“My journey began in 2010 when I was diagnosed with stage IV cholangiocarcinoma and given six months to live. I was 46 years old, married to my high school sweetheart, David, and the proud mom to two wonderful sons, Jacob and Noah. I was working full time and always on the run, so I attributed my fatigue, my only symptom, to a busy life.

Being given six months to live is a shocking and life-changing experience. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, and the life I felt I was in control of was suddenly spinning out of control! My husband David is strong, smart, and resourceful, he decided we should seek out a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic. When we arrived, we immediately felt hope. My journey has included 5 recurrences with 8 tumors, treatments have included multiple surgeries, several chemotherapy regimens, and many radiation treatments. I wouldn’t be here today if not for what I call my survival team, including Dr. John Fung, Dr. Kevin Stephans, Dr. Bassam Estfan, and my soulmate, David. These men have loved and supported me for over 14 years. You can’t change your circumstances, but you can decide how you are going to live with them, who will surround you and support you, who will be part of your medical team, what brings you joy, and what comforts you. Anyone who knows me knows I have always loved shoes, so I have chronicled my estimated 78 scans with a shoe photo at each scan. Silly to some, but for me, it’s comforting to see my survival years in shoes. For me, survivorship began the day I was diagnosed.

*Lisa and her husband David with Scott Hamilton*

In 2011, while in chemotherapy and no longer able to work, I wanted to do something to help others and positively impact the Cholangiocarcinoma community. I remember sitting in the lobby at the Cleveland Clinic waiting for chemotherapy, and I picked up a magazine with Scott Hamilton, the Olympic Champion, on the cover. I flipped the pages to his story, and he talked about needing a 4th angel, someone who could relate to him, his diagnosis, and all the baggage that goes along with it. I decided I wanted to be a 4th Angel mentor to support and love other patients with cholangiocarcinoma. I’ve been mentoring now for over 14 years and have mentored and advocated for over 1100 patients. This is truly my passion. I’m proud to be a volunteer mentor, patient advocate, and research advocate. I love helping patients navigate second opinions and clinical trials, but my favorite part of my day is giving hope through knowledge and prayer.

In 2012, I decided that I wanted to raise research money to support cholangiocarcinoma research. Our family started Craine’s Cholangiocarcinoma Crew, a 501(c)3 organization that grants 100% of the money raised to support bile duct cancer research. We have supported several cholangiocarcinoma research projects. We have raised over half a million dollars and will be working with our medical advisory board soon to make our granting decision for 2025. I’m here today because of Hope, Faith, an incredible multi-disciplinary team, and last but most importantly, because of the support of my husband, David, and our two boys. I can’t thank them enough for always being there to love and support me. I never thought I would see high school graduations, college graduations, weddings, our family continuing to grow, and the birth of our first grandchild, Penelope. My husband asks God each day for one more cancer-free day, and I’m thankful for his strong faith.

Cancer is not a blessing, but there have been many blessings along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to advocate on Capital Hill for liver cancer, share the patient voice with pharmaceutical companies, share my story, sit on boards for the FDA and Department of Defense and present my research on the effects of mentoring and social media on cholangiocarcinoma patients at the American Association for Cancer Research(AACR). I’ve made lifelong friends and met the most beautiful souls in the world. Remember to always look for beauty in the most unexpected places. I consider the Cholangiocarcinoma community my second family.”

-Lisa Craine

Lisa Craine, In Her Own Words

Our Biggest Volunteer: Scott Hamilton