KidneyCAN

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#FacesOfKidneyCancer: Today we honor Jeffrey Sterne, a remarkable young man whose life was filled with passion, intelligence, and kindness. Jeff loved music and played the guitar. He enjoyed discussing politics and policy, as well as spending time with his beloved dog Loki. At just 29, Jeff was diagnosed with an aggressive form of #KidneyCancer. He faced his illness with courage and advocating for research, meeting with Congress, and fighting for a future where kidney cancer has a cure. Jeff's family found support in KidneyCAN and turned their grief into action. His mother Cari said, “We got involved in advocacy because we needed hope. New medicines were coming out, and that hope got us through.” Jeff’s story is a reminder that kidney cancer doesn’t care about age, background, or politics—but research can change everything. https://lnkd.in/e5sr9uH4 #AcceleratingCures #KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth

At the UC San Diego Kidney Cancer Patient Summit, we were honored to connect with the Joey's Wings Foundation, founded by Kathy Liu in memory of her son, Joey. Joey’s Wings is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for pediatric kidney cancer, ensuring Joey’s legacy lives on. In this special moment, Joey’s brother, David, plays the cello, a powerful tribute to the families fighting this disease. #AcceleratingCures

#FacesofKidneyCancer: Merlinda Chelette was a nurse, an advocate, a devoted friend, and an inaugural board member of KidneyCAN. After a seven-year battle with #KidneyCancer, she passed away in 2019—but her legacy of service and compassion continues to shape our community. As a nurse with over 25 years of experience, Merlinda used her medical knowledge to guide and support fellow patients. She turned her pain into purpose, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for kidney cancer research, launching the first Kidney Cancer Gala in Dallas, and advocating for patient-centered support programs. “I don’t want to waste this pain. I want to make a difference for God’s glory,” she once said. And she did. Merlinda’s unwavering dedication to advocacy, research, and patient care is a reminder that one person’s efforts can change the lives of many. Today, we honor her memory and continue her fight for a future free from kidney cancer. #AcceleratingCures #KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth

Thank you to UC San Diego for hosting an incredible Kidney Cancer Patient Summit! Events like these bring together patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates to share knowledge, build community, and drive progress in #KidneyCancer treatment and research. KidneyCAN was honored to attend and connect with so many passionate individuals working to improve the future for kidney cancer patients. #AcceleratingCures

Last week, #KidneyCancer advocates from across the country met with lawmakers to push for critical research funding. Their dedication, stories, and persistence are driving progress, and we are so grateful for their efforts. The fight isn’t over. We will keep pushing for the funding needed to advance kidney cancer treatments and find a cure. #AcceleratingCures

#FacesOfKidneyCancer: For Cary Schwanitz, #KidneyCancer is deeply personal. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) has shaped his family’s history—costing him his kidneys, leading to multiple rounds of dialysis, and now affecting his son, who has a tumor under watch. His mother, uncle, and late aunt all faced kidney cancer, and now, Cary is undergoing testing for a second transplant. Despite these challenges, Cary remains hopeful. New treatments are shrinking tumors and even making them disappear. Research is making real progress—but it takes funding and continued momentum to bring more breakthroughs. “My wife and kids know that VHL means a lifetime of uncertainty. But we’ve taught them to preserve their health and fight like hell no matter what comes our way. Our family motto is ‘Onward and upward.’ We will never give up.” #KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth #AcceleratingCures

#FacesofKidneyCancer: For 31 years, Ron and Elaine shared a life filled with love, family, and friendship. He was adored by everyone who knew him, a man who brought warmth and joy to those around him. But on April 25, 2024, kidney cancer took him far too soon. Elaine and her family had just returned from a family cruise when Ron passed away only 10 days later. The loss is immeasurable, but Elaine is sharing his story to honor his memory and remind us why we must continue to fight for research, for better treatments, and for the families who shouldn’t have to say goodbye too soon. #KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth #AcceleratingCures

?? URGENT: Congress is slashing over $1 BILLION from lifesaving medical research in the CR the Senate votes on today. The proposed cuts to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) would gut funding by 57%, directly impacting research on cancer, PTSD, traumatic injuries, and more. In 2016, kidney cancer had $0 in federal research funding. Thanks to relentless advocacy, we secured $50M per year through CDMRP. This funding has fueled groundbreaking treatments and real hope for patients. Cutting it now would be devastating. This isn’t about politics — it’s about saving lives. Medical research benefits veterans, service members, and civilians alike. We need bipartisan action to restore this funding. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gwDG_Yy4 Tell your Senators today: Don't abandon patients. Don't cut lifesaving research. #CDMRP #KidneyCancer #KCRP

#FacesOfKidneyCancer: At just 33 years old, Kelly's world was turned upside down by a renal cell carcinoma diagnosis—found incidentally, with no warning signs. In July 2022, she underwent a radical nephrectomy, removing her right kidney and, thankfully, eliminating the cancer without further treatment. Now 35, a mom to Marley and expecting her second child this spring, Kelly continues to live with the uncertainty of quarterly blood tests and yearly scans, always hoping for "no evidence of disease." But the fear of recurrence lingers. “I may look young and healthy, but my diagnosis was a reminder that cancer does not discriminate and that early detection can save lives. Since then, I have tried my best to raise awareness and advocate for more research and funding.” #KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth #AcceleratingCures