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

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, hope, and smiles wherever she can. Eva lives in Kissimmee, Florida.

Many people know me as Eva, and some know me as the “Glitter Queen.” I’m the person behind the balloons, the sparkle, the smiles, and the events. I love dancing salsa, creating special moments for others, and bringing joy wherever I go.

Recently, my life changed in a way I never expected.

For months, one of my biggest symptoms was overwhelming fatigue. I was constantly exhausted, struggling to keep up with daily activities, and feeling unlike myself. Because I was also severely anemic, much of the focus was on treating the anemia and trying to understand why my energy levels were so low. Looking back, those symptoms were the first signs that something much more serious was happening.

Everything changed when I began coughing up blood and ended up in the hospital. What started as a frightening symptom led to a series of tests, scans, and biopsies that revealed the diagnosis I never expected.

I was diagnosed with high-grade renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). Doctors discovered a 5.5 cm tumor in my left kidney, and it was later confirmed that a lesion in my liver originated from the kidney cancer. In addition, I have a small lung nodule that is currently being monitored.

I just underwent major surgery to remove my left kidney and the tumor in my liver. They also removed my gallbladder because it was too close to the liver tumor, and removing it was the safest option.

One of the biggest challenges is that I am currently unable to work because of my medical condition, and I am the primary source of income for my household.

Anyone who knows me knows that I always try to stay positive, keep moving forward, and find reasons to smile even during difficult times. While some days are harder than others, I am holding on to hope and fighting with everything I have.

I’m currently recovering from surgery, and I won’t pretend it’s been easy. Recovery has been painful, both physically and emotionally, but I’ve been surrounded by incredible people who have filled my days with love, encouragement, and hope. Their support has made even the hardest moments a little easier to face.

Once I’ve healed, I’ll undergo lung surgery to remove the remaining nodules. After that, I’ll begin immunotherapy as the next phase of my treatment.

I am incredibly grateful for my amazing family, wonderful friends, supportive coworkers, and my beloved salsa family, who have surrounded me with love throughout this journey and carried me through some of the hardest days of my life. Every message, prayer, hug, phone call, donation, and word of encouragement fills my days with hope and has meant more than I can ever express. The support has made even the hardest moments a little easier to face and continues to remind me that I’m not walking this journey alone.

Today, I am sharing my story not only because I need help, but also because I believe in the power of community, connection, and hope. Kidney cancer has changed my life, but it has also shown me the incredible strength that can come from the people around us.

If you are able to support me, share my story, or simply keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I would be deeply grateful.

I am determined to keep fighting with faith, hope, and the same joy I have always tried to bring to others. This journey will not be easy, but I know I do not have to face it alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing with me through this journey.