Patient Voices: What I Wish I Had Known

A KidneyCAN Town Hall Event

Experienced patients share what they’ve learned with patients and families facing new diagnosis.

KidneyCAN continued our 2025 Town Hall series with “Patient Voices: What I Wish I’d Known,” a powerful conversation centered on lessons learned from the kidney cancer journey.

A panel of patients shared practical advice, emotional insights, and strategies for navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Moderated by Dr. Moshe Ornstein, this session offered essential guidance and connection for patients, caregivers, and advocates.

This event has already taken place, but you can watch the full video below.

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Moshe Ornstein | Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Moshe Ornestein

Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Moshe Ornstein is a medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, specializing in the treatment of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers. He is a nationally recognized expert in genitourinary oncology and an active clinical researcher focused on improving outcomes for kidney cancer patients.

Meryl Uranga

Meryl Uranga

Patient

Meryl Uranga, an eight-year kidney cancer survivor, has a mission to accelerate cures for kidney cancer and amplify the patient voice. With a background as a radio personality and DJ, followed by a 30-year career in telecom project management, she now serves as a legislative advocate and community liaison with KidneyCAN.

Glenn Sykes

Glenn Sykes

Patient

Glenn Sykes, a kidney cancer patient since 2010, is dedicated to research, education, and patient support. He collaborates with organizations like KidneyCAN to raise awareness and promote clinical trial participation. Glenn is committed to helping others navigate their kidney cancer journey with knowledge and community support.

Leah Christoforidis

Leah Christoforidis

Patient

Leah Christoforidis, a mother of four from Illinois, was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer during her fourth pregnancy. Her journey inspired her passion for advocacy, education, and patient empowerment. Leah speaks openly about her experience to help others feel less alone as they navigate life with kidney cancer.

This event supported by:

An informed patient is an empowered patient.

We at KidneyCAN know how challenging it can be to keep up with research developments and how they could impact your treatment options. We hope the ideas presented in our Town Hall help you as you work with your doctor to manage your care for kidney cancer.

If you’re looking to connect with more people who share your challenges and can offer support, check out our Smart Patients forum.

For Patients

Advocacy

Research

Join Our Grassroots Army

We know that awareness of kidney cancer and its impact on many lives leads to a sense of urgency, a desire for solutions. Awareness leads to advocacy, and advocacy — joining to speak as one voice — leads to funding and research. That’s how we get to cures.

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