Dave Fleischer has now traveled almost 6,000 miles on the Journey of Hope, raising awareness of the rare cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, which claimed his daughter, Sarah, in 2018. In this episode of the NFN Radio News podcast, Dave reports in from New England, after crossing the country and visiting several towns called Hope, several cholangiocarcinoma caregivers, patients and families. Altogether, plans call for the trip to include stops in 17 towns named Hope all across the country.
Tune in to hear about Dave's visit with a maker of bagpipes in Maine, visits to a general store where he had a great sandwich called the OooLaLa, as well as conversations with residents in communities called Hope.
The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, includes 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. Last week, Dave and his wife, Linda, visited the Mayo Clinic.
Cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct and is an incredibly deadly cancer, which afflicts about 8,000 people in the United States each year. Most of its victims are 65 or older, but Sarah was only 31 when she was diagnosed. She passed away at age 35.
Linda flew home last Sunday after 10 days on the road with Dave, so he’s now on his own – except for the many well-wishers and supporters he is meeting along the way. The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.
The trip is being supported by the Foundation, which has made the specially designed Honda SUV available for the journey. Sponsors are Incyte, Ken Garff Honda, QED Therapeutics, Servier, Taiho Oncology, Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Zymeworks.
Listen to the complete interview with Dave: