Lisa Laferriere

🧡🧡🧡 There is a saying that goes something like, “you don’t know how strong you are, until you have no choice” - that is certainly true when a Dr is speaking to you, and diagnosing you with Cancer. Nothing compares or prepares for that moment.
I was diagnosed in late November 2023, had a radical nephrectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC in December. The 9cm tumor was stage 2 Clear cell renal carcinoma. Thankfully the tumor was caught and removed before it could spread beyond the kidney…. But the entire Kidney had to go.
At this moment - about 3 months after surgery, I am immensely grateful….

Grateful for….

• God for faith and guidance on this journey.
  

• all the Drs, nurses, medical workers and researchers I have encountered on this journey. Their work is God’s work, taking care of the warriors.
  

• For my husband, parents, family and friends who have shown their love and support in amazing ways. My healing was accelerated by love and support and I wish that for all those on a health journey.

• my lifelong friend Gina, who’s closest family members have battled cancer, yet she has chosen to dedicate her latest series of running, including a half marathon to me! I am so honored - she has always shown me how to be strong and brave; we have been friends since the age of 4.
  
  Gina has committed to run over 50 miles, or 🧡82🧡 kilometers, to honor the 82,000 people who will be diagnosed with Kidney Cancer this year! She runs for all of us.

I am not a runner, but in efforts to improve my own health, post Cancer, and do my part to keep it from returning, I am also committing to do 82 miles in March through a combination of cycling and walking. I will track and provide updates to keep me accountable! 😉 we can trust Gina to get it done…. Me, we have to watch 🤣🤣🤣

Thank you all for being with me on my journey…. All my love, faith and hope.

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!