Joel Stern

More than three years ago, my world came to a sudden stop as I was given the Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma diagnosis. My plans for an uneventful filled retirement changed drastically.  Now into my fourth year with this disease, I have adapted to being told I have a terminal disease. A week without doctor appointments, scans, and bloodwork is rare. I have learned to deal with chronic pain and the many ups and downs with Stage 4 cancer.  Despite the challenges, I have enjoyed life to the fullest and have a treasure trove of memories that are etched in my mind and I hope the minds of my family and friends. 

I doubt I'd be here without recent and significant advancements in kidney cancer research that have been made thanks to generous donations to kidney cancer associations, including the Kidney Cancer Association. However, while I am beating the odds as of today, I have witnessed death and severe physical and emotional pain almost weekly from the FB community I helped start a year ago. I also appreciate that my stable condition can change at any time like it did this past summer with a new growth. 

Ten years ago, my five-year survival rate was between eight and thirteen percent. Today, studies show that with the new treatments I am on, my five-year survival rate is anywhere between forty and fifty percent. More importantly, the survival rates are expected to continue to increase as new kidney cancer research grants are given and new treatments are approved by the FDA.

Once a year I make this plea for family, friends and colleagues to make a donation to the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) to fuel further advances in treating kidney cancer and providing critical education to both patients and caregivers. It is this education that helps patients diagnosed with kidney cancer make smarter and life-saving decisions once diagnosed. I can’t think of a better way to use these funds!

Please consider making a donation to my now favorite charity. The link is below. I don't love asking for money and I know you get several requests daily, but this cause is my passion and I want to be around to see this disease become curable versus palliative. I also see directly how monies are used to benefit the renal cell carcinoma community.

Thank you in advance,

Joel

https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/prdTAd5pvt