Funding is a problem that many rare diseases face when it comes to research. Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is no exception. Because of this, it is often left to the efforts of patient organizations and dedicated patients or their loved ones. Most recently, Ruth Stage Inc. has pledged to donate a portion of its ticket sales from their upcoming performance of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

About the Fundraiser

Ruth Stage Inc. is a nonprofit theater company based out of New York, and they have recently announced their decision to donate a portion of their sales to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. They will be performing the three-act show, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” which will run for 35 shows in the January 2022 season.

While the show is not set to premiere until next year, the partnership itself will launch on October 26 of this year in the form of a benefit event. Within this event, the theater company will run through a rehearsal of the show, along with a dinner, charity auction, open bar, and desserts. You can find tickets here.

Additionally, a special show will premiere on January 29, 2022 in which all of the proceeds will be donated to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

Ruth Stage Inc. made this commitment to the foundation after Matt de Rogatis, the chairman and creative director, was personally touched by cholangiocarcinoma. Last year, one of his friends was diagnosed with the rare cancer. Matt wanted to help in the only way he knew how, and he is hopeful that this new partnership will be able to make a tangible difference for patients.

About Chalangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is bile duct cancer. It is a rare cancer that typically affects people who are over age 50, but it has the potential to develop at any age. It is classified into three different types, depending on where the cancer occurs in the bile ducts. Intraheptic takes place in the part of the duct where the liver is. Due to its proximity to the liver, it is sometimes classified as a type of liver cancer. Hilar occurs right outside of the liver, and distal happens in the duct closest to the small intestine.

If one has cholangiocarcinoma they may experience jaundice, intense itching, fatigue, abdominal pain, white-colored stool, and unintentional weight loss. These symptoms occur due to a mutation in the DNA that causes cells to rapidly grow and multiply, forming a tumor. While the cause of cholangiocarcinoma is unknown, there are known risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. Older age, smoking, primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic liver disease, a liver parasite, and bile duct problems that were present at birth are all risk factors. After a diagnosis is confirmed treatments include surgery, a liver transplant, chemotherapy, radiation, photodynamic therapy, and biliary drainage. Symptomatic care is also important for the treatment of this cancer.

Find the source article here.