News

Ritchie Johnson – Force Behind the RMC Movement

  • February 02, 2024

Today, we are shining a spotlight on the driving force behind the RMC Movement, Ritchie Johnson. Her unwavering commitment stems from a personal tragedy – the loss of her youngest son, Chris, to renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) at the age of 39. While undergoing treatment, Chris recognized the critical need for awareness and information regarding kidney cancers, particularly RMC, and its association with sickle cell trait (SCT). Sadly, Chris’s health deteriorated before he could advocate for change succumbing to RMC.

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2024 Annual Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk – Pasadena, California

  • January 29, 2024

2024 Annual Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk – Pasadena, California Join the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation for the inaugural Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk in Pasadena, California, on March 16, 2024. This event is dedicated to honoring Dr. Ana Miranda Maldonado, who bravely fought renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) until her passing on July 7, 2023. Our primary […]

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Six Papers from 2023 that Improved our Understanding of Renal Medullary Carcinoma

  • January 11, 2024

Blog post from Kidney Cancer Association. This is a guest post by Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a medical oncologist and researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center, renal medullary carcinoma expert, and member of the KCA’s Medical Steering Committee. Dr. Msaouel has also received multiple KCA grants to further research in kidney cancer. Six papers published in […]

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2023 Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation Inc. Annual Report

  • January 06, 2024

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors, the RMC community, sponsors, participants, and volunteers for contributing to the success of 2023, making it an extraordinary year. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, we are excited to share our highlights with you as the RMC Movement continues to […]

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The Next Chapter – Written By Valerie Smith

  • December 31, 2023

Valerie, age 39 was diagnosed earlier this year with renal cell carcinoma unclassified with medullary phenotype (RCCU-MP) which is a rare RMC variant that occurs in people without sickle cell trait or disease.

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Dr. Pavlos Msaouel Honored With The Christopher Wood Rising Star Award

  • November 16, 2023

On November 10th, Dr. Pavlos Msaouel was honored with the Christopher Wood Rising Star Award at the International Kidney Cancer Symposium 2023: North America. This award is a testament to Dr. Msaouel’s exceptional contribution to the field, marking him as a rising star in the realms of both medicine and science. Dr. Msaouel is a […]

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Dr. Nizar Tannir Receives the Nicholas J. Vogelzang Humanitarian Award

  • November 16, 2023

Dr. Nizar Tannir was honored with the Nicholas J. Vogelzang Humanitarian Award on November 10, 2023 at the International Kidney Cancer Symposium 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon hearing his speech, you will grasp the reasons behind his well-deserved selection for this prestigious accolade. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Tannir for his compassion and commitment […]

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Ritchie Johnson: Turning Pain Into Purpose

  • November 15, 2023

On November 10th, Ritchie Johnson, the President and Founder of the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation Inc., had the privilege of addressing physicians, researchers, scientist, patients and advocates at the International Kidney Cancer Symposium 2023. She passionately recounted her poignant journey alongside her youngest son, Chris, as he confronted renal medullary carcinoma over a challenging 15-month-period. […]

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Meet Brian Ezeude – Cancer Free

  • November 14, 2023

The Chris CJ Johnson Foundation is elated by the fantastic update regarding Brian. Approximately two and a half years ago, Brian received a diagnosis of Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) at the tender age of 39. Throughout his entire journey, Brian and his wife Anessa maintained a positive outlook. Today, we are delighted to announce that […]

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11th Annual 5K Global Virtual/In-Person Run/Walk

  • November 01, 2023

2024 11th Annual Global Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk –  Sugar Land, Texas.  Please join the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation for a scenic 5K run/walk on March 23, 2024, dedicated to raising awareness about renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). This event aims to educate communities about the connection between sickle cell trait and RMC while raising funds to […]

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