It is a great honor and privilege for the Foundation to recognize Lisa Layton as Volunteer of the Month. Lisa was diagnosed with stage IV cholangiocarcinoma in May of 2013 and continues to be in active treatment. She is a wife, mother, and speech-language pathologist. The first few weeks after the diagnosis Lisa remembers constantly wiping away tears and being in a state of shock and grief.
Now, as an experienced patient, she has a tremendous desire to lift up other patients. Lisa loves entertaining and decorating for parties and holidays. After attending her first conference Lisa learned of plans for a patient lounge at the next conference at the Marriott Hotel. She immediately asked if she could help. Lisa Layton along with Lisa Craine have spearheaded the patient lounge for the last three years. Lisa’s favorite part about the lounge is making people feel welcome, spending time connecting with patients, and providing love and encouragement.
Lisa has raised money for the foundation through partnering with the retail establishment Charming Charlie. Her volunteer work also includes research advocacy and patient mentoring in the CholangioConnect program. She considers it a privilege to be a mentor and included in the lives of other patients and their families. She explains about the mentor/mentee relationship this way, “We share a deep connection because we all have fear, anxiety, and experience setbacks. We also share the joys and the successes.” Her hope as a mentor is to share blessings, tenderness, to listen, to give hope, joy, and love.
Lisa’s positive attitude is contagious. She fittingly emulates her favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Her advice to anyone thinking about volunteering with the Foundation, “You will be glad you got involved. The CCF is a wonderful organization and it gives you a sense of purpose and a feeling of happiness.”
