Patient Stories

In season 2, episode 6 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia spoke with Raul Chavez, an 18-year kidney cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 23 with a rare, unclassifiable form of renal cell carcinoma, Raul shared the emotional toll of living scan-to-scan, managing PTSD, and navigating life with one kidney. Raul reflected on the challenges of conflicting medical advice, the pressure…

In season 2, episode 5 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia connected with Amy Plazer, who shared her unique experience of being diagnosed with both kidney and thyroid cancer within 10 days. Amy reflects on the challenges of managing symptoms, treatments, and the emotional toll of two separate cancer journeys while maintaining resilience and grace. Amy discussed the complexities…

In season 2, episode 4 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia sat down with Mallory Fox, a young Black woman who shared her kidney cancer journey. Mallory highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, trusting your instincts, and pushing for the care you deserve, especially when facing barriers like age restrictions or medical dismissiveness. Mallory discussed the vital role of her…

In season 2, episode 3 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia welcomed Kate Zalewski, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in renal nutrition. Kate cleared up misconceptions about kidney diets and emphasized the importance of individualized nutrition plans. Key insights from their conversation included: There isn’t one “renal diet.” Guidelines vary based on labs, kidney function, and individual needs.…

In season 2, episode 2 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia spoke with Sid Sadler, a young kidney cancer survivor, about how social media became his lifeline after being diagnosed with stage 2 clear cell renal carcinoma at 32. Sid shared how searching “kidney cancer” on TikTok led him to his first connection in the community. Platforms like Instagram…

In the Season 2 premiere of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia sat down with Alexandra Sanders and her family, who shared their journey through pediatric kidney cancer; detailing the Sanders' experience, starting with young Dre's sudden diagnosis at just four years old. His mother, who goes by Alex and is an an oncology nurse, described how abdominal pain and…

This is a guest post by Joel Stern, stage 4 kidney cancer, member of the KCA’s Board of Directors. Saturday November 16, 2024 was a huge day for me. I celebrated my 4th year “cancerversary” with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Many celebrate this anniversary. Some consider it a “dark” day they would rather ignore. I choose…

This is a guest post by Salima Witt, survivor of stage 3b kidney cancer and member of the Kidney Cancer Association's Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council. People often ask me, "How are you still alive?" For those familiar with my story, the answer is clear. My name is Salima Witt, and I am here to share my miraculous journey as…

This is a guest post by Jeffrey Ellin, 45, who has a rare genetic BAP1 mutation that puts him at high risk for developing multiple cancers, including kidney cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023. Jeff is based in Baltimore, Maryland. Discovering I Was at Risk Jeff Ellin after completing the 2024 Marine Corp Marathon on October 27, 2024.…

This is a guest post by Mark Dyson, 39, whose wife Dawn is diagnosed with translocation renal cell carcinoma. Mark, who lives with his family in England, is preparing to run an ultramarathon on September 14-15, 2024, to raise funds for kidney cancer research. Mark Dyson embraced running and nature to cope with the stress of his partner's cancer diagnosis.…