Making the Most of More Time:
Stories of Survivorship
A KidneyCAN Town Hall Event
In a moderated discussion, patients reflect on their kidney cancer diagnosis, living fully, getting support, and making the most of their time.
➥ Missed the live webinar? Watch here!
WATCH NOW
This event has already taken place, but you can watch the full video here and find the resources mentioned and linked in the chat listed below.
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Here are links to the resources for patients and caregivers mentioned in the program. Some resources were discussed by panelists, while others were brought up by attendees in the chat discussion.
More from the Panelists
Mental Health Resources
Connecting with Community
KidneyCAN’s SmartPatients Group
Katie’s Cancer Jams – Spotify Playlist by Katie Coleman
Support Groups for Patients & Caregivers
Communication Tips for Family and Friends
“When you have cancer, there’s so much pressure to go out and DO SOMETHING every day. Sometimes just existing and being happy is a good day. Take the win when you can!”
– Panelist Laura Esfeller
KidneyCAN thanks all who participated in this special Town Hall event, including Dr. Evan Hall for masterful moderation, and our panelists for sharing their stories and perspectives. Thank you as well to our patient and caregiver community for providing insights and resources in the chat and community social that followed the Town Hall.
Meet the Patient Panelists
ADAM STERN, M.D.
Psychiatrist,
Harvard Medical School
A distinguished psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Adam Stern’s journey took a twist when he transitioned from being a physician to a patient. Diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer in 2018, he faced the challenge head-on and has spent the last five years undergoing multiple surgeries, ablations, and immunotherapy treatments to manage the disease.
Despite these hurdles, Adam returned to work full-time, pursued his passions in writing, cartooning, and podcasting, and celebrated the birth of his second child, who is now 2 1/2 years old.
Embodying resilience and optimism, he approaches each day with the determination to make the most of the time he’s been given and to position himself for good fortune. Adam attributes his perseverance to the exceptional care he has received and the unwavering support of his loving family.
Read more about Adam’s work here.
Laura Esfeller
Patient Advocate,
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Laura is a 35-year-old metastatic kidney cancer survivor and HLRCC patient who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the age of 29. She is a writer, marketer, and cat fanatic. Laura loves the beach, music, traveling, and not having cancer. Born in Louisiana and now living in California, Laura is a statistical abnormality who fights for cures for kidney cancer.
Laura says cancer is “one big game of deception,” as it took years for doctors to diagnose her with kidney cancer. Her young age deceived them. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she maintains a positive outlook and is always candid about her struggles with the disease. Laura has undergone major surgery to remove her kidney and other organs, and has experienced multiple setbacks, including a diagnosis of metastatic kidney cancer. However, she has been in remission for six years, thanks in part to the Cabometyx drug, which she received through the through PAPMET/SWOG S1500 clinical trial.
In addition to her cancer advocacy work, Laura is also the Director of Marketing Services for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in California, where she oversees the production, account services, and copywriting teams within the brand marketing organization. Despite her busy schedule, Laura is committed to fighting for cures for kidney cancer and raising awareness about AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer. You can read more on Laura’s blog here.
Bryan Lewis
Co-Founder & President,
KidneyCAN
Bryan’s journey with kidney cancer began in the summer of 2007 when he was only 46 years old and a new father to one-year-old twins.
Despite the disease spreading beyond local lymph nodes, Bryan and his wife chose to undergo surgery, thanks to the recommendation of a doctor who believed in his chances due to his age and overall health. After an arduous 13-hour operation, a week in intensive care, and weeks of recovery, Bryan’s three-month scans were clear. Today, he continues to show no evidence of disease (NED).
In 2013, a spark of inspiration from a good friend ignited Bryan’s passion for kidney cancer advocacy and the pursuit of cures for others. Grateful for the unwavering support from his wife, family, friends, and his faith in God, Bryan is proud of KidneyCAN’s success in raising research funding for kidney cancer and the growing community of researchers committed to providing better treatment options for those still in need.
Read more about Bryan’s work here.
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.
This event supported by:
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Join Us!
