A Brief History

In 2023, we lost our friend Mark to Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that affects only about 10,000 people in the U.S. each year. Mark was 50, well below the typical diagnosis age. Because the disease is rarely caught early, survival rates remain devastatingly low. Since then, I have been hiking in his memory and raising funds for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF), the global non-profit dedicated to making this disease treatable.

2024, The One Day Hike. On April 20, I completed 50K, 31 miles along the C&O Canal Towpath. The fundraising goal was $5,150, a nod to Van Halen and to Mark, who would have turned 51 that year.

2025, Hike for Kins. I spent over 600 miles on the trail. We met our $10,300 goal in December, including unlocking a $2,000 matching gift from the Beyond Boundaries Initiative along the way.

Together, you have helped fund research, patient support, and awareness for a disease that needs far more attention than it gets. Thank you.

2026, The 30-Day Challenge

June 18 marks three years since Mark's passing. To honor him, I am joining the CCF 30-Mile Movement Challenge with a twist of my own.

Throughout the month of June, my Australian Shepherd Maple and I will hike at least 3 miles every day. Thirty days, ninety plus miles, one very tired and happy pup.

The CCF 30-Mile Movement Challenge invites participants to move 30 miles during June in any way they choose. Walk, run, bike, or move your own way. Every mile helps raise awareness and critical funds for research and patient support. Move in honor of someone, or simply to make a difference. Together, we are one step closer to a cure.

My 2026 goal: $3,333.

How you can help:

Mark's memory lives on through every step, every mile, and every dollar raised. Thanks for being part of the journey. I hope to see you on the trail.

Seth