Winter 2026 Newsletter

As we welcome a new year and a new season of connection, we’re delighted to bring you this edition of our CholangioConnect Newsletter. This issue is filled with resources, inspiring stories, and opportunities to raise awareness and support our community.

Thank you for the compassion, encouragement, and steady presence you offer to others. Together, we continue to build a community anchored in hope, understanding, and the belief that no one should face cholangiocarcinoma alone.

Introducing the NEW CholangioConnect Mentor Handbook!

We are excited to share the newly updated CholangioConnect Mentor Handbook, created to support and empower every mentor. This refreshed guide offers clear expectations, practical communication tips, and guidance for navigating mentorship with confidence and care. Whether you're a seasoned mentor or a newly onboarded one, the handbook is designed to strengthen your ability to provide support to your mentees. 

Highlights:

• Links to “Listen to an Expert” video clips from experienced mentors. 
• How to balance providing hope while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. 
• Guidance on managing difficult conversations related to mental health challenges and supporting those nearing the end of life or their caregivers. 
• Answers to commonly asked questions. 
• Caring for yourself while caring for others. 

Upcoming Training

Registration for both sessions will be opening soon on

the Volunteer Resources Page.

Volunteer Opportunities

Awareness Month:

CCA Awareness Month is just one month away! Join us as we unite to make a difference! For up-to-date information on Light It Green, proclamation requests, sharing your story, and more, visit our Awareness Month webpage. 

A simple way to raise awareness and spark conversations is to wear CCF merchandise. You can order a CCF Anniversary Shirt for Awareness here, featuring the special CCF 20th Anniversary logo on the back, along with our signature tagline: "Strength in Community, Hope in Research.”

National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, an opportunity to recognize the influence of mentors in the cholangiocarcinoma community. By sharing your story, you can inspire others to make a difference.

The Mentorship Matters flyer includes sample messages to help spread the word about the power of connection through CholangioConnect. We’ve also included suggested hashtags to enhance the visibility of our collective voice, as well as other ways you can show your support.

Mentor Spotlight

Meet bereaved caregiver mentors Dorian and Jade McGowan 

A New Year, A New Frame: The Power of Gratitude

As we step into the new year, many of us think about resolutions and ways to grow, heal, support, and connect with others. One resolution that’s simple, sustaining, and can be deeply transformative is to cultivate gratitude. Whether it’s through journaling, reflection, expressing gratitude to someone, or simply pausing to notice beauty, gratitude can shape how we perceive ourselves, our community, and our future.

Click here to learn more about incorporating gratitude into your routine.

You're receiving this email because you signed up via our site. Ensure it keeps coming.