News

“A Journey Through Grief: Lessons Learned from Losing My Father” By Gabrielle Hayward-Johnson

July 05, 2024

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Gabrielle Hayward-Johnson, and Chris Johnson was my father. My dad passed away from RMC in September 2012, just three weeks after my 6th birthday.

My grandmother, Ritchie, asked me to share with you about the impact my dad’s death has had on me – specifically, my personal journey of grief. I also want to share with you some lessons I’ve learned that may help others cope through their own grief.

Our Newest Volunteer – Shanice Johnson

July 04, 2024

Shanice Johnson is a passionate public health and health education advocate and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). She received her undergraduate degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and a Masters in Public Health from the University of New England in 2019. Shanice has developed and implemented a variety of health education programs and fostered community partnerships with organizations and stakeholders to improve health outcomes and equity in New Jersey and California.

The Truth About Sickle Cell Trait

June 01, 2024

Sickle cell trait (SCT) represents a significant public health concern, particularly among populations with a higher prevalence of this genetic condition. SCT is inherited when a person carries one abnormal hemoglobin gene and one normal gene, typically without exhibiting symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD).

Highlights of the 11th Annual Keepin’ It Renal Global Run/Walk 2024

April 06, 2024

Our 11th Annual Keepin’ It Renal Global Run/Walk proved to be a resounding success.

Hearthfelt Gratitude to Our Sponsors-11th Annual Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk

March 31, 2024

We are deeply honored and grateful to extend our sincerest appreciation to all the sponsors who generously contributed to the success of the 11th Annual Keepin’ It Renal Run/Walk, held in several locations around the world during the month of March 2024. Your support has not only made our events possible, but has also pushed […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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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