About COA

The Chromophobe and Oncocytic Tumor Alliance (COA) is dedicated to advancing research and supporting patients affected by chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytic tumors. Established to provide vital resources, COA aims to raise awareness and foster community among those impacted by these cancers and tumors.

Our Mission

Our mission for chRCC is to fund research that aims to identify biological hallmarks of chCC to deepen learnings across institutions and to support efforts that aim to identify and test distinct therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we aim to promote collaboration, create resources for those affected by the disease and to advance the understanding of chRCC through the dissemination of knowledge and research.

COA's Founding Story

In December 2020, Katie Coleman, our founder, was diagnosed with an extremely rare type of kidney cancer. At the time, there were only single-digit metastatic case reports of her type of tumor, and no specific treatment guidelines existed for it. Since Katie was diagnosed at stage IV, this made finding an appropriate treatment plan particularly challenging. However, her type of cancer shared several characteristics with chromophobe kidney cancer, which is what her initial treatment plan would be modeled after. After connecting with a group of young chromophobe kidney cancer survivors who became a guiding light and resource for her, she recognized the lack of resources, funding, and community support for patients with chromophobe kidney cancer. Once her prognosis began to improve, she was inspired to create COA aimed to create sustainable funding and support for critical research, advocate for patients, raise awareness, and foster a supportive community for those affected by chromophobe kidney cancer and oncocytic tumors—giving back to a community that had given her so much during her own journey.

More about Katie's story can be found here or in her memoir, "Too Young For Cancer", which proceeds from have helped support chRCC research.

Learn More

Visit our website: coakidney.org
Follow us on Instagram: @coa_kidney
Find us on Facebook: COA
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