Summer 2025 Newsletter

As a CholangioConnect mentor, the support and hope you offer others is truly life-changing. But even the most compassionate hearts need time to rest and recharge. We want you to focus on you too—your well-being and your peace of mind. 

Mentor Self-Care Strategies

Supporting others can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s essential to prioritize your well-being as well. Here are eight effective self-care strategies to help you recharge and maintain your resilience:

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around your time and availability. This will help prevent burnout and allow you to engage fully during your mentoring sessions.

• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your daily routine. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve your focus.

• Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise is vital for mental and physical health. Find an activity you enjoy, whether walking, yoga, or dancing, and aim for at least 30 minutes each day.

• Connect with Peers: Maintain relationships with your fellow mentors and peers. Sharing experiences and discussing challenges can provide valuable support and perspective. An easy way to interact and stay connected is by joining the CholangioConnect Mentor Facebook group!

• Schedule “Me Time”: Make it a priority to dedicate time to yourself regularly. Use this time for hobbies, relaxation, or anything that brings you joy—free from obligations or distractions.

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental to well-being. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water to keep your energy levels up.

• Reflect and Journal: Spend some time reflecting on your experiences and feelings. Journaling can provide a tremendous outlet for processing your thoughts and emotions.

• Seek Support: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the CholangioConnect Team at CCF. We can provide tools and resources to support your emotional health.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. By incorporating these self-care strategies into your routine, you can be the best mentor possible while ensuring your health and happiness.

To register for training, visit the Volunteer Resources webpage, here.

Mentor Spotlight

Bushra Majid recently joined the CholangioConnect Team as our first mentor from Pakistan.

Click here to read about her journey with cholangiocarcinoma as a caregiver for her grandfather.

New CCF Resource

Thanks to our sponsor, AstraZeneca, we have a new resource to support grieving families. The Grief Care Kit project provides practical, age-appropriate resources for families to support grieving children and young adults (up to age 25) who have lost a loved one to cholangiocarcinoma. The free kits can be ordered here.

Resource Highlights

American Cancer Society - Road To Recovery®

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program eases the burden by giving free rides to cancer-related medical appointments. Connect with them by calling 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about availability.

American Cancer Society - Patient Lodging Programs

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge® communities offer free lodging at 30+ locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. 

Patient Empowerment Network Financial Resource Activity Guide

This guide is organized into four key sections:

1. Financial Resources for Newly Diagnosed Patients
2. Financial Assistance and Budgeting
3. Life Insurance
4. Putting It All Together

Each section provides a general overview, along with detailed help sheets and/or links to additional resources. 

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