Support Connor’s Fight Against Bile Duct Cancer

Story

Hi, my name is Kaleigh, and I’m Connor’s older sister. Our family’s world was turned upside down last fall when Connor was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer – Cholangiocarcinoma, commonly known as Bile Duct Cancer. This diagnosis came after months of uncertainty and medical testing at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. In May of 2024, Connor’s test results showed signs of early cancer, but were inconclusive. Follow-up tests in July were again unclear. Finally, in September, the diagnosis was confirmed – and our family was devastated. Even though he has known of his diagnosis for several months, he was not ready to share his journey until now.

Cancer is always a heartbreaking diagnosis, but Connor’s case is especially complex. His cancer developed as a result of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) — a rare, chronic liver condition he was diagnosed with in 2020. PSC inflames and scars the bile ducts, significantly increasing the risk of bile duct cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, doctors told Connor he might need a liver transplant in his 50s. He never imagined he’d be facing that reality just a few years later.

Cholangiocarcinoma affects only about 1 in 100,000 people. Often, it isn’t caught early enough for curative treatment. Thankfully, Connor’s cancer was detected early, and doctors at the Mayo Clinic were able to create a treatment plan. Because of his PSC, standard surgery of the bile ducts isn’t an option — his only chance for a cure is a full liver transplant.

In November 2024, Connor spent a week undergoing extensive testing at Mayo to determine whether he qualified for a transplant. After a stressful and exhausting week, we received incredible news: Connor was approved as a transplant candidate. Even better, the cancer had not spread and remained localized, giving him a fighting chance.

In December and January, he began chemotherapy and radiation. While this type of cancer doesn’t typically respond well to chemo or radiation alone, the goal is to slow progression and keep the cancer stable while he waits for a donor. Connor continues to have cycles of low-dose chemotherapy to help keep the tumor from growing or spreading. If it progresses beyond 3cm or is found outside the liver, he’ll no longer be eligible for a transplant, so every day truly counts.

On June 6th, Connor will undergo a critical staging surgery to determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. We’re praying — and believing — that it hasn’t.

Connor is now listed for transplant through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Because of his underlying liver disease, a living donor is not the best option — so his only hope is a deceased donor match.

In the meantime, he continues to wait. Incredibly, despite all of this, Connor has managed to continue medical school through treatment. However, he will now need to take a year off for the transplant and to focus fully on recovery.

After his surgery, Connor will be required to live in Rochester, MN, for at least a month. He and our mom, Amy Pearson, are currently looking for short-term housing, like the American Cancer Society’s “Hope House,” where he stayed during his radiation treatments. While his insurance covers most of the medical costs, there are still significant out-of-pocket expenses for travel, housing, time off work and school, and unexpected medical bills.

We’re asking for your support to help Connor focus on healing without the added burden of financial stress. Every donation will go directly to Connor and our family to cover:
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Travel and temporary housing near Mayo Clinic
Daily living costs
Unexpected expenses throughout transplant and recovery

If you’re unable to give financially, you can still make an enormous difference by:
Sharing this campaign with others who may want to help
Checking the organ donor box when you renew your license — you could save a life, just like Connor’s
Sending prayers and well-wishes for strength, healing, and hope

Connor has already been overwhelmed by the love and support he’s received — and so has our whole family. Your kindness, generosity, and prayers mean more than words can express.

I will be posting updates here as Connor’s transplant journey unfolds.

With love and gratitude,
Kaleigh and our family

Organizers :

Kaleigh Mikolichek is organizing this fundraiser.