My name is Chad I’m a 30 year old self employed DJ/ educator originally from Chelsea.

On the 28th June 2019, I had blood in my urine and since then everything has changed.

On 28th August a CT scan not only showed a large tumour arising from my left kidney, but also a small tumour on my right lung and multiple ‘indeterminates’.

On 19th September, I had a six hour surgery in which a large team of surgeons (including a liver surgeon and two urology surgeons) removed the tumour along with my left kidney, spleen, the tail of my pancreas and a small part of my diaphragm. Fast forward to now (mid October) I am four weeks into my recovery following this significant surgery.

On Friday I received my official diagnosis Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC). Which is an aggressive and rare form of kidney cancer which appears to have a link with the sickle cell trait of which I am a carrier.

The research I have done so far has been disheartening, not only is it difficult to even find people who have had this type of cancer but finding people who are still alive is even harder still. Often this cancer is diagnosed late which further decreases survival chances, so even though my surgery at the moment appears successful we know there is still at least one tumour on my lung.

HOWEVER, there is hope! I have found someone in America (Cora Connor) who’s brother has RMC and was successfully treated and continues alive and well seven years after his diagnosis she has since sent up a foundation RMC Support. While the NHS is amazing the only two people I have found in the UK with this type of cancer have had to fundraise for treatment and unfortunately one man recently lost his battle.

This means I need to get to the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston Texas. I have been in contact with them and they were very quick to reply, unfortunately for me to even get an initial appointment with them I will need to pay $25,000USD which roughly converts to £20,000. That is before any proposed treatment, flights, accommodation.

I currently live in Basingstoke with my partner Anita who is a children nurse and our two children Rome who is four and Milan who is one. As I said I’m a self employed DJ currently unable to work. Initial funds will go towards my treatment and any additional money will go towards our bills.

Any money you are able to donate will be so greatly appreciated but also please spread the word. If you know anyone who is a sickle cell trait carrier or has sickle cell disease please make them aware of Renal Medullary Carcinoma. My symptoms included blood in the urine, back/ flank pain and weight loss.

Thank you for reading.

https://mdanderson.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/nizar-m-tannir