Jeffrey David Sterne was a remarkable young man whose life was marked by passion, kindness, and a commitment to making a difference. At just 33 years old, Jeff’s journey was tragically cut short by an aggressive form of kidney cancer, but his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and even those who didn’t. As we approach the anniversary of his passing, we ask for your support for the Walk for Jeff, a 5K event dedicated to honoring his memory and raising vital funds for kidney cancer research.
Jeff’s life was filled with vibrant interests and passions. He was an Enforcement Officer at the US Treasury, where his work reflected his deep knowledge of and commitment to government policy. Jeff’s enthusiasm for music, guitars, and history was infectious; he could speak eloquently on these topics, sharing his insights with anyone willing to listen. His mother Cari says, “From the time Jeff could speak, he was incredibly passionate about so many things. As he got older, he became interested in music and politics. And everything he did, he did with so much passion.”
In 2019, Jeff’s life took a devastating turn. At 29, living in Washington DC, he was diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid differentiation, a rare and aggressive variant of kidney cancer. The news came on Halloween, a day that forever changed the lives of the Sterne family.
“Jeff was scared,” recalls Cari. “He was all alone in DC. He called us, and our lives changed forever in that moment.”
Within a week, Jeff underwent surgery at Johns Hopkins to remove his kidney. The family faced the harsh reality that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and later to his lungs.
“When the doctor came out, he told us the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. That was hard. But what was harder was knowing Jeff was going to wake up and find out – having to tell our son, or watch a doctor tell our son … I can’t really describe it.”
“We knew – we had been doing our research – and we knew that there wasn’t a cure for kidney cancer.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Jeff remained hopeful and dedicated to advocating for kidney cancer research. He met with members of Congress, lobbying for additional funding and raising awareness about the disease.
Throughout Jeff’s battle, KidneyCAN provided steadfast support. “We were at a loss,” Cari remembers. “My husband contacted Bryan Lewis, the KidneyCAN President, late at night. Bryan called us back immediately, explaining everything and offering reassurance. KidneyCAN has been with us every step of the way.”
Jeff’s advocacy work with KidneyCAN gave the family an opportunity to channel their fear and hope. “New medicines were coming out, and that hope is what got us through this,” says Cari. “We got involved with KidneyCAN and advocating for kidney cancer research funding. It gave us hope that something better would be developed for Jeff.”
As Jeff’s condition worsened, the family gathered around him, providing love and support until his final moments. Cari stayed by his side around the clock, ensuring he was never alone.
The Walk for Jeff is more than just a fundraiser; it is a way for his family, friends, and community to take action against a disease that made them feel powerless. By walking together, we honor Jeff’s memory and support the ongoing fight to find a cure for kidney cancer.
“Walk for Jeff is so important to me for so many reasons,” Cari shares. “We want to continue Jeff’s legacy of doing what is right, for doing things for other people. We want to do everything we can, to raise as much money as we can, to help KidneyCAN find a cure for this horrible disease.”
You don’t have to be in Illinois to support the Walk for Jeff. Your donations will make a significant impact, helping us move closer to a world without kidney cancer. With your support, we can honor Jeff’s memory and continue the fight he started. Let’s take action together and make a difference in the lives of those affected by kidney cancer.
For more details and to donate in honor of Jeff, please visit Walk for Jeff. Your generosity and involvement are deeply appreciated by the Sterne family and all those who continue to fight this devastating disease.
