Non-Muscle Invasive 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
  • Kathy’s Story: “I kept thinking, ‘I am on this train, and I don’t know where I am, and I don’t recognize the scenery of where we are.”

    Upon discovering blood in her urine, Kathy Whilden sensed things weren’t right. To her surprise, she not only faced kidney cancer but also a simultaneous diagnosis of bladder cancer. The revelation was startling, especially considering she hadn’t experienced any discomfort. Recognizing that health challenges might emerge with age, Kathy… Read More
  • David’s Story: “Make your first shot your best shot, even if it’s going to be a harder route.”

    An annual check-up took a distressing turn when David Klaus unexpectedly received a bladder cancer diagnosis. The discovery of blood in his urine had initially raised his concerns, but he never anticipated such a diagnosis. Despite the challenges he has encountered along his bladder cancer journey, he imparts a valuable… Read More
  • Len’s Story: “I noticed blood in my urine, and I said, This is really not good, period.”

    A bladder cancer diagnosis was the last thing Len Magnus expected to hear after seeing blood in his urine. His journey has not been easy, filled with many medical procedures, but he believes one of the things that helped him overcome his diagnosis was being able to be part of… Read More
  • Don’s Story: “Thanks to a totally unrelated cardiac MRI, my bladder cancer was caught before it could do further harm.”

    Don Hopkins was taken by surprise when his prostate cancer diagnosis unexpectedly uncovered bladder cancer as well. Despite the initial shock, he approached his diagnosis with determination and readiness. Don has faced significant challenges during his bladder cancer journey, but he considers himself fortunate that it was detected early. At… Read More
  • Timothy’s Story: “I knew if I stood up at that moment, I was going to pass out”

    “You have bladder cancer” are the words Timothy Powell never expected to hear. Throughout his career as an internal medicine physician and pediatrician, he devoted himself to caring for patients and assisting them in coping with their diagnoses. He never imagined that he would be on the receiving end of… Read More
  • Shannon’s Story: “This experience doesn’t define who I am at my core.”

    At just 35 years old, Shannon received a bladder cancer diagnosis. She opens up about her experience managing this illness while continuing to work, highlighting its effects on her career, mental well-being, and physical health. Despite the difficulties of her diagnosis, Shannon’s message is clear – bladder cancer doesn’t… Read More
  • Ana’s Story: “All I could think of was my three sons”

    “I just had this voice inside of me saying, “This isn’t normal. This isn’t right.” Just days following her 50th birthday, Ana Franks heard the three words she feared the most: you have cancer. She shares her moving story of being diagnosed with bladder cancer in hopes of helping current… Read More
  • Shoba’s Story: A Kidney Transplant and Then Three Different Cancers

    Watch Shoba’s TedX talk about her journey The first symptom I had for my first cancer was blood in my urine.  I had already had a kidney transplant when I was 23, seven years prior to that, so I had constant follow up appointments with a nephrologist. Read More
  • Jon’s Story: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

    Two years ago, at the age of 42, I faced a life-changing diagnosis. Despite experiencing uncomfortable symptoms for six months, it was only after noticing discoloration in my urine accompanied by blood clots that I decided to seek medical attention. Due to the pandemic, I hesitated to see a doctor,… Read More