Community Champions Spotlight: Des Moines and Beyond
This month, we’re highlighting not just one—but three Community Champions whose commitment to raising awareness and supporting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation brought people together across central Iowa. While their efforts started from different personal experiences, their stories intersected in powerful and unexpected ways, reminding us of the strength found in community. From hosting fundraisers in memory of a beloved friend, to educating the public, to mentoring others currently facing this disease, Sue Huber, Michele Brott, and Rebecca Backstrom each show what it means to channel difficult experiences into action and turn hope into progress.
A remarkable part of these efforts is that Sue did not know Michele and Rebecca but felt compelled to reach out after seeing their fundraising page. The three teamed up and worked together to contact the media to publicize cholangiocarcinoma awareness. They attended each other’s events, and Michele said having Sue, a survivor, at their event made it even more meaningful. They celebrated Michelle Gazzo’s life and told the attendees that the money raised would help people like Sue. It was a beautiful testament to hope in action. Michele has since gotten involved in research efforts and promotes the CCF Patient Registry. Patients can join and help advance research and keep their records in one place for ease when joining clinical trials or seeking second opinions. Caregivers can participate on behalf of their loved ones, sharing those records to help strengthen a legacy. Learn more here.
Sue Huber – Survivor, Mentor, Fundraiser
Sue planned and hosted Sue’s Circle of Hope to celebrate her 4 years of survival past diagnosis and to raise awareness and funds for cholangiocarcinoma research and patient programs. Community members rallied to support of her journey with a fundraiser that included a taco bar, silent auction, panel of cancer survivors, and a special appearance by Dr. Richard Deming, oncologist and founder of Above + Beyond Cancer. Learn more here.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Des Moines, Iowa. I have three children who also live in Des Moines and one grandson who’s 2 ½—I babysit him two days a week. I love spending time in my garden, volunteering, or being with family and friends. I worked as an occupational therapist for Des Moines Public Schools for 28 years before retiring in 2022. I also work at the Des Moines Civic Center, where I get to see Broadway shows—I just saw Hamilton four times!
How have you been involved with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation?
The Foundation has been a great support to me. I’ve attended two Annual Conferences and was part of the first Epic Experience camp, which was transformational. I had a wonderful mentor when my cancer metastasized to my lungs. Chemo has helped keep me stable, so now I feel ready to give back. I became a mentor to others with distal cholangiocarcinoma and decided to organize a fundraiser. I booked a park shelter, rallied family and friends, and we made it happen.
What has been the most meaningful part of your involvement?
During the fundraiser, we held a speaker panel and shared information about cholangiocarcinoma, research needs, and patient support. People really listened and thanked me for raising awareness. I was overwhelmed by the turnout—it was standing room only—and we more than doubled our $10,000 goal, raising $20,000 for the Foundation.
What message would you like to share with others in the cholangiocarcinoma community?
I was lucky—my cancer was found early, at stage 2, and I was able to have surgery. While it has metastasized to my lungs, my liver remains clear, which is unusual. I know many are diagnosed at stage 4 and cannot have surgery, and I have deep empathy. I hope the funds we raised help change that reality.
How do you stay motivated and hopeful in this work?
My cholangiocarcinoma family keeps me going.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If I can convince my friends and family, I’d love to make this an annual event. Next June will be my five-year cancerversary.
Michele Brott – Friend, Advocate, Fundraiser
Michelle and Rebecca Backstrom hosted a peaceful community yoga session “Peace, Love, and a Cure” to honor the memory of their friend Michelle Marie Gazzo, who passed away at age 39 from cholangiocarcinoma. The day was spent with quiet reflection, community connection, and raising critical funds in Michelle Gazzo’s memory to help patients and advance research. Learn more here.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from the Des Moines area and live here with my husband Joe and our two kids, Lillian (8) and Lucas (6). I work as an attorney for Pella Corporation.
How have you been involved with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation?
After our dear friend Michelle Gazzo passed away in 2024, my friend Rebecca hosted a birthday fundraiser in her honor. But we felt we had to do more. In June 2025, we hosted Peace, Love, and a Cure—a yoga in the park fundraiser to celebrate Michelle’s life and carry on her desire to find a cure. I also participated in a Mayo Clinic study, donating blood to support early detection research.
What has been the most meaningful part of your involvement?
Bringing people together. At our event, we met Sue, who is currently living with this disease. Her presence added energy and hope. The fundraiser was also a reunion of Michelle’s friends, family, and coworkers—many of us hadn’t seen each other since her celebration of life. It was healing, and it gave us a way to turn our grief into action.
What message would you like to share with others in the cholangiocarcinoma community?
It’s okay to say it’s not fair, because it’s not. But we can say that while still being strong and optimistic. You may be in the chair fighting this disease, but you are not alone. We are with you.
How do you stay motivated and hopeful in this work?
Grief can be a powerful motivator. I remember Michelle saying how overwhelmed and thankful she felt at the Mayo Clinic—knowing how many people dedicate their lives to helping others. I want to be part of returning that feeling to others.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Cholangiocarcinoma took Michelle from us so quickly—it was heartbreaking. But she needed a community. This work matters.
Rebecca Backstrom – Friend, Organizer, Advocate
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Rebecca Backstrom. I’m from Des Moines and live in Bondurant with my husband Sam. I’m a mom to three beautiful girls: Aurora, Lizzy, and Willow.
How have you been involved with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation?
Just days after Michelle’s passing, I held a small Facebook fundraiser that raised $1,600. But it didn’t feel like enough. We needed to do more—so we planned Peace, Love, and a Cure to bring our community together and raise awareness.
What has been the most meaningful part of your involvement?
Meeting Sue Huber. Before connecting with her, I had only known cholangiocarcinoma through loss. Knowing that people like Sue are fighting and thriving gave me purpose. It made me want to push harder for awareness and funding.
What message would you like to share with others in the cholangiocarcinoma community?
You are not alone. There are people like Sue, and people like us, who care and want to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. Until there’s a cure, this will be my purpose and passion.
How do you stay motivated and hopeful in this work?
Again, Sue. She reminds me what’s possible—and how much more we need to do.
Anything else you’d like to add?
This cancer took my friend and a big piece of me with her. Cancers that don’t get as much attention still matter. Michelle was one of the healthiest people I knew—she looked well but had to fight to be taken seriously. We need more awareness, better education, and stronger voices. We’re in this together. Peace. Love. Cure.