Double Your Impact: Gifts matched up to $10,000!
What is Conquer Cancer Day?
Every year since 2018, we’ve celebrated Conquer Cancer Day, during which we honor oncologists, caregivers, nurses, advocates, researchers, and, above all, patients around the world as they strive to conquer cancer. In honor of this special day, every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000!
This year, we’re introducing you to Katie Coleman, a patient of Conquer Cancer-funded oncologist Dr. Pavlos Msaouel. We hope you will join us and commit to raising as much funding as possible to support the brightest minds in cancer research and vital programs for every cancer, every patient, everywhere.
When Answers Don't Exist
Being diagnosed with any kind of cancer is difficult enough. But what happens when you’re diagnosed with a type of cancer so rare that the number of recorded cases can be counted on two hands? And what if your doctor tells you the disease has spread to other parts of your body? Katie Coleman knows the answer firsthand.
At 29—and just two months after her wedding—Katie discovered she had a tumor known as an oncocytoma. Though usually benign, Katie’s proved to be metastatic, making her one of only 10 known cases in the world. Because of the rarity of her diagnosis, it’s received very little attention in cancer research. But Katie refused to let that stop her from learning everything she could so that she could play an active and decisive role in her own care.
Patient. Survivor. Advocate.
With so little available information about her diagnosis, Katie had to quickly learn the most effective ways to gather knowledge about this rare disease while also learning to navigate the complexities of cancer care. With enough persistence, Katie found Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a three-time Conquer Cancer grant and award recipient whose experience researching rare kidney cancers gave him unique insight into her condition and the options for treating it.
Together with the rest of her care team, they took a collaborative approach to her care. Today, Katie is a survivor and an active advocate who’s committed to helping patients navigate the numerous stressors that come with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
This Conquer Cancer Day, Honor Someone You Love
With 1 in 5 people developing cancer in their lifetime, cancer touches us all. Make a gift that honors someone special and makes an impact for patients like Katie around the world.
Meet Dr. Pavlos Msaouel
Dr. Pavlos Msaouel is a physician-scientist, cancer biologist, and three-time Conquer Cancer grant and award recipient who focuses on translating rare cancer research into clinical trials and, ultimately, lifesaving treatments for patients around the world.
In Their Own Words
Hear Katie discuss her journey from patient to advocate, and listen to Dr. Msaouel discuss his research and making progress for patients with rare kidney cancers.
Katie's Podcast: A Collaborative Approach to an Uncommon Cancer
In this episode of Your Stories, Katie speaks with podcast host and fellow survivor Brenda Brody about her journey from diagnosis to survivorship, including how she found support and guidance. She also discusses what the search for rare disease information taught her and the importance of supporting cancer research for every type of cancer.
Dr. Msaouel's Podcast: No Stone Unturned
In this episode of Your Stories, originally recorded in 2019, Dr. Pavlos Msaouel and Dr. Nizar Tannir discuss their pursuit of better treatments for a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer and the importance of leaving no stone unturned.
Conquer Cancer Day is only possible because of your support.
Give to make TWICE the impact! All gifts matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous donor, up to $10,000.