Lindsay Walker

My kidney cancer story began on Halloween 2022. I went in for a routine MRI on my low back for my autoimmune disease. After the MRI, the person who did the scan told me I'd probably see the results in the portal before the doctor did. I said to her, "It's crazy that the portal releases results to patients because people even find out they have cancer that way!" I laugh now at how naive I was because the next day that would unexpectedly happen to me. I had absolutely no reason to believe my results would show a kidney mass. I had no symptoms (which I now know is common for kidney cancer). The MRI results led to an ultrasound three weeks later, followed by a CT a week later. The CT results led to a urology oncology referral which took another month. On January 3, 2023 I was finally able to get some answers - it was most likely kidney cancer. Surgery would determine the rest.

Three weeks later I said good riddance to the tumor and began the healing process. My tumor was stage 3, grade 3 (aggressive). The subtype is Chromophobe which is considered rare - only 5% of kindey cancers are Chromophobe. Because of the rarity, there are no specific treatments outside of surgery, and little research. I am dedicated and determined to do all I can to make sure Chromophobe gets more research and treatments.

One of the first things I did when I was diagnosed was look for a kidney cancer organization or walk in the area. I found neither, and knew in that moment that I would do what I could to bring something to Oreogn. I'm excited to say that one year later I'm able to do just that! The Kidney Cancer Association asked me to be a Regional Event Ambassador and plan the first Oregon event! I'd love to have you join me on April 13th! (To do that, click "Regional Challenge: Oregon" on the right, then click "Join the 82K Challenge" on the Oregon page).

All funds donated to this campaign will go directly to the Kidney Cancer Association. When you donate, you have several options for where you'd like your money to go and I'd encourage you to choose Chromophobe Research so that those diagnosed with Chromophobe (like me) have options in the future.

Thank you for considering joining the challenge this year either by donating or coming to the event! 🧡

To read more of my story, you can do so here and here.