
Providing hope to cholangiocarcinoma patients through funding research, mentoring, and advocacy
Grapevine by Mary Colarik
Social media is no longer a place just for teenagers and young adults to post photos, selfies and whereabouts. It has permeated the mainstream. Recently, Akron Community Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary, so the organization decided to do a bit of merrymaking by delivering party boxes to approximately 30 of their small fund holders and major community organizations with instructions to “Throw a party!” They posted the party photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Among those commemorating the 60th anniversary were two separate groups in Bath Township.
The Bath Country Journal: July 2015
PAGES 35-36
Five years ago, shortly after Lisa Craine was diagnosed with a rare bile duct cancer, she wanted to start a fund to help with cancer research. Akron Community Foundation offered to help her raise money and awareness of her uncommon cancer. Thus, in 2012, Craine’s Cholangiocarcinoma Crew Fund was born. During the last three years the fund has grown to $56,000 and has provided a $15,000 grant to the Cleveland Clinic.
The party box arrived at her home complete with cake and all sorts of fun party goodies, with instructions to post her party photos on social media with the hashtag, #ACF60. Craine and her husband David invited the participants who run for the fund in the Akron Marathon to observe their third anniversary and kick off this year’s fundraising project while gearing up for the marathon. Partygoers included Phil and Lisa Dregalla, Laura Fink and Steve Lederer, Diana and Molly McShannic, Jacob Craine and MacKenzie Viscomi and Cleveland Clinic physician John Fung (whom Craine considers her hero for saving her life) and his wife.

Lisa Craine (center) and crew join
ACF’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Photo by M. Colarik