She Turned a Rare Cancer Diagnosis into a Mission to Serve

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Jaye Pedante. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

For most of her life, Jaye Pedante has found meaning through volunteerism. But after a cancer diagnosis in 2022, the cause became personal. Jaye was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. After a difficult year of chemotherapy and radiation, she began feeling better—and wanted to channel her energy into helping others facing the same

In 2023, Jaye attended a local 5K hosted by Team Cure Cholangio and felt an instant connection to its mission. Since then, she’s joined the board, helped organize multiple fundraisers, rallied her community and family across the country, and played a key role in launching an online storefront to raise money and awareness.

Jaye’s passion is fueled by her own journey as a cancer warrior—and her desire to create a future where others won’t face the same uncertain road she has.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Team Cure Cholangio?

Volunteering has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always believed in giving back. But in 2022, after being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, that year was lost to treatment and recovery. Then in 2023, as I started feeling better, I came across a 5K benefitting Team Cure Cholangio and decided to sign up.

That’s where I met Jan Meyer, the founder. She’s also a cholangiocarcinoma warrior who lost her mother to the disease. I was so moved by her dedication to funding research for this specific cancer, which is often overlooked due to how rare it is. After that race, I just knew I wanted to do more. I started helping her prepare for the next race, packing kits and helping with logistics. Soon after, she invited me to join the board and I was honored to accept.

How does living with cholangiocarcinoma shape your approach to this volunteer work?

I have a passionate commitment to this cause. I feel like I’m making a difference—not just for myself, but for others who will be diagnosed in the future. One thing I appreciate about Team Cure Cholangio is that our funds go directly to research for this specific cancer. That’s in our bylaws. So we know exactly where the money is going, which isn’t always the case with larger cancer charities.

There’s also a pharmaceutical company headquartered right here in Wilmington called Incyte. They’ve supported our efforts and even developed a chemotherapy treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. It’s encouraging to see those kinds of advances happening locally.

How have your friends and family supported your efforts?

They’ve been wonderful. I’m really fortunate to have a large support system—my daughters, my sisters, nieces, nephews, friends from college, friends all over the country. They show up to events, donate, and help spread the word.

When I visited my daughter Leanne in Pasadena, California, we held a fundraiser at the gym where she works. She teaches classes there, and we organized a special workout where people paid to participate. All of that money went to Team Cure Cholangio. We raised $2,000. Even those who couldn’t attend donated online. I’m so honored by the kindness and generosity people have shown.

What are some other events you’ve helped lead and organized?

We partnered with the Kendra Scott store at the Christiana Mall in Delaware. During that event, we set up a table with information about cholangiocarcinoma, including symptoms, and gave out swag like bracelets and pens. A big part of what we do is raise awareness—not just among the public, but even with doctors who may not recognize the early signs of this cancer.

Twenty percent of purchases made during those hours go to us, and they also include online orders from the weekend. It’s a simple but effective way to reach people.

We also held a Guest Bartender Night at a restaurant called BBC Tavern & Grill. For three hours, 18 volunteers rotated through the bar as guest bartenders. All tips went to us, and 10% of meal sales did too. We had a raffle, a silent auction, and a lot of fun. We raised $14,000 at that event. We’re doing it again this September.

Is there a moment from your volunteer work that really stuck with you?

That first 5K I attended in 2023. I was amazed by the number of people there—about 400 participants in person, and many more who joined virtually. Seeing other warriors, families walking for loved ones they’d lost, people connecting and sharing stories—that event really moved me. It made me realize this is where I need to be right now.

What else are you working on right now?

We’re getting ready to launch an online marketplace. We’ve collected and made a lot of swag—bracelets, hats, tote bags, notebooks, magnets—and we want to make it available for people to purchase through our website. Jan Meyer has been making most of these items by hand, but now that we have an active board, we’re pitching in to help manage it.
We’ll also continue doing events like the Kendra Scott fundraisers and the Guest Bartender Nights. As long as people keep showing up, we’ll keep doing the work.

What keeps you motivated to continue doing this work?

Knowing that the money goes directly to research, and that research is what’s keeping people like me alive. Treatments don’t just appear. They come from years of research and funding. And in a time when research budgets are being cut, I think it’s more important than ever for us to step up and help where we can.

Why do you think it’s important for people to volunteer?

Because if we don’t do it, who will? There’s so much work that needs to be done. And having people you can count on makes a huge difference. A lot of people say they’ll help, but don’t follow through. The people who show up, do the work, and stay committed—they’re the ones who really make things happen.

What do you hope people take away from your story?

That there’s hope. Treatments are improving. People are working hard to make a difference. And if you’re wondering how you can help, this is how—show up, support events, donate, spread the word. Even something as simple as asking your doctor about cholangiocarcinoma can make a difference.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Jaye? Find local volunteer opportunities.