Patient Stories

Built for the Long Race

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Leah Fine whose husband, Ken Fine, was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. She describes how, as a triathlete, Ken managed kidney cancer by insisting on the life he wanted after it. Ken Fine In December 2021, my husband Ken was in the best shape of his life. A lifelong competitive triathlete, he had earned…

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Andrew Allers Featured on Cancer Interviews Podcast

Patient Stories

A recent episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast featured kidney cancer patient advocate Andrew Allers who spoke about being diagnosed with stage III renal cell carcinoma in 2015 and subsequent stage IV renal cell carcinoma diagnosis in 2019. The cancer had also spread to his bones and his brain. However, treatment with an immunotherapy regimen including ipilimumab and nivolumab was…

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There is no Crystal Ball. Focus on Your Plan.

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Andrew Allers, 62, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015. Andrew lives in Connecticut with his wife Carole, children Lee, Chauncey, and Harrison, and his three dogs Persie, Jessie, and Becks. Read his prior story "You Only Live Twice".  Andrew Allers in the ICU about 30 minutes post-surgery. Walking down the hallway two…

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When Cancer Came Twice

Patient Stories

Colleen and Bryan. This is a guest post by Colleen Schultz, 46, who is diagnosed with stage 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma. Her husband Bryan, 47, was later diagnosed with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Colleen and Bryan met in high school and married shortly after. They have made a life together raising their two children at the Jersey Shore. Colleen…

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How Cassy Shives Found her Strength

Patient Stories

Cassy Shives This is a guest post by Cassy Shives, 43, who was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2023. She lives with her family in Ohio. My story is not just a story about cancer. It is a story about a mother, a wife, a grandmother, a healthcare worker, and a woman who refused to…

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Dolph Lundgren, "Rocky IV" Star and KCA Board Member, Featured in Forbes

KCA, Patient Stories

Dolph Lundgren, who played the chiseled and bloodless Swedish antagonist to Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa in the 1985 boxing drama Rocky IV, was recently featured in Forbes discussing his journey overcoming a kidney cancer diagnosis in 2015. Lundgren, 68, is currently a Member Emeritus of the Kidney Cancer Association's Board of Directors. Dolph Lundgren Opens Up About His Kidney Cancer…

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Facing Kidney Cancer with Faith and Hope: The Glitter Never Fades

Patient Stories

Eva Bustamante, the "Glitter Queen". This is a guest post by Eva Bustamante, 40, who was recently diagnosed with high-grade renal cell carcinoma. Eva is a balloon artist, glitter artist, and salsa dancer. Bringing joy to others through creativity has always been a huge part of who she is and even during this journey, she tries to keep sharing light,…

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Podcast Playlists: Young Adults

KCA, Patient Stories

A kidney cancer diagnosis can impact more than your physical health—it can affect your emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. Our podcast, Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, addresses these through candid conversations with people across the spectrum of kidney cancer, from families navigating a diagnosis to doctors who treat patients every day to researchers on the frontlines of discovery. A kidney cancer…

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Podcast Playlists: Pregnancy & Parenting

KCA, Patient Stories

Whether you're thinking about starting a family, expecting a child, or already navigating the challenges of parenthood, a kidney cancer diagnosis can bring a whole new set of questions. Our podcast, Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, addresses these through candid conversations with people across the spectrum of kidney cancer, from families navigating a diagnosis to doctors who treat patients every day to…

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Podcast Playlists: Advocacy & Awareness

KCA, Patient Stories

Advocacy and awareness play a critical role in improving the lives of people affected by kidney cancer. Our podcast, Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, covers these issues through candid conversations with people across the spectrum of kidney cancer, from families navigating a diagnosis to doctors who treat patients every day to researchers on the frontlines of discovery. We gathered some of the…

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