Swinging with purpose

Remembered for her generous spirit and her capacity to connect deeply with others, Kerri Appleton’s life was tragically cut short in January 2025 by cholangiocarcinoma, a rare, incurable cancer. In a fitting tribute, the inaugural Kerri Appleton Legacy Golf Tournament, held last summer, raised critical funds for cholangiocarcinoma research at UMass Chan Medical School—with the hope of changing the course of this intractable disease.  

An inspiring life and devastating diagnosis

An active member of the Athol community, where she lived with her husband, Kevin Brisette, and their two children, Kerri aspired to bring good health and healing to others as a yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. Her compassion touched everyone she met, and she was known for her ability to bring out the best in others. The extent of Kerri’s goodwill was evident after her passing, as countless stories of her kindness and impact were shared with her family.

“A former work associate told me how Kerri hired her when no one else would,” said Kevin.  “She saw the good in people before they saw it in themselves.”

In summer 2024, after she experienced persistent pain underneath her rib cage, scans revealed that Kerri had an enlarged gallbladder and a mass on her liver, leading to a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Also known as bile duct cancer, the disease is marked by significant morbidity and mortality. Current diagnostic tools have low sensitivity and accuracy, delaying detection.

“It’s a death sentence,” said Kevin.

Despite her devastating prognosis, Kerri held onto hope that she would overcome cancer with her typical resilience. She died six months following her diagnosis, after receiving “amazing care” at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Hope endures as supporters ’swing with purpose’

Inspired to honor Kerri in a way that reflected her generosity and compassion for others, Kevin, along with family and friends, organized a golf fundraiser in her name, with proceeds going to UMass Chan.

“Kerri touched so many lives. It seemed natural to honor her legacy in a meaningful way, while making an impact on cholangiocarcinoma research,” said Kevin.

“She was competitive and loved golf,” added Brandy Lefsyk, Kerri’s best friend, “so a golf tournament, specifically, seemed very fitting.”

The inaugural event, held at Woods of Westminster Golf Course in Westminster on July 26, raised awareness and sparked conversations about this rare disease.

Funds are supporting the research of Neil Marya, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, a director of the Program in Digital Medicine, and director of the digital medicine fellowship. Dr. Marya is working to develop artificial intelligence technology that will improve diagnostics for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

“The goal of our project is to create an artificial intelligence that will help clinicians diagnose bile duct cancer more quickly and with better accuracy,” said Dr. Marya. “In doing so, technology could facilitate more patients with bile duct cancer being offered curative therapy.

“Thus far we have been successful in developing a real-time artificial intelligence computer that can help us diagnose patients with bile duct cancer during patient cases in our operating room,” said Dr. Marya. “While our clinical trial is still ongoing, early results demonstrate that the artificial intelligence is more accurate for cancer diagnosis than standard biopsy techniques. This technology could be a game-changer for the diagnosis of biliary cancers worldwide.”  

Kerri’s family and friends are hopeful that research will lead to earlier detection, better treatments and improved outcomes for people living with cholangiocarcinoma.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the researchers and doctors working on the very cancer that took my wife, Kerri,” said Kevin. “Every late night in the lab, every test, every breakthrough—it all matters. Your work carries the promise that one day, fewer families will have to endure what ours did. Thank you for your perseverance, intelligence and compassion.”

The next Kerri Appleton Legacy Golf Tournament is slated for July 25, 2026, once again at Woods of Westminster Golf Course.

“We hope to again raise much needed funding for the endless critical work of these hidden angels, bringing hope to families like ours,” said Kevin.