Patient Stories

A kidney cancer diagnosis affects more than the person receiving treatment—it impacts family members, caregivers, and loved ones as well. 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. This "Caregiving &…

Relationships can often change after a cancer diagnosis, bringing new challenges and opportunities for connection. 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. We've collected the best podcast episodes on this…

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. This "Mental Health…

A kidney cancer diagnosis can bring many questions, emotions, and uncertainties. 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. The"Newly Diagnosed" playlist features the episodes that anyone facing a new kidney…

This is a guest post by Patti Burke, an advanced kidney cancer patient based in North Carolina who is living with stage 4 metastatic clear cell kidney cancer for the past 3.5 years. This story is based on her presentation during a patient education event hosted by the Kidney Cancer Association in partnership with Duke Cancer Institute and the University…

This is a guest post by Jeanetta Hale, 54, from Oregon, who was diagnosed with stage 1 adult Wilms tumor at nearly 47. She is celebrating 35 years of marriage this summer and is a proud mom of four and grandma to four grandchildren.  It was a Friday evening in January 2019 when my doctor’s office called with the results…

This is a guest post by Byron Olsen, 58. Byron is a patient attorney and lawyer who was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2025. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and has three adult children. Byron with his family. In late September 2025, I was on a train pulling into Grand Central Station to…

This is a guest post by Monica Sullivan, 49, who was diagnosed with stage 4 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in 2023. Monica lives in Casa Grande, Arizona and is the current Elite Ms. Arizona Petite. I was diagnosed with stage 4 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) in October 2023 when I was 46 years old. I had no symptoms and…

This is a guest post by Michael Kreuter, 40, who was diagnosed with clear cell kidney cancer in 2025. He lives in Pennsylvania where he works as a medical assistant and orthopaedic technician. Michael Kreuter 2025 was a crazy year in my life. It felt like anything that could go wrong wanted to go wrong. On April 1, I was…

This is a guest post by Jahmira McKinley. Jahmira's son Keith Parker Jr. was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive type of kidney cancer on September 29, 2023 at age 23 and passed away on December 9, 2024. Jahmira and her family, who are based in Detroit, Michigan, created the Keith Parker Jr. Foundation to honor her son's life and legacy.…