🌍 #WorldKidneyCancerDay is coming up!
IKCC is hosting a Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium on June 15th to discuss living well with #kidneycancer. We`re excited to join and learn together.
Don`t miss out! Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
Being diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer will change many facets of your life. KidneyCAN provides information and support to help you manage your stress and improve your health and well-being at our Patient Resource Center: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Jun 8
🌍 #WorldKidneyCancerDay is coming up!
IKCC is hosting a Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium on June 15th to discuss living well with #kidneycancer. We`re excited to join and learn together.
Don`t miss out! Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
Being diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer will change many facets of your life. KidneyCAN provides information and support to help you manage your stress and improve your health and well-being at our Patient Resource Center: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
📣 World Kidney Cancer Day is on June 15th!
This year`s theme is "Living Well with Kidney Cancer." Join our partners and us at IKCC for the Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium to learn more about maintaining your quality of life while managing #kidneycancer.
Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
In the meantime, check out our Patient Resource Center for more resources to help you feel your best while coping with kidney cancer: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#WorldKidneyCancerDay #AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Jun 7
📣 World Kidney Cancer Day is on June 15th!
This year`s theme is "Living Well with Kidney Cancer." Join our partners and us at IKCC for the Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium to learn more about maintaining your quality of life while managing #kidneycancer.
Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
In the meantime, check out our Patient Resource Center for more resources to help you feel your best while coping with kidney cancer: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#WorldKidneyCancerDay #AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Don`t miss this insightful video featuring Dr. Eric Jonasch from MD Anderson Cancer Center discussing brain metastases in #kidneycancer. Learn about:
· early indicators
· the importance of brain MRIs
· treatment options like SRS and surgery
· the effectiveness of existing drug treatments
Stay informed and empowered on this critical topic. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q7c-YV85oso
May 31
Don`t miss this insightful video featuring Dr. Eric Jonasch from MD Anderson Cancer Center discussing brain metastases in #kidneycancer. Learn about:
· early indicators
· the importance of brain MRIs
· treatment options like SRS and surgery
· the effectiveness of existing drug treatments
Stay informed and empowered on this critical topic. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q7c-YV85oso
🇺🇸 Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today, on #MemorialDay, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and selflessness in defending our freedoms.
As we commemorate this day, it is essential to recognize that many service-related deaths result from diseases, specifically #kidneycancer, linked to exposures during military service. We stand with our veterans and their families, offering support and resources to navigate their healthcare journeys.
Visit our Kidney Cancer and the Military page in the Patient Resource Center, where we share powerful stories from veterans affected by cancer due to exposure while serving. These stories highlight the significance of the recently passed PACT Act, which provides recognition, validation, and medical aid for service-related chemical injuries.
https://bit.ly/MiltaryandKidneyCancer
Today, let us honor our fallen heroes and also support our living heroes by ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve. Together, we can continue to advocate for improved healthcare access and research advancements, while standing in solidarity with our military community.
#MemorialDay #RememberingOurHeroes #VeteransStories #PACTAct #supportourheroes
May 29
🇺🇸 Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today, on #MemorialDay, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and selflessness in defending our freedoms.
As we commemorate this day, it is essential to recognize that many service-related deaths result from diseases, specifically #kidneycancer, linked to exposures during military service. We stand with our veterans and their families, offering support and resources to navigate their healthcare journeys.
Visit our Kidney Cancer and the Military page in the Patient Resource Center, where we share powerful stories from veterans affected by cancer due to exposure while serving. These stories highlight the significance of the recently passed PACT Act, which provides recognition, validation, and medical aid for service-related chemical injuries.
https://bit.ly/MiltaryandKidneyCancer
Today, let us honor our fallen heroes and also support our living heroes by ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve. Together, we can continue to advocate for improved healthcare access and research advancements, while standing in solidarity with our military community.
#MemorialDay #RememberingOurHeroes #VeteransStories #PACTAct #supportourheroes
A gorgeous day in DC! KidneyCAN joined partner organizations to speak to freshman reps in Congress about the need for CDMRP funding. Thanks to all who joined us!
