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Lenny has been fighting kidney cancer in one form or another since 2008. After doctors discovered a tumor in his kidney ten years ago, Lenny underwent several surgeries to remove tumor growths and eventually had his entire kidney removed. 

Unfortunately, Lenny's disease came back in 2013, and this time surgery was no longer an option. He now had an inoperable form of the disease that had spread to other parts of his body as well.

Lenny started on clinical trial of a targeted drug that helped to shrink his tumor dramatically. Lenny was also feeling good and experienced minimal side effects while on the trial.

When his disease returned in 2015, Lenny had additional treatment options at Dana-Farber. He started on a new form of therapy called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, much the same way our immune system seeks out a virus or infection. Lenny's tumors have not grown since he has been on this new medication. 

While every day is challenge in some ways for Lenny, he maintains an upbeat and positive outlook. He calls Dr. Choueiri and his treatment team the best thing that ever happened to him.

Dr. Choueiri the lead investigator of multiple national and international phase one, two and three trials in GU cancers.

Dr. Choueiri is interested in developing novel therapies and biomarkers in GU malignancies, including kidney cancer. His research also focuses on epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment outcomes of GU cancers using large scale approaches such as meta-analyses from available published trials or national databases.

Marc was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera after doctors thought he had atypical congestive heart failure. He had several vague, but culminating symptoms that led to his initial hospitalization.

While Marc’s cancer has been progressing slowly, his treatment includes on-going, therapeutic phlebotomy. The secondary symptoms that stem from the thickening of his blood have given him the most trouble throughout his diagnosis.

Marc previously worked as a nurse for many years. His patients were the first ones to notice that something wasn’t right with Marc’s health and encouraged him to see a doctor.

Throughout his treatment, Marc has been supported by his wife, JoAnne.

Dana-Farber seemed to be the obvious choice for Marc’s treatment. He says that everyone he knew suggested he go to the Institute as they are the “A-Team” for cancer care. Marc is so grateful for Dr. Steensma’s care and attention.

Dr. Steensma joined Dana-Farber in 2009. He is an internationally recognized expert in myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and marrow failure syndromes. He is actively engaged in clinical and translational research and has contributed many oft-cited educational materials in these diseases.

Saila was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in June 2017.  After her diagnosis at another hospital, she transferred to Dana-Farber for treatment. Saila’s treatment currently includes a clinical trial of alternating Tagrisso and Iressa.

In her spare time, Saila is an athlete. Whether she is running for miles, competing in triathlons, or practicing yoga, Saila loves to work out. She also finds her happy place when cooking, drinking wine, and spending time with her friends and family.

Throughout her diagnosis, Saila has been supported by her mother, Arja, father, Markku, and younger brother, Jesse.

Saila originally chose to be treated at Dana-Farber because she likes that its sole mission is cancer research and treatment. She was also driven to Dana-Farber because of Dr. Pasi Janne and his research in the field. Saila started a foundation, JAKSAA, to raise awareness and support fundraising for Dr. Janne’s research efforts. Over the last year, Saila has raised about $100,000 for the organization.

Dr. Pasi Janne is the director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology and the Scientific Director of the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science. His main research interests include studying the therapeutic relevance of oncogenic alterations in lung cancer.

He was one of the co-discoverers of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and has led the development of therapeutic strategies for patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer.

Marlin was diagnosed with ALL in December 2017. She was having pain in her hips, knees, shoulders and elbows. The doctors did a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy that determined she had cancer. The doctors at Dana-Farber put her on a two-year treatment plan. Marlin is currently undergoing treatment and has had several hospital admissions, weekly outpatient and home therapies.

Marlin's family consists of her mother, Erika Baert, and her father, Kevin Welcome. Marlin also has grandparents and several cousins. Marlin's maternal grandmother passed away from multiple myeloma when Marlin was almost 2 years old.

Marlin has hosted yard sales and a lemonade stand this spring where she raised $160 for a local animal shelter and $1,000 for Dana-Farber. She is always thinking of others and wants to help anyone who might be suffering in any way. She enjoys life and is a joyful, positive person who you rarely see without a smile on her face!

Marlin enjoys swimming, skiing, and especially surfing. She hopes to be cancer-free and travel with her family.