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.

John McDonald

John McDonald with his late wife, Michelle, a cholangiocarcinoma warrior.

John McDonald sat in the doctor’s office for a routine physical and had his tipping point moment, just a few short months after he had lost his wife, Michelle, to cholangiocarcinoma. During that appointment he learned one of the doctor’s staff had also been recently diagnosed with the same cancer. As he shared his thoughts about a fundraiser and brainstormed during the appointment, he knew immediately he shouldn’t take no for an answer.

John grew up in Austin, Texas and his parents had deep roots not far away in Taylor, Texas. The small town of Taylor was a perfect place to raise a family. It was there Michelle taught hundreds of people as a fitness instructor. Her warm and friendly personality quickly turned people into “peeps” because she made friends so easily. She and John married in January of 2017, and six weeks later they learned of Michelle’s diagnosis. She passed away at only 47 years old. 

As John and his oldest daughter Carrie sat down to write Michelle’s obituary, they learned of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF). Michelle had been through four ERCP surgeries, an inconclusive biopsy, and ascites treatments before they even knew if a resection was possible. No one had mentioned genomic testing. He could not ask questions about cholangiocarcinoma, when neither of them even knew what to ask. He has since attended two of CCF’s Annual Conferences. John is passionate about helping other patients get educated about the disease. Funding research for early detection is John’s goal. 

John had never run a 5K, much less organize one, but shares that God’s hand was in the process. August 10, 2019 marked the second annual “Michelle’s Hot Peeps Beat CC” 5K and Fun Run event in Taylor, TX with all proceeds benefiting CCF. Michelle’s peeps ran for her and all the warriors. John says his volunteer fundraising efforts are his way of doing something for Michelle. Just because he didn’t know of resources during Michelle’s treatment, doesn’t mean he can’t help now. What he has learned, he wishes could have helped Michelle, but he works to help educate others in her honor. John continues to spread awareness about the Mutations Matter program, and has sought help from his local state representatives to seek support and additional funding.



It is a great honor and privilege to recognize John McDonald as Volunteer of the Month !

Thank you to the Dan King Memorial Fund. On October 6th, the group presented the Foundation with a check for $5,500. Dan King passed away on May 11, 2017 of cholangiocarcinoma. His family and friends now honor his memory by raising funds for the Foundation, and this year marked their third annual event. This generous donation will help us make progress in our mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma.

Friends of Cait Telaak, a cholangiocarcinoma warrior who we lost this year, held a charity event fundraiser in her honor. The Soup and Chili Cookoff raised over $1,400 in just a few hours. Thank you to Essendant, each supporter, and the entire community outreach team.

Mike McKechnie runs through rain and wind in honor of his brother-in-law, John Panciocco, and greets his family after the Ocean State Marathon in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

TeamCCF competed in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 13th. Eighteen runners braved the wind and the cold. Together the team did an amazing job and raised $50,000. In addition to the marathon team, Christopher Wampler of Moseley, Virginia competed in the Charlottesville Classic Half Marathon. He and his family raised over $2,800.



Mike McKechnie of Norfolk, Massachusetts competed in the 5th Annual Ocean State Marathon in Narragansett. McKechnie ran in honor of his brother-in-law, John Panciocco, who recently passed away from cholangiocarcinoma. McKechnie raised over $4,300!

Next month, TeamCCF will have runners in the New York City Marathon; the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon, 8k; the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, 8k; and the CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot.

If you are interested in joining TeamCCF for the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, please contact [email protected] . We have 25 bibs available.



Thank you to all of our amazing runners! Your time and dedication are so appreciated!

Gail Mulleavy smiles and waves as she runs in honor of her late husband Stephen during the Chicago Marathon.

Mark Kesley greets fans as he runs his second Chicago Marathon with TeamCCF.

High fives all around as David McQueen runs to honor his late father-in-law Doug Williams in Chicago.

Diana Park is all smiles as she runs her second marathon for TeamCCF in Chicago.

Greeting the cheer squad, Sharon Keane celebrates and runs in honor of her late husband Arty in the Chicago Marathon.

The cheer squad team keeps the energy high.

A new Christmas ornament is here! Watch for early bird Awareness Store sales starting as early as November 15th.

Social Media Contributors

Please see Nirma Patel's video as example content.

Ruesch Symposium Volunteers