This reflection was written by TCF Volunteer and Advocate Kim Balkus.
When my mom was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2013, TargetCancer Foundation provided guidance, support, understanding, and friendship to me and my family. What began as a very difficult situation became the start of a powerful journey that inspired me to get more involved. I volunteer for TargetCancer Foundation because I believe in their mission and impactful work. For me, it is also a personal journey—a way to tell my mom’s story and honor her legacy by giving back in a way that reflects the love, strength, and values she instilled in me.
In April, TargetCancer Foundation offered me the opportunity to attend the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 Annual Meeting. For many years, I had heard about ASCO, but I did not know too much about it, the work they do, or the community and network of professionals that they support. In preparation for the annual meeting, I attended several virtual meetings with TCF staff to organize, discuss, and review meetings and booth staffing schedules, as well as to talk about what to expect at ASCO. I found out that my role would be to staff TCF’s exhibit booth. This would provide the opportunity to engage in conversation to provide information and answer questions for those who stop by the exhibit booth during the four days of the meeting.
When I arrived at the McCormick Place Convention Center, I was immediately in awe of the enormity of it. I entered the building and followed the long lines of people to pick up my name badge so that I would be able to enter the exhibit hall to find the TCF booth. I could not believe the size of the exhibit hall. Everywhere I looked, booths were being set up, filling the entire space. Many booths were so impressively elaborate, they transformed the space—feeling like captivating storefronts that drew you in. While I was in the exhibit hall, I was looking at all the different companies that were represented, taking note of the booths that I might like to visit in the coming days to learn more!
For much of the afternoon, I helped to get the TCF booth ready for visitors that would start to arrive the next day. While I was preparing the materials at the booth, I noticed a picture of my mom and me on one of TCF’s educational resources. I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion and tears came into my eyes. I lost my mom in 2020 to cholangiocarcinoma after she bravely lived with this rare cancer for more than seven years. It immediately reminded me of her life and bravery and how grateful I am that I get to continue my advocacy work in her memory.
Once the exhibit hall opened, it was moving to see person after person approach the booth — first with questions, then sharing their stories and asking me about my involvement with TargetCancer Foundation. It was a privilege to respond to each question with pride, sharing the important mission and meaningful work of TargetCancer Foundation. There was a sign at the exhibit booth that read, “Advancing Innovation in Rare Cancers.” The word “rare” cancer sparked curiosity, interest, and a lot of dialogue, drawing strong interest in TargetCancer Foundation’s efforts and impact. It allowed me to talk about TargetCancer Foundation’s three primary areas of focus:
- Driving Research: Focused on driving and supporting innovative research initiatives that propel the field forward and offer new models and hope.
- Convening experts: Focused on connecting researchers, clinicians, drug developers, advocacy organizations, and patients to accelerate collaboration, information-sharing, and research progress.
- Empowering Community: Focused on empowering people with rare cancer and their loved ones to be their own advocates and make informed care decisions.
I found that TargetCancer Foundation’s literature on “Biomarker Testing” and “Clinical Trials” also proved to be powerful tools for starting important and introductory conversations. There was something truly meaningful in how a handful of printed materials opened the door to heartfelt, thoughtful interactions.
This experience was incredibly meaningful, teaching me not just through what I contributed, but through the inspiring stories others opened up to share. I was grateful to be at an event with others in the cancer space all working towards the same goal. The experience was also challenging in all the right ways — rewarding, overwhelming, and a strong reminder of what truly matters. It is experiences like this that inspire optimism for future advancements, envisioning improved treatments and significant strides in fighting cancer.