Rare Cancer Organization Runs for a Cure at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon
AstraZeneca announced as Gold Level Sponsor in support of rare cancer research
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) is proud to announce its fundraising through fitness initiative Team CCF’s participation in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12 and the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on November 2. These endurance events bring together athletes, advocates, and families who are running to raise awareness and accelerate research for cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer.
This year, 34 Team CCF runners will take on the streets of Chicago, while 18 runners will represent the Foundation in New York City. Together, they carry a shared mission to build strength in the community through awareness of this often overlooked rare disease and hope in research by raising funds to help accelerate treatment, patient programs, and advancement toward a cure.
Team CCF has participated in these world-class marathons for 8 years, raising more than $1.85 million to fund critical research and support. When CCF was founded almost 20 years ago, there was no federal funding for this aggressive disease. Over the years, the organization has developed a Research Fellowship program, funding innovative research that has led to advancements across the field. Also, building an international coalition of scientists dedicated to the disease, the organization has been a part of seven FDA-approved treatments for cholangiocarcinoma.
“To say running for Team CCF ‘gives me hope’ doesn’t fully capture its impact,” said Krissy Schafer, who is running in honor of her mother, Patty Schafer. “Team CCF has given me a new definition of hope: It’s reshaped how I see resilience, brought my family closer, and shown me the power of a community that turns pain into progress. Every mile is a tribute to my mom’s courage and a promise to families still searching for answers.”
The Foundation thanks AstraZeneca, Team CCF’s Gold Level sponsor, for its generous support. Their sponsorship strengthens CCF’s mission and enhances visibility for the urgent need to develop high-quality treatments for rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma.
Cholangiocarcinoma is often diagnosed at late stages, leaving patients with few treatment options. Events like these are vital for fundraising, raising awareness, building community, and bringing hope to families across the globe. To learn more about Team CCF or to support a runner, visit https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/team-ccf/.
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About the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation:
Founded in 2006, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is a global 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for cholangiocarcinoma patients. The Foundation is also part of a global alliance and partners with institutions in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Italy, Denmark, Japan, and other countries. For more information, please visit our website at cholangiocarcinoma.org. You may also contact CCF Director of Communications Karen Templeton at karen.templeton@cholangiocarcinoma.org.