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Patient Stories

Meet Brandon

At only 26 years old, Brandon was diagnosed with stage 3 unclassified renal cell carcinoma with papillary features. Together, Brandon and his fiancé Maggie Valdes are determined to fund research that will lead to his cure.


Welcome to a special Kidney Cancer Association project to share the experience of people with kidney cancer through film. Through these unique journeys, we hope to better understand the impact of kidney cancer on individuals, their families, and how research is moving treatment and care forward. Each person’s story is different, but the grace and perseverance in the face of uncertainty are themes we hope will resonate with everyone who watches.

Brandon Butera’s Story
MEET BRANDON AND MAGGIE

At only 26 years old, Brandon was diagnosed with stage 3 unclassified renal cell carcinoma with papillary features. Together, Brandon and his fiancé Maggie Valdes are determined to fund research that will lead to his cure.

SURGERY DAY

Brandon’s surgery is scheduled at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in December 2022.

Michael Whitley’s Story
MEET MICHAEL WHITLEY

Michael Whitley, 46, was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2019. Michael has been getting care through Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee and at his home clinic in Huntsville, Alabama.

SCAN DAY

Michael heads to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center for a CT scan to monitor his kidney cancer.

MICHAEL’S TREATMENT PLAN AHEAD

Dr. Brian Rini, Michael’s oncologist at Vanderbilt, talks about Michael’s care history and how advances in kidney cancer research in recent years might impact his care moving forward.

With heavy hearts, we share that Michael Whitley died on September 3, 2023. Stay tuned for a final update from family and friends to talk about Michael’s incredible legacy of advocacy, medical knowledge, and connection.