Rare cancer funding is being raised by Ruth Stage, Inc. to benefit the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Helping to raise funds for a grossly underfunded disease is something you rarely see from a theater company. Yet, that is exactly what Ruth Stage, Inc., a nonprofit theater company, is doing with an expected portion of its ticket sales from the Off-Broadway run of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF).

Although it is considered rare cancer, with approximately 10,000 people diagnosed each year in the United States, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is growing. A recent study (JAMA Network Open) estimates that by 2040, liver and bile duct cancer will be the third deadliest cancer in the US. Because of this, raising money for research is an urgent matter, which is something that influenced the partnership between Ruth Stage and the Foundation.

Ruth Stage is presenting the three-act, Tennessee Williams classic for a January 2022 run of 35 performances at Theater at St. Clement’s in Manhattan. However, the partnership launches Oct. 26, 2021, with a benefit event at Cubico in Soho featuring a presentation by the Foundation and a live rehearsal by the theater company.

The benefit event called, “Theater Saves Lives: An Evening of Hope,” includes a charity auction, a southern-inspired pass-around dinner, grazing stations, craft desserts and an open bar all evening. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Additionally, on Jan. 29, 2022, a special benefit performance of the production is expected to earmark all proceeds to the Foundation.

“It is an honor to contribute to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s mission of finding a cure and improving the lives of those impacted by the rare but deadly bile duct cancer,” said Matt de Rogatis, Ruth Stage Chairman and Creative Director. “When a friend of mine was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma last year, I was compelled to try and help her in any way that I could. Not long after, my theater group, Ruth Stage, forged a partnership with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.”

Matt de Rogatis.

Matt continued, “What started off as a mission to help one person has turned into a call to action to help the countless individuals living with bile duct cancer. I’m honored to have my nonprofit organization involved with such a cause and it is my hope that our theater group can make a difference.”

CCF Founder and CEO, Stacie Lindsey, is presenting at the event on Oct. 26th. Her brother, Mark Clements, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in 2005. He ultimately died from bile duct cancer on Jan. 19, 2007. Lindsey advocated for her brother, extensively researched treatment options, and began networking with other patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals. From this experience, the Foundation was born and is now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Stacie Lindsey.

“I am grateful for Ruth Stage and its generous support,” Lindsey said. “Nonprofit organizations helping each other in ways that make sense to bring awareness to their causes is a win-win situation.”

WHAT:Theater Saves Lives: An Evening of Hope by Ruth Stage, Inc.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 2001, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
EVENING OF HOPE TICKETS: $300 to $800 per person. (Group discounts available.) available at https://theatersaveslives.eventbrite.com
INFO: theatersaveslives@gmail.com or ruthstage.org

TICKETS TO THE JANUARY PRODUCTION WILL GO ON SALE SOON.

About cholangiocarcinoma:
Cholangiocarcinoma, pronounced (koh-LAN-jee-oh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh), is a highly lethal and rare bile duct cancer of the liver with a poor prognosis. With approximately 10,000 cases a year being diagnosed in the United States, cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer in the world. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is only minimally effective, emphasizing the imminent need for novel therapies.

About the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation:
Founded in 2006, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is a global 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer. CCF supports basic & translational research and raises awareness in the cholangiocarcinoma community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and research. For more information, please visit our website at cholangiocarcinoma.org.