An annual event convenes patients and community members for presentations on the latest discoveries and small-group Q&A sessions with experts around topics of their interest.
Tours of the research facilities introduce community members to ongoing research, followed by informal receptions providing opportunities for one-on-one interactions.
By donating material from surgeries and participating in clinical trials, patients contribute to the advancement of kidney cancer research.
Through the assistance of patient navigators, patients explore their options in the Kidney Cancer Program and Simmons Cancer Center.
A variety of programs offer support to patients and families.
Referring to Energy, Mind, Body, Relationships, Active nutrition, Creativity and Expression, this weekly seminar series empowers patients across the domains of life.
In Their Own Words
“Someone who isn’t going through the disease process can’t really tell you what the experience is like. But when you meet a fellow cancer patient with the same kind of cancer you have and they are walking the same journey as you, it’s such a piece of comfort.” Merlinda Chelette, patient advocate
Learn
Patients and community members are invited to a half-day conference annually where the latest discoveries are discussed, small group discussions with experts around topics of their interest are offered, and a venue is provided for meeting informally with doctors and nurses.
Experience
Tours of the research facilities are offered to introduce community members to the ongoing research and they are followed by an informal reception with opportunities for one on one questions.
Fueling Research
By donating otherwise to be discarded material from surgeries, as well as sometimes more challenging biopsy material, patients partener with the program to fuel research.
By participating in clinical trials patients have access to the latest drugs in development and contribution to the next generation of drugs.
New patients are assisted by patient navigators that introduce them to the Kidney Cancer Program.
Navigate
- Liaisons between the Kidney Cancer Program and the community
- Represent patient voice for research advancement
- Help develop educational programming
- Raise awareness by participating in community and research-related activities
- Orchestrate, coordinate volunteer efforts
- Assist patients and caregivers in navigating the kidney cancer landscape
- Help connect patients support services
- Provide added emotional support
Support Each Other
Walking the Same Journey, by Merlinda Chelette
“Someone who isn’t going through the disease process can’t really tell you what the experience is like, but when you meet a fellow cancer patient with the same kind of cancer you have, and they are walking the same journey as you, it’s such a piece of comfort.”
Harvesting, storing, and processing patient tissues to support our extensive research efforts.
