They plan to kick off their road trip in SLC, Utah where the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation was founded.

Dave Fleischer, a volunteer and supporter of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF), plans to spend 6 weeks driving across the country to raise awareness of cancer that claimed the life of his daughter, Sarah Bennett. The 15,000 Mile Journey of Hope is part of the 15th Anniversary Celebration of CCF.

CCF, the leading global resource for research, education, and public awareness for cholangiocarcinoma (cca) patients, is celebrating their 15th Anniversary.

CCF’s anniversary theme is Crystal Clear Hope. Dave, joined by his wife Linda for part of the trip, is taking this journey in recognition of the anniversary and in memory of daughter Sarah Bennett, who passed away from cca in 2018. During this road trip they hope to spread awareness, raise funds for research and bring hope to patients, caregivers and others along the way.

The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, will feature visits to 15 towns named Hope, stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, and get togethers with other patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah’s life. “Sarah made so many connections in the cholangiocarcinoma community from across the county and the world. These patients, affectionately known as warriors, have built an incredibly strong network of support for one another,” said Dave.

“I thought this road trip would be a great way to honor the memory of my daughter, Sarah Bennett,” said Dave. “Since I am retired and love to drive I decided to plan a 15,000- mile Journey of Hope. My wife Linda and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this. We are so thankful to CCF for everything they do to support patients and the entire CCF community. We feel honored to spread awareness of cholangiocarcinoma, as well as hope along this journey. I can’t think of anything better to be doing right now. I know Sarah would have loved to do this trip with us.”

During this road trip, Dave plans to drive a grand total of 15,000 miles, interact with a variety of people across the country, distribute CCF swag to stops to offer hope to current cca patients, caregivers and staff members. He will also be visiting a number of hospitals and research facilities working on a cure for cca. In addition, he will stop in at least 15 of the U.S. towns named Hope, drive on Interstate 15, stop at CCF headquarters, and a variety of state and county route 15’s.

Stacie Lindsey, Founder, and CEO said, “Dave and Linda are a huge inspiration to the CCF community. We are so thankful to them for putting this event together which will provide hope to our diverse community made up of patients, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, donors, and others along the trip. Together this community is working to find a cure for this deadly disease.”

Sponsors of the event include QED Therapeutics, Incyte, Taiho, Zymeworks, Dave Fleischer, Ken Garff Honda Orem, and Promotion In Motion. More information, including itinerary, can be found on our Journey of Hope webpage. Dave’s road trip will begin on May 20, 2021 and end on June 30, 2021.

About cholangiocarcinoma:

Cholangiocarcinoma, a highly lethal rare cancer with a poor prognosis, arises from the bile ducts in the liver. With approximately 10,000 cases a year being diagnosed in the United States, cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer in the world. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is only minimally effective, emphasizing the imminent need for novel therapies.

About the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation:

Founded in 2006, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) is a global 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer. CCF supports basic & translational research and raises awareness in the cholangiocarcinoma community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and research. For more information, please visit our website.