Image courtesy of World Cholangiocarcinoma Day: Standing With Lonnie and Raising Awareness for a Rare Cancer

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World Cholangiocarcinoma Day: Standing With Lonnie and Raising Awareness for a Rare Cancer

February 19, 2026

On February 19th, we pause for something bigger than business.

This year, Koi is honoring World Cholangiocarcinoma Day in support of someone very close to our family. Our founders, Brad and Malinda, are walking alongside their father, Lonnie, as he battles cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

This is deeply personal for us, which is why today we are raising funds to support awareness and research, and matching donations until we reach our goal of $10,000. Through this effort, we hope to stand with families navigating this difficult journey and help bring greater visibility to this rare disease.

What Is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine to help digest fats.

Because the bile ducts are located deep within the body, this cancer is often difficult to detect early. Symptoms can be subtle at first and may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. By the time it is diagnosed, it is often advanced, making treatment more complex.

While rare, cholangiocarcinoma is serious. It affects thousands of families each year, many of whom had never heard of it before diagnosis.

Lonnie’s journey is a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how important awareness, research, and support truly are.

The Challenge of Rare Cancers

Rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma often exist in the shadows. Limited awareness can mean less research funding, fewer treatment options, and smaller support networks. Families are left navigating an already difficult diagnosis with added uncertainty and isolation.

That is why organizations dedicated to rare cancers matter so deeply. They bring visibility, connect patients to critical resources, and build communities that remind families they are not alone.

Supporting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

We are proud to host this fundraiser in support of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma. These efforts help advance research, provide patient support, and increase awareness of this devastating disease.

If you or someone you love has been impacted by cholangiocarcinoma and is seeking patient or caregiver resources, please visit curecca.org for trusted information and support.

Standing Together

At Koi, we have always believed in supporting well-being, community, and showing up for people when it matters most. Right now, it matters in a deeply personal way.

Brad and Malinda are not just founders. They are children supporting their father through one of life’s hardest battles. Lonnie is not just a name. He is a father, a grandfather, and a beloved part of their family. His fight is personal, but the need for awareness and progress reaches far beyond one family. When one member of our extended community hurts, we feel it together.

Thank you for being part of the Koi community, not just for what we share in products, but for the compassion and support we share as people. Together, we can help bring hope where it is needed most.

How You Can Help

In honor of World Cholangiocarcinoma Day on February 19th, we are joining the effort to raise awareness and support the mission of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

If you feel called to help, we invite you to donate and learn more.