Pam and Kim - Volunteering as a Family Affair
Sisters Pam and Kim have excellent reasons for wanting to be involved, and their experience with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is helping make the path less lonely for others. These sisters share their reasons for why and how being involved strengthens the community.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Kim Conti: I currently live in Woodbridge, New Jersey, with my husband of 23 years, Nick. I worked for 32 years as an occupational therapist at a rehabilitation hospital, specializing in upper extremity conditions. Now retired, I enjoy going to the gym, traveling, gardening, and volunteering for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
Pam Fisher: I’m originally from New Jersey, spent 28 years in North Carolina, and now reside in Florida with my husband, Bob, and our rescue dog, Bailey. I retired from Duke 3 years ago, where I was a Compliance Specialist for outpatient coding. I was diagnosed with stage 4, ICCA, on December 15, 2021, making me an almost 5-year survivor.
How have you been involved with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation?
Kim: After attending the 2026 CCF Conference, I was inspired to volunteer for this wonderful organization. I am a member of the newly formed NYC CARE Team, a volunteer for the CCF Community Awareness program, and a mentor to other caregivers. In these roles, I have been reaching out via email and mail to healthcare CEOs, social workers, oncologists, surgeons, and program directors at various cancer institutes across New Jersey.
Pam: I have volunteered as a patient mentor for the past 3 years, having 14 mentees over that time. I am now also involved as a Community Awareness Volunteer and am helping start a CARE Team here in South Florida. I’m very excited about all the possibilities to raise more awareness of cholangiocarcinoma and help others.
What has been the most meaningful part of your involvement?
Kim: I am passionate about helping my sister, Pam, and others affected by cholangiocarcinoma, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. I have the time, skills, and perseverance to make a meaningful difference, and I genuinely enjoy helping others. I currently mentor two caregivers, an experience that I find rewarding. Supporting them has shown me how valuable it can be to offer encouragement and guidance during a difficult journey.
Pam: Wanting to do something meaningful in the face of my diagnosis, and after surviving the worst of my treatments, I decided that it was time to give back by volunteering as a patient mentor. I felt that with everything that I had been through, maybe I could help someone else. At that time, I had no idea how much I needed this connection, because up until then, I had not had contact with anyone else who knew what it was like to be me. One of the biggest surprises was that while I thought that I would be helping someone else, it helped me just as much, maybe even more.
Being a mentor is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, but also one of the most heartbreaking when someone I care about loses their battle. But I would not trade doing this work for the world. There are far too many blessings that come from it, and far too many people who need the connection and need hope.
What message would you like to share with others in the cholangiocarcinoma community?
Kim: CCF is a supportive organization that welcomes volunteers to help spread awareness and support its initiatives. They never pressure you to do more than you’re comfortable with, and they truly appreciate whatever time, energy, or skills you’re able to offer. They’re also incredibly supportive throughout the process, so please don’t hesitate to get involved in whatever way works best for you. Every contribution makes a difference, and you will meet some wonderful people along the way.
Pam: What message would you like to share with others in the cholangiocarcinoma community?
While the journey can be difficult, never give up hope!!! The CCF, researchers, and physicians are working tirelessly to help us to have a better quality of life while they work towards a cure. We are a strong community full of people who just want to help and support you.
How do you stay motivated and hopeful in this work?
Kim: Although my sister, Pam, is doing well nearly five years after her diagnosis, I know that many others are not as fortunate and do not have as much time. I realize that the more I can do for the Foundation, the more we can raise awareness, support those affected, and hopefully one day find a cure. I truly enjoy working closely with other volunteers and being part of a team to make a meaningful difference.
Pam: Since I have been extremely fortunate to be doing so well, my “my why” is that I am supposed to help others in any way I can. While I do have moments where I wonder if I’m making a difference, I am reminded again and again that I am. Sometimes it’s just answering a question, or simply letting someone know that I understand, and that I care.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Kim: Don’t be afraid to volunteer! It’s a truly rewarding experience, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet so many great people along the way. Most importantly, the work you do can make a real difference in this community.
Pam: I was extremely fortunate to find the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and get access to all of its resources on the very day I was told my diagnosis. Because of that, I was prepared for what to expect. I was also extremely fortunate to live near and get my oncology treatment at Duke, a CCF-designated facility specializing in cholangiocarcinoma. I know that not everyone has access to a specialist, but I strongly recommend at least getting a second opinion from one. And lastly, Never Give Up Hope!