#AcceleratingCures
May 18
A gorgeous day in DC! KidneyCAN joined partner organizations to speak to freshman reps in Congress about the need for CDMRP funding. Thanks to all who joined us!
#AcceleratingCures
📸 Capturing meaningful connections! Our KidneyCAN team had the privilege of engaging with patients and guests at the "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer" workshop at Fox Chase Cancer Center last night. Patients also heard from experts on promising treatments for #GUcancers.
We`re proud to provide valuable resources and support to those affected by #kidneycancer! Thank you to FCCC for having us at this event.
May 12
📸 Capturing meaningful connections! Our KidneyCAN team had the privilege of engaging with patients and guests at the "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer" workshop at Fox Chase Cancer Center last night. Patients also heard from experts on promising treatments for #GUcancers.
We`re proud to provide valuable resources and support to those affected by #kidneycancer! Thank you to FCCC for having us at this event.
We recently caught up with one of our favorites, Dr. Alexander Kutikov of Fox Chase Cancer Center, at the American Urological Association meeting. Tonight, we`re back at Fox Chase for "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer," a free educational workshop for patients and caregivers.
The program will feature a panel of Fox Chase clinicians and researchers discussing promising treatments for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. KidneyCAN, along with industry partners and Fox Chase special services, will also participate in the event by providing helpful resources.
If you`re near Philly, come join us tonight! Info at https://www.foxchase.org/TogetherFacingGUCancer2023
May 11
We recently caught up with one of our favorites, Dr. Alexander Kutikov of Fox Chase Cancer Center, at the American Urological Association meeting. Tonight, we`re back at Fox Chase for "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer," a free educational workshop for patients and caregivers.
The program will feature a panel of Fox Chase clinicians and researchers discussing promising treatments for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. KidneyCAN, along with industry partners and Fox Chase special services, will also participate in the event by providing helpful resources.
If you`re near Philly, come join us tonight! Info at https://www.foxchase.org/TogetherFacingGUCancer2023
"I`m not going to be pre-cancer Laura ever again. I happen to quite like post-cancer Laura, actually, so that`s a good thing."
🧡💚💪✨
At our recent Town Hall, we heard from the best experts -- patients who understand the challenges of living with #kidneycancer. We also learned about strategies for coping and thriving despite the uncertainties. Watch the recording now for inspiration and hope!
WATCH: https://youtu.be/gdYKrEL7OjM
Additional resources for patients at www.kidneycan.org
#kidneycancer #KidneyCAN #TownHall #RCC #survivorship
May 3
"I`m not going to be pre-cancer Laura ever again. I happen to quite like post-cancer Laura, actually, so that`s a good thing."
🧡💚💪✨
At our recent Town Hall, we heard from the best experts -- patients who understand the challenges of living with #kidneycancer. We also learned about strategies for coping and thriving despite the uncertainties. Watch the recording now for inspiration and hope!
WATCH: https://youtu.be/gdYKrEL7OjM
Additional resources for patients at www.kidneycan.org
#kidneycancer #KidneyCAN #TownHall #RCC #survivorship
Looking for inspiration and hope on your #kidneycancer journey? Join us for our Town Hall event on Tuesday, featuring stories of survivorship from three patients.
Register now for this free virtual webinar: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
#rcc #cancersurvivorship #hope
Apr 22
Looking for inspiration and hope on your #kidneycancer journey? Join us for our Town Hall event on Tuesday, featuring stories of survivorship from three patients.
Register now for this free virtual webinar: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
#rcc #cancersurvivorship #hope
KidneyCAN`s next Town Hall event is next week on Tuesday, April 25th! We`re talking about #RCC survivorship. Hear from three #kidneycancer patients who are making the most of their time and living fully despite their diagnoses.
Register now! It`s free: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
Apr 18
KidneyCAN`s next Town Hall event is next week on Tuesday, April 25th! We`re talking about #RCC survivorship. Hear from three #kidneycancer patients who are making the most of their time and living fully despite their diagnoses.
Register now! It`s free: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
