Joshua Silva

I first discovered I had kidney cancer during an unexpected visit to the hospital for severe stomach pains. What I thought was a simple case of appendicitis turned out to be far more complicated. A CT scan confirmed the appendicitis, but also revealed a concerning mass on my left kidney. I’ll never forget the thoughts of about to go into surgery for one thing knowing there’s an even bigger issue on the other side.

The weeks following were not only filled with having to recover from one surgery but also thoughts of what I was told in the ER. It wasn’t until I met with my urologist that I found out. I was in his office staring at the CT scan on his computer. The doctor's voice was calm, but the words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What do you see wrong with this picture, you see this— this isn’t supposed to be there. This is the size of a tennis ball. It’s cancer."

In that moment, my world shifted. How could this be? I worked out regularly, ate well, and took care of my body. Cancer was something that happened to other people, not to someone like me. The initial shock gave way to more emotions, I also had to undergo more scans to assure it didn’t spread. Each step confirmed the diagnosis: renal cell carcinoma.

I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and thankfully, the prognosis was positive. The cancer hadn’t spread, and my recovery was expected to be smooth. But the experience left a lasting mark on me. I realized how close I came to dismissing the warning signs, to writing off that persistent back pain as just another part of my active lifestyle.

Now, standing on the other side of my diagnosis, I feel a sense of purpose. I want to spread awareness about the importance of listening to our bodies. No matter how healthy we think we are, our bodies have ways of telling us when something isn’t right.

If you feel something is off, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. It could be nothing, but it could also be the crucial early detection that saves your life. Prioritize your health.

My journey with kidney cancer has taught me that health is not something to be taken for granted. It’s a reminder that we need to be vigilant, proactive, and in tune with our bodies. Sharing my story is my way of encouraging others to take charge of their health, to listen when their body speaks, and to never assume that illness is something that only happens to others.

I am grateful for the chance to continue my journey, and I am committed to using my experience to help others. Thank you God. Thank you to my family and friends. Life is precious, and our health is the most valuable asset we have.

With that being said, I am planning on walking/running for 82 minutes in efforts to raise awareness and donations for the Kidney Cancer Association.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA)'s mission is to be a global community dedicated to serving and empowering patients and caregivers, and leading change through advocacy, research, and education. Advancing the mission of the Kidney Cancer Association is important to me. Please support me by giving to my page. Thank you