Kidney Cancer Coalition & KCAN: Stronger Together

Kidney Cancer Coalition and KCAN have joined forces to accelerate life-saving research and clinical trials for kidney cancer.

The union of these two complementary charitable organizations represents a promising step for the kidney cancer community.

Battling what is among the most prevalent forms of cancer among men (#6) and women (#10) in the U.S.*—yet still among the most under-funded and under-recognized cancers— patients, caregivers, advocates, and scientists are in dire need of greater awareness, funding, and action. That is our focus.

Together, we’ll be known as the Kidney Cancer Coalition—carrying that name forward while embracing the “CAN” legacy to reinforce our driven and optimistic vision for our role in the fight against this deadly disease.

As one, we bring proven effectiveness at raising money for research—from grassroots efforts, to private contributions and corporate grants, up through substantial federal funding. Our impact in just four combined years of existence includes:

• Spearheading efforts to initiate a $45 million Congressional grant program for research;

• Raising over $1 million through local efforts and events including our “Rock the Cure” fundraisers, with over $625,000 already put to work in research labs and studies;

• Leading the first-ever grassroots-funded clinical trial for kidney cancer; and

• Earning a reputation for being extremely efficient at deploying capital directly to clinical and scientific endeavors in pursuit of breakthroughs.

Our founders—Brenda and Ralph Knapp, who started Kidney Cancer Coalition in 2016, and Bryan Lewis, who formed KCAN in 2017—met at a symposium and quickly recognized the potential benefits of pooling their strengths and resources. These three devoted leaders have personal experiences with kidney cancer, as patients, caregivers, and advocates. Their commitment to the cause is profound.

Brenda, Ralph, and Bryan remain confident that we “CAN” find a cure in our lifetime, despite the historical lack of funding—particularly compared to other forms of cancer—which continues to leave a severe shortage of trials resulting in roughly 15,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.*

We believe it requires urgency, tenacity, and transparency to inspire giving, and to make the most of every dollar collected and we’re now better positioned to fulfill our collective mission as one unified team, working alongside our many partners to defeat this disease.