Join us for this regional event benefitting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, CCF while bringing awareness to this insidious, silent killer. Cholangiocarcinoma, CC or bile duct cancer, with 20,000 new cases a year and the THIRD leading cause of ALL cancer deaths, is increasing in children and adults 4% per year and no one knows why. Bile duct cancer, grouped as a “liver cancer”, is often labeled a silent disease because most times the signs and symptoms go unnoticed until the cancer is in the advanced stages. Even when there are early signs and symptoms, they may be vague and easily attributed to another disease. This race is also in honor of Michelle McDonald who was taken at age 47 by this disease, following a heroic five-month battle with this disease, leaving behind a new husband and 2 kids to support those battling CC today and tomorrow.
There are hundreds of thousands of rare cancer stories like this every year. From 2012 to 2016, 75% of clinical trials did not include any rare cancers by name. As of 2018, 79% of cancer patients lacking an FDA-approved targeted therapy had a rare cancer. Due to the CCF funding research, the FIRST targeted cholangiocarcinoma drug was approved by the FDA in 2020 with more in clinical trials. Additional funds raised means more targeted research and with that comes greater opportunity for advancements in treatment options and potentially the silver bullet cure. In order for that to happen, there needs to be funding to back up these programs. Each and every donor plays a role in buying more time, more treatment options, and within the next 10 years…. finding a cure.
Can’t wait to see you at the family-friendly event hosted by Michelle’s family and friends in Taylor, Texas. Let’s get individuals, families, and friends all out to the starting line on race day for a great time celebrating life and family.
Michelle called us all "peeps". It's Texas! It's August!. We know it will be HOT! As Michelle said, "Train Hard or Go Home" so let's get 'er done! We look forward to the challenge and celebration with you! This is a chip-timed 5k Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash (Kids' of all ages!).
