Advanced / Metastatic Bladder Cancer

“It is our hope that the My Bladder Cancer Story campaign will be an avenue for those affected by bladder cancer to share their stories to be a voice for those who, for far too long, have felt alone in this fight against this disease.”

Andrea Maddox-Smith, BCAN CEO
Share Your Story
  • Tami’s Story: “My mind was stuck on the fact that I had cancer.”

    Tami Angelucci’s bladder cancer journey began long before her actual diagnosis. For two years, she endured persistent discomfort and symptoms that doctors repeatedly dismissed as minor issues. It wasn’t until a series of unexpected turns that the truth finally came to light, leading to a life-altering diagnosis and treatment. What… Read More
  • Frank’s Story: “We are not alone in this battle.”

    Listen to Frank’s podcast episode It was the Spring of 2023 when Frank Boyer received the devastating diagnosis of bladder cancer. Despite his initial shock, surrounded by loved ones and guided by his medical team, he embarked on a journey of resilience and determination. Here is his story: “You have… Read More
  • Nicholas’s Story: “I would not trade being with my mom the last months of her life for anything”

    Nicholas, who lost his mother, Pamela Lightcap Simpson, in July of 2021, shares her journey with bladder cancer and the importance of an organization such as BCAN to bring awareness to this disease. Nicholas feels indebted to have spent valuable moments with her, even those that were a blessing in… Read More
  • A Cautionary Tale – Victoria’s Story

    Victoria offers a caregiver’s perspective in the hopes that others can learn from her dear friend’s tragic story. Mentor, Business Partner, Father Figure I’ve always been interested in health care, from my background in pre-med and public health, to my decades of experience in helping to grow medical and dental… Read More
  • Steve’s Journey: From Agent Orange to a Radical Cystectomy

    My journey with bladder cancer began in October 2017 at the age of 70. Being a Vietnam War veteran exposed to Agent Orange, I cannot help but think that may have played a role in my diagnosis. Before finding out that I had bladder cancer, I had mild symptoms. There… Read More
  • Karen: Our Bladder Cancer Story Has Been Like a Bad Netflix Series

    Karen is Spencer’s wife and she reached out to BCAN eager to share her husband’s journey with small cell bladder cancer. She described this phase of their lives like a “bad Netflix series.” Unrehearsed: Our Journey with Small Cell Bladder Cancer My husband, Spencer, was diagnosed with small cell… Read More
  • Walter Had Stage IV, Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

    Before his Stage IV bladder cancer diagnosis, Walter was healthy but when we could return home from the gym, there was blood in his urine. He knew that something was wrong, but he did not suspect bladder cancer. Read More
  • Kesha’s Story: Anyone Can Get Bladder Cancer. I Was 39 Years Old.

    I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in December 2019 at the age of 39. Everything happened pretty fast. Before my diagnosis, I was having what I thought were recurring urinary tract infections for six months. I went to my doctor, and he would prescribe me antibiotics, which did not… Read More
  • David’s Story: Never Give Up and Try to Stay Active

    In 2008, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Before my initial diagnosis, I had just started a new job and did not have health insurance when my symptoms appeared. I eventually went to the emergency room, where I received an ultrasound and the ER doctor informed me that they found… Read More