While Kirstin Erni hails from the Chicago area, she was born in Switzerland, moved to Michigan for a time, and loves to travel. A trip to Mexico with friends is one of her favorite memories. She is an athlete and grew up playing and watching sports of all kinds. Kirstin earned a teaching degree and now currently works as a director of a preschool with 18 classrooms of six-week to six-year-olds, which keeps her extremely busy.

Only three weeks post-diagnosis, Kirstin lost her mother, Mary, to cholangiocarcinoma on Christmas Eve of 2018. It happened so eminently quickly. Kirstin shares, "We barely had time to even process what was happening. It was an experience I hope that no one else has to ever go through. With this being said, running has truly saved my life. It has helped me find a purpose in life without my mom and my best friend." Kirstin began her work as a TeamCCF fundraising volunteer the following summer when she ran the 2019 Chicago Half Marathon for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

Kirstin explained that by volunteering, she was helping herself through the grieving process. The time training to race helped her turn a corner and get out of some of the sadness from the loss of her mother. Kirstin's father was also devastated after the loss of his wife. Kirstin and her brother could both see it. Kirstin's dad always had loved coaching her as a child in her sports, so she decided to sign up for a half marathon, and her dad became her coach again. He sent her training tips and tricks and even information about the very best shoes to wear. When Kirstin's dad came to the marathon, she could see how this had made a difference for him. He was so incredibly proud of her actions.

Kirstin has also trained and ran the 2020 Chicago Marathon, technically canceled due to COVID-19, but she still ran it independently despite the shutdown. She raised over $5,500 during the race. Running her first marathon was definitely arduous, yet Kirstin has already decided to run again in 2021, this time hoping to feel the energy of the great city of Chicago with her.

For Kirstin, there are several benefits of volunteering. She enjoys staying in shape physically. She also enjoys the time training, as she uses it as a time to remember her mom - to connect with her and even have a cry when she needs it. Kirstin fundraises to find a cure for cholangiocarcinoma so that others will have a brighter future. It is a great honor and privilege to recognize Kirstin Erni as volunteer of the month.

Our friend Steve, who was really shaken by John's quick decline and death, proposed the memorial ride, but we were still in the midst of the pandemic. So we were patient, and as things began to improve Covid-wise, we settled on a date for the ride.  I knew I wanted to raise awareness, so I asked Steve if I could hijack the ride and make it also an awareness campaign, and the rest is history. The original target of $3400 was how many years John and I had been together (34 years), but we hit that so quickly, I raised it to $5200, 1952 being the year John was born. Family and friends, old and new, and many were friends, co-workers, acquaintances we hadn't seen in years. were so unbelievably generous and supportive. I knew John was loved and highly regarded, but DAMN! I cry a lot when I think about the response to him!

We encourage the cholangiocarcinoma community to visit the yearly ASCO library and read the presented abstracts https://meetinglibrary.asco.org/session/13627. Also, to know more about these trails, please visit the https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

TeamCCF is excited to announce that we are an official charity of the TCS New York City Marathon and the Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8k. If you are interested in either race, please email meredith@cholangiocarcinoma.org or visit TeamCCF.org for more information.

Our Chicago marathon runners are now 4 weeks into their training. This team is amazing and has already raised over $28,000! Learn about our Chicago runners by reading their personal fundraising pages: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/CCFChicago

In commemorating CCF's 15th anniversary, CCF pauses to reflect on its beginnings, celebrates the growth, and focuses on the need to create improved research in finding a cure. CCF recently introduced year-long activities and goals in honor of its anniversary. In 2021, CCF will work to fundraise an additional $150,000, specifically for research. You are invited to join us by texting CCFturns15 to 41444. CCF has big goals for 2021, together we know it is possible!

CCF is seeking donated auction items for the online auction event that begins Sept 25th - Oct 2nd. Your donation can help us raise $150,000 for critically needed research! Make a gift and change a life.

Suggested list of items can be found here. Please send items to:

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

5526 West 13400 South #510

Herriman UT 84096

To photograph and prepare items for purchase, kindly have items shipped before August 1st. Contact laura.hnat@cholangiocarcinoma.org with any questions.

Early bird sign up continues until noon (MT) on Friday, July 2. Sign up now and getting moving for the cure with TeamCCF!

Moving for the Cure, allows participants in any area, of any age, and of any athletic ability to raise money through an athletic event of their choosing. You can choose to run, bike, walk, play a game of volleyball, host a dance party, or rollerblade.

This 4^th annual, IN-PERSON or virtual, race is accepting registrations NOW! Packet and shirt pick-up begins at 6:30 am with the chipped race starting promptly 7:30 am.

100% of the net proceeds will help the CCF, the leading global CC nonprofit, to fund research to find a cure and improve the quality of life for CCA patients. This is a family-friendly event hosted by Michelle’s family and friends to celebrate life, family, and wellness. In 2019, participation almost doubled from 2018 and the race was featured on KEYE TV in Austin. 

On Christmas Eve, 2019 Matt, at the age of 35, passed away from a rare, aggressive form of cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma. Because Cholangiocarcinoma is rare, it lacks the awareness and funding necessary to conduct clinical trials and research that provide treatment options and hope for patients inflicted by this devestating disease. In partnership with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, we’re going to change that narrative.

In it’s inauguaral year, A Matter of Hope raised over $20,000 for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. With your help, we will surpass that total this year! Join us in raising money in one of Matt’s favorite ways: with live music, food, drinks, games, and connecting with each other on his favorite day of the week…Saturday!