Spring 2025 Newsletter

As we honor Volunteer Appreciation Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for dedicating your time, experience, and compassion to support those affected by cholangiocarcinoma. Your commitment and guidance make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families, offering hope and encouragement. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and strength within our community—your efforts truly embody the spirit of connection and care that CholangioConnect represents. 

How your volunteer service is making a difference:

Each month, we send satisfaction surveys to mentees connected with a mentor three months ago. To date, 144 patients and caregivers have responded to the survey. Some key takeaways from the survey include:

84%

agreed that having a mentor helped them cope with cancer, a loved one’s cancer, or their loss.

77%

reported that their mentor helped them access the information and resources they needed.

91%

recommend participating in the CholangioConnect program to others.

Here are just a few of the many positive comments we’ve received from those you’ve mentored:

• “They bring added HOPE, quell fears, answer questions, and offer suggestions.”
• “She validated what I was feeling and assured me it would get better with time, and it did. She gave me such invaluable information.”
• “It was so reassuring to hear that they have walked in these same shoes and to give me hope.”
• “I know my dad’s prognosis is very poor, and there isn’t much time left. My mentor has helped me to accept that and find meaning, comfort, and hope for the days we do have.”
• “It’s great to have someone you can text or call on bad days, who totally understands where you’re coming from. My mentor and I share tears and comfort each other through the journey.”

Mentor Spotlight

Kathy Virgallito

Shawn Wheeler 

Resource Highlights

• Nutrition Myth vs. Fact Sheet
• Mike Shane Fund

The Mike Shane Fund helps patients receive a remote second opinion on their cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis. The first diagnosis may not always provide the full picture. Seeking a second opinion offers an opportunity for additional collaboration, more potential treatment options, and greater clarity, which can benefit the patient physically, emotionally, and financially. Even just confirming a diagnosis can provide peace of mind. The Second Opinion Myth vs. Fact Sheet has more information on this. 

• Triage Cancer

Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers through events, materials, and resources.

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