser not only raised $1,400 but also served as a platform to raise awareness for the disease.

Their mother, Maryanne, also organized a fundraiser, donating a portion of the proceeds from her beautiful artwork to CCF’s research initiatives. Those interested in supporting the cause ordered her artwork on Instagram (@colorforshore). Most of the sales went directly to research improving patient treatment options. Through their involvement in CCF, the family has found invaluable support, and they strive to give back and support the community, which fuels their hope for the future.