Patient Stories

Sarah Jacobson Remembers her Father, Dave Jones

Donor Story, Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Sarah Jacobson, who's father Dave Jones was diagnosed with kidney cancer and passed away in March 2025. My father Dave Jones was diagnosed with collecting duct renal cell carcinoma in March of 2024. He had a sister pass from pancreatic cancer several years ago and then a brother diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2024.…

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KCA Ambassador Featured on Cancer Interviews Podcast

KCA, Patient Stories

In a new episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast, host and prostate cancer survivor Bruce Morton speaks with Kidney Cancer Association Ambassador Jeff Kallis about his journey with kidney cancer and how it led him to advocacy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdU8LFPJk8I Jeff was diagnosed with stage 3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2023. Since then, he’s not only navigated treatment and recovery, but found…

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Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week

Patient Stories

On average, someone who receives a kidney cancer diagnosis is in their 60s. However, kidney cancer can affect children, adolescents, and adults of any age. That means an unthinkable and all-consuming life event hits just when someone should be engrossed in school, their career, and building families and communities. We're recognizing Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week by sharing…

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The Outdoors Nurtured Dylan Through Kidney Cancer

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Dylan Wisman, 28, of Winchester, VA. My name is Dylan Wisman, and in November 2023, my life changed forever. I was 27 and back in Missouri for an alumni wrestling weekend — but just as importantly, I was out deer hunting, chasing another elusive Missouri wall hanger. That Friday morning, out in the woods…

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In His Memory: Lessons from my Father's Battle

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Kiana Jones. Kiana’s father Sammie Jones was diagnosed with kidney cancer and passed away in 2024. Sammie Jones's family: Sammie Jr., Valeria, Sam, and Kiana. My father, Sammie Jones, was more than a cancer patient; he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who wanted to live and fight to be with his family.…

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Kidney Cancer Unfiltered Season 3: Stories of Strength, Support, and Advocacy

KCA, Patient Stories

Kidney Cancer Unfiltered season 3 was filled with raw emotions, compelling stories, and powerful insights by both experts and those impacted by kidney cancer. Hosted by Annamaria Scaccia, this season featured remarkable guests who shared their personal experiences, shedding light on topics often overlooked in cancer conversations. I have listened to quite a few of these podcasts and find them…

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Austin Proclaims March 1 "Kidney Cancer Awareness Day"

Event, KCA, Patient Stories

The City of Austin, Texas proclaimed March 1, the first day of Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, to be "Kidney Cancer Awareness Day" from 2025 onward.  John Ferrell, Annamaria Scaccia, and Katie Coleman at Austin City Hall. KCA Ambassador and patient advocate Annamaria Scaccia requested the proclamation.  “I’m grateful that Austin has recognized March 1 —  the start of Kidney Cancer Awareness…

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Fighting to be Heard, Fighting to Hold On

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Shayla Mitchell, 29, who has an unclassified type of renal cell carcinoma. Shayla lives in Missouri. For several months, I knew something wasn’t right. My body felt off — persistent back pain, discomfort, and an unshakable feeling that something was wrong. But every time I sought help, I was met with dismissals. Shayla Mitchell…

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Jeff Kallis's Continued Story of Survivorship

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Jeff Kallis, who was diagnosed with stage 3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2023. https://kidneycancerst.wpengine.com/stories/jeff-kallis/ This is a follow up post to my post in January 2024. Now two years later, I am a "kidney cancer survivor"! Six months ago I graduated to the Kidney Cancer Survivorship Clinic at Mayo Clinic Rochester rather…

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Finding Grace for Yourself

Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Sid Sadler. Sid was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer in February of 2024. He is married to his wife of eight years, Rachel, they have two loving pups Ollie and Penny, and a new daughter named Parker. Follow him at @theunremarkablekidney on Instagram. As I’m sitting here writing this, I can hear my…

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