Carmody Strong- Choose Hope, Together We Can Win

Jim was diagnosed with renal cancer four years prior. His kidney was removed and was told no further treatment was necessary. He partook in his yearly scans and was almost at the four year clean date when he was taken to the emergency room. The Carmody family was informed that the cancer had returned and was in his spine, tissue surrounding the spine and lung. Jim was admitted to the hospital and had surgery a few days later to remove as much of the tumor in the spinal area as possible.The concern at this point was paralysis. The doctor was able to removethe majority of the tumor that was pushing on the spinal areaand causing difficulty. After healing from the surgery, Jim started radiation and was placed in a holding pattern for chemotherapy. Once cleared for chemotherapy Jim was sent from one oncologist to another. After not being able to find a doctor that specializes in renal cancer in the Pittsburgh Area, the Carmody's began traveling to Johns Hopkins to receive treatment by a renal specialist. Jim was placed on a list for a trial and has since been accepted after a long screening process. During this time, the cancer has moved to the liver and grown a small amount in the lung (.1cm x .1cm). This past week, Jim startedreceiving treatment.He is receivingtwo introvenious drugs that are notyet approved by the FDA for renal cancer. The Carmody's feel very fortunate to placed in this trial due to the fact that there is no cure for renal cancer and very few options at this time.Jim is a graduate of St. Teresa’s Grade School, North Hills High School and Grove City College. As a lifelong member of this community, Jim exemplifies the values we all hold dear. God, Family, Friends and Service. Jim and his wife Kristen, a North Hills teacher and their son Alex, a North Hills High School Senior, have given back to the community through the family’s love of sports. Jim was actively involved in both West View Ross Athletics and North Hills Elementary Basketball as a coach. Jim and Kristen ran the North Hills Youth Football concession stand, were team parents for numerous years, and sports, and currently hold leadership positions on the North Hills Football Boosters. *The Tshirt was designed by the Carmody's son, Alex.