June 30-Mile Challenge Raises $112,351

Together, We Went Far: June 30-Mile Challenge Raises $112,351

Behind every mile logged this June was a name. A person. A reason to keep going.

The 2026 30-Mile Challenge brought together patients, survivors, family members, and friends from across the country, all moving with purpose for someone they love. And this year, the stories behind those miles took our breath away.

Participants moved for all kinds of reasons and in all kinds of ways. Survivors celebrated milestones and marked anniversaries. Transplant recipients moved in gratitude and in honor of those still waiting. Family members and friends walked for loved ones near and far, some in the middle of a battle, some carrying a memory. This community showed up as caregivers and friends, people celebrating hope and people holding grief, often at the same time. Whatever brought each person to this challenge, one thing was clear: every mile meant something to someone.

Together, you raised $112,351, surpassing our $100,000 goal before the month even ended. Every dollar raised will go directly toward CCF’s mission: funding life-saving research, supporting patients and families, and working toward a cure for a disease that changes lives in an instant.

We also want to offer a special congratulations to our top fundraisers, whose dedication and generosity helped lead the charge:

Scott Workman, $6,042
Conor McManus, $5,066
Dawn Ruppel, $4,761

We are so honored to share their reflections:

“It feels wonderful to have an opportunity to give back and to feel the strength of this community… None of this was easy. My body and I have an uneasy peace often negotiated by a third party, pain. It felt worthwhile. The charitable foundation has helped many like me stay in the fight longer using information and advocacy as power. They also support research for this rare cancer. I hope someday others will face fewer challenges and live longer.”
– Scott Workman

“The 30-mile challenge was a reminder for me every day – a reminder of what our family went through with my dad (who passed away only 2 months after his tumors were first detected) – a reminder of how long it took to finally identify his cancer as cholangiocarcinoma – but also a reminder that we are doing this and supporting CCF so that families can have a better experience in the future – with the hope that more research will be able to help identify CC earlier in patients like my dad, and the hope that more treatment options can become available even when the cancer is identified in later stages after it has already spread.” – Conor McManus

“Joining the June Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation 30 Mile Challenge gave me purpose. Walking the 45 miles in Ken’s memory became a steady, reflective practice for my mental health during a difficult time. As he passed on April 28, 2026 just 2 days shy of his birthday.  Keeping myself outside, or on the treadmill when I traveled in early June for work, and focused on one step at a time—gave my mind space to breathe, and it offered me a positive way to honor him. Finding ways to celebrate Ken and share stories of him are very important to me. 

As I walked, I listened to Ken’s favorite music and let it open the door to important memories and moments I could feel fully, even while grieving. I’m very grateful that 78 donors came alongside this effort, helping raise $4,761, because it reminded me that love can be both personal and shared for a very important cause.”
– Dawn Ruppel

Your commitment inspired everyone around you. Thank you for showing up in such a remarkable way.

In total, 379 fundraising pages were created across Facebook and GoFundMe. Each one of you made a difference. Your steps gave hope. Your voices raised awareness. Your actions fueled progress.

At CCF, we believe in the power of community. The 2026 30-Mile Challenge proved once again just how much we can accomplish when we move forward together.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Interested in supporting CCF’s mission through your own fundraiser or challenge? We’d love to hear from you. Learn more at cholangiocarcinoma.org or contact Kaitlin Chamberlain at [email protected].