Spring 2026 Newsletter

As we welcome April and the start of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to share a simple, heartfelt thank you. Your willingness to share your time, insight, and lived experience as a CholangioConnect Mentor brings comfort and clarity to patients and caregivers during their most uncertain moments. The steady presence you offer makes our community stronger every single day.


This month is a special opportunity to celebrate the compassion, empathy, and hope you extend so generously. Whether you’ve supported one connection or many, your influence is real and lasting. 


The Difference You Make: What Mentees Are Saying

Each month, we send a satisfaction survey to mentees who were matched with a mentor three months earlier. To date, 167 patients and caregivers have responded, and their feedback continues to highlight the importance of mentor connections.


Key survey takeaways:


  • 84% said having a mentor helped them cope with their cancer diagnosis, a loved one’s cancer, or their loss.
  • 79% reported that their mentor helped them find helpful information and resources.
  • 93% said they would recommend participating in the CholangioConnect program to others.


Below are just a few of the many kind messages shared by the people you’ve supported:


“Kindness abounds! What a great program.”


“Connecting with a mentor with the same cancer has been so important to my journey.”


“I feel more ready to cope with the future, whatever it is.”


“I have a wonderful support system with my wife and family, but speaking with someone who has actually gone through this helps me feel less isolated.”


“My mentor was able to give me very valuable advice and understanding. It helped me tremendously.”


“My mentor has been very proactive. He should get 100% on the effort and caring side.”


Upcoming Training

We’re excited to gather with many of you at the Annual Conference and especially look forward to hosting a Lunch & Learn created just for CholangioConnect Mentors.


Friday, May 1 | 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Salt Palace, Room 250 AB

Speaker: Chelsie Silveira, LCSW

Focus: Mental Health


During the Patient Day meal break, join us for a dedicated session designed to strengthen your confidence in supporting mentees as they navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. 


A lunch buffet will be available in the room so you can eat, connect with fellow mentors, and learn together.


Upcoming Training

Topic: BiomarkerHelp.com


Learn about this new web application that replaces Genomic Focus and helps cancer patients match biomarkers to trials, targeted therapies, and each other.


May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET


Presenter: Matt Reidy 


To register, please go to the Volunteer Resources webpage here.

CCA Awareness Month

Heartfelt thanks to every CholangioConnect Mentor, volunteer, and community member who helped raise awareness throughout February! Your dedication, advocacy, and willingness to share the message made a powerful impact. Below are just a few of the many photos you shared, capturing the meaningful ways you helped shine a light on cholangiocarcinoma and bring greater visibility to this rare disease.

Mentor Spotlight

Patrick Corrigan

Luca D’Anna

Elisabeth Baucells

See You in Salt Lake City!

Save the Date for the 13th Annual Conference: May 1-3, 2026


We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City for the 2026 Annual Conference, which will also mark CCF’s 20th anniversary.

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