Spotlight: John Ferrell of the KCA’s Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council

How long have you been working with the KCA and what motivated you to get involved?

I have been involved with the KCA since the Fall of 2019, when we joined forces to advocate for Kidney Cancer funding on Capitol Hill. Since my diagnosis in 2010, I have been involved with several organizations to raise funds for Kidney Cancer research, bring awareness to the disease and help other patients that may be going through the same experience I am. This has helped me deal with my own diagnosis and struggles along the way.

How do you hope to see the KCA grow?

I would like to see KCA continue to grow into a patient and research-focused organization like they are now. Gretchen [E. Vaughan, KCA’s CEO and President,] has brought great leadership to the KCA, which has motivated me to get more involved as a patient advocate. Incorporating the voice of the patient into an organization like the KCA will help bring a level of personalization many organizations do not have.

What are you excited to bring to the organization?

I am excited to bring my own personal experience with kidney cancer into the organization, as well as my experience on the research side. All of my treatments have been clinical trials which I strongly believe is the reason why I am in remission from stage IV kidney cancer today.

What is your favorite travel destination and why?

I have many but currently it is Telluride, Colorado. It is a year-round destination with snow sports in the winter and hiking and other outdoor activities the rest of the time. During the summer, there are music festivals just about every month!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to travel, spend quality time with my family and go see live music. Hoping we can get back to the live music part in 2022!