This month, we’re turning our KidneyCAN Spotlight on patient Shari Stonacek, an advocate in our community who is living with stage IV kidney cancer. Her story is inspiring!
Shari is 56 years old and lives in Nebraska. Shari worked as a registered nurse for 35 years, primarily in the ICU. She has been married to her husband Troy for 35 years, and they have seven children, three of whom are married, and four grandchildren. They are thrilled to welcome a fifth grandchild in March 2022.
Shari was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was 54. At the time of her diagnosis, she and her husband had just become “empty nesters,” as their children ranged in age from 18-29 years old. Shari had no risk factors and only vague symptoms, including fatigue and a burning feeling in her stomach. Shari’s doctors thought she perhaps had a stomach ulcer and had been treating her for that.