KCCure is proud to present tributes to kidney cancer warriors and their families. Please make a contribution to KCCure’s important mission to fund kidney cancer research, and then let us know if you would like to add a special tribute to our website. Whether it is to celebrate a survivor, a good scan, or acceptance into a trial, or to remember and champion someone who has passed away, KCCure is honored to present those tributes here.
CELEBRATIONS OF HOPE
- In honor of all the Kidney Cancer Warriors who have gone before us, those who fight with treatments, procedures, etc, those who are NED, those who are caregivers and those who have lost a loved one to this horrible disease. We believe a cure WILL be found! — DeAndra Reese
- In honor of Mike Sitzer — Ira and Judy Dwoskin, Hal and Ruth Gutstein, and Burt and Carol Savitsky
- In honor of all KC patients and their caregivers — Mike and Paula Sitzer
- In honor of Mike Venable — Virginia McPhearson and William Pruett
KC WARRIORS IN MEMORIAM
Frank “the Fighting Irishman” Corrigan (1951-2011) was diagnosed with Stage IV renal cell carcinoma in November 2009. A 1973 Notre Dame grad, Frank was known as the Fighting Irishman because of his constant smile, courageous positive spirit and “wicked smaht” humor. He showered his family and his friends with ferocious loyalty and generosity. Frank loved life and taught us how to live it to the fullest. We miss him every day.
Janet Plantin (1947-2016) was diagnosed with stage IV RCC in October 2010. We had planned our retirement lives for years and had been fortunate to retire early, moving from Long Island to North Carolina in 2001. While she fought the disease bravely, she also was determined to work on her bucket list. Zip lining in Alaska, cruising with friends on our boat, spending the winters in Vermont skiing (for her 50th year in a row), golfing (always seeking her fifth hole-in-one), and of course, partying. I miss you honey. Forever, your Kenny (Read more of Ken Plantin’s tribute to Janet.)
“We miss her a lot!” — Harbour Pointe Ladies Golf Association
Edward “John” Neary battled renal cell carcinoma with courage from January 2010 until January 2015. Simply put, John was the kindest, smartest, funniest, most generous, most honorable husband, dad, son, brother…well, family man, and absolutely the very best friend anyone could ever hope to have in their life. He touched so many lives throughout his battle with his tenacious spirit both in and out of the Kidney Cancer community. We miss you, John, and love you with all of our hearts – always. — Kelly Neary
Rick Loucks (1963-2015) was a warrior in every sense. Thank you for your service to your country and your valiant fight against kidney cancer.
In honor of Rick — Lori Fischetti
Chris Battle (1968-2013) was the greatest father, a great husband, a great man and a great writer. His was a stunning intellect. He served his country in public service, working in the U.S. Congress, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. He was also an acclaimed journalist and a leader in the kidney cancer community, sharing his heroic fight through writing on the Kidney Cancer Chronicles. He was as loved in life as he is in memory. — Kate, Josie and Dena Battle
John Costa was bold and passionate. He loved laughter, loved food, and most importantly, loved people. When he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he told the doctors that he was going to beat it, and his story would be on their website. John stopped at nothing, traveling the country many times over to find the best and most aggressive treatment. He was also a generous man donating personally and raising money through his private accounting practice for the homeless and the hungry. He worked serving food and shopping for the local St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. John’s life ended three years later on October 6, 2013, his two children yet to graduate from college. John Costa’s life was the expression of passion and generosity. With your help, we can keep his love of life living on through the cure! — Claire Costa, Dan And Debbie Costa, Joanne McShane, Donna Messner, Janice MacDowell Gaedtke, Sheri Ebert, Karen Stawicki, Kristen McCarthy
Christopher Michael Finan (1977-2016) was born in Fort Campbell, Ky., the son of John and Janice (Baldery) Finan Jr. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Saint Mary and married Eva Ellen Hanson in 2013. Chris is survived by his wife and his two-year-old daughter, Ellen Christine. He was a loving husband to Eva, an amazing father to Ellen, and a devoted friend. Chris had a passion for home brewing, enjoyed duck hunting, movies, and his dogs, Brewer and Molly. He has left a resounding impact on those who were graced by his strength, kindness, humility and humor. — Fred and Linda Kesinger, Eva Finan, Penny and Michael Garner, Bruce and Ruth Uphoff, Jared and Sara Herzet, LTC Michael and Robin Johnson, Nancy and R.D. Hammel, Mary Ruth Williams, Debbi and David Keithley, Maj. R.T. and C.A. Gonzalez, Carl and Dovie Anne Hughes, K.J. and E.L Hustings, James and Sharon Large, Karen Harris, Zoe Ann Altenes
Todd Green fought cancer valiantly for 10 years. He endured more than most could – from hundreds of tests, scans, and hospital stays; surgeries; chemotherapy; immunotherapy; radiation; Cyber Knife and the replacement of his right elbow. And through it all, he was a warrior who was driven by fierce dedication, love and loyalty to his friends, family and the firearms community. His smile, wit, humor, generosity and skill will be greatly missed. — Kim Green, Don Green, Julie Golob, Edward Green