Volunteer Newsletter at a Glance:
- Awareness Store
- Volunteer of the Month
- You did it!
- Volunteers in Action
- Team CCF Update
- Volunteers Needed
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Check out the new Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Gear!
We have winter beanies, sherpa blankets, coffee mugs, water bottles, awareness pins and more!
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All models pictured above are cholangiocarcinoma patients.
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Each month we will recognize those whose contributions inspire us and who demonstrate excellence in their service to others. This award was created to thank those outstanding individuals and to bring to light the immense efforts, time and resources that are generously given to the Foundation.
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Jerilyn Christensen may be a retired school administrator but static she is not. She has been volunteering with the Foundation for nearly two years, and in that time she has made a tremendous impact.
Jerilyn became a caregiver to her husband upon his diagnosis - after he had helped her battle her own cancer. She learned of the Foundation after her husband’s initial diagnosis and many months later met the Chief Advocacy Officer, Marion Schwartz. With Marion’s encouragement and friendshipping Jerilyn was soon volunteering and learning the ropes of patient advocacy.
Jerilyn has been a part of the research advocacy team since 2017. She has attended the Ruesch Symposium, a gastrointestinal collaboration on curing these diseases, representing the Foundation multiple times. Additionally, she has worked on various administrative projects including communications and training. She has served as an annual conference volunteer, where most recently she spoke on the caregiver perspective and helped to run the kickoff of the Foundation’s new Awareness Store.
When asked why she volunteers and what keeps her coming back Jerilyn explains, “I feel good when I help other people. It takes the focus off of the grieving process and turns it into something positive.” She simply wants to do good for others and find a cure. She continues to volunteer, despite the loss of her husband, and says she thoroughly enjoys being a part of organization that is so fully committed to research and finding a cure. It is a great honor and privilege for the Foundation to recognize her as the Volunteer of the Month.
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Caitlin and family at the 1st annual Changing Lives Fundraiser in memory of her mother held on Feb. 15, 2019. Caitlin, along with her two siblings, Shannon and Patrick, started an annual fundraising campaign due to the rarity and severity of this cancer. To learn more about this annual fundraising event, visit the website.
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Why Chicago went green in February
I chose Chicago because this is my home town and where my mom received excellent care at the University of Chicago, with an outstanding oncologist (Dr. Narula). He helped me realize that more awareness needs to be brought to this disease, as many people don't know about it. Chicago has an iconic skyline that changes their lights monthly for awareness of a variety causes, so I thought I would try to get awareness for CC. Additionally, Chicago's most famous football player (Walter Payton) had this disease, so the city could feel a connection. We were happy BOMA (Building Area and Management Association) approved our application, the Wrigley Building (400-410 North Michigan Avenue) and the Prudential Buildings going green for awareness. - Cindy Dougherty-Mrotek, pictured with family above.
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The Prudential Buildings and the Wrigley Building, in Chicago, were lit green in February to recognize CCF Awareness!
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San Fransico City Hall turned green to support Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness on Feb. 20,2019.
Back Row (left to right): Gerry Smith, Joe Bertolozzi, Jeff Dolin, Debbie Smith, Colleen Dolin, Jeanne Tognoni, Barbara Gablin, Greg Felton (Caregiver).
Front: Diane Tom, Carly Bertolozzi, Sandra Bertolozzi, Karen Felton (CC Warrior-Green Hat), Ilana Bernstein, Claudia Davis, Elise Felton (Caregiver) Pictured above: Greg, Karen and Elise Felton.
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Cindy and Lauren spread awareness with the Zions Bank Building going green in Boise, Idaho.
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Join the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation as we race for a cure together. Our upcoming races are:
- TCS New York City Marathon (only 5 bibs)
- Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon, 10 miler and 5K in Denver
- Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half and 5K
- Monumental Indianapolis Marathon. Half and 5K
- Chicago Half Marathon
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The Foundation is currently seeking contributors to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation's blog called 'cholangio what?' Bloggers would write, edit, post and promote the content of the Foundation's blog. Blogggers would also generate, research and pitch ideas for future posts. If interested, please email
cindy.thomas@cholangiocarcinoma.org
.
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Discussion Board Greeter
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The Foundation is currently seeking additional Discussion Board volunteers who would welcome
new patients and caregivers to the discussion board community. Please email
cindy.thomas@cholangiocarcinoma.org
if interested.
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Social Media Influencers work to recognize and support people hosting social media fundraisers, spread awareness of the Foundation’s mission, and research and develop social media campaigns. For more information about becoming a Social Media Influencer please visit the link below:
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