Sometimes life changes after a single phone call. For Debi Harman, that moment came while she was out of town on business.

“I was getting ready to lead a two-hour training session when my internist called my cell phone personally,” Debi recalls. “He asked me to come into his office that afternoon, but I told him I couldn’t—I was in Upstate New York and about to start my presentation. I told him to just tell me what was wrong—I could handle it.”

What came next changed everything.

“He said, You have renal cell carcinoma.”

Debi took a deep breath, steadied herself, and went on to deliver the training session before calling her husband and boss. Her husband immediately told her to come home—no matter the cost. “Then he called the head of 3M Medical,” Debi remembers. “They set up everything with Dr. Christopher Weight, and the rest is history.”

An Unexpected Discovery

Debi’s cancer had been discovered by chance. She had undergone an abdominal ultrasound to check her gallbladder, but the scan revealed a tumor on the opposite side of her body—on her left kidney. With no symptoms at all, the diagnosis came as a complete shock.

Thanks to her medical team, including Dr. Lawrence Daniels Callanan, her internist who ordered the ultrasound and stayed in close contact throughout her treatment, the cancer was caught early. Debi underwent surgery to remove the affected kidney, and today she is cancer free—with no evidence of disease.

Gratitude and Support

Throughout her journey, Debi was surrounded by unwavering support—from her family, her medical team, and her colleagues at 3M.

“My 3M leadership was amazing—all the way up to the Senior VP of Manufacturing,” she says. “They sent cards, flowers, and notes. It was humbling.”

She also credits Dr. Carol Ley for helping her understand the medical language and for offering ongoing encouragement. “She followed up with me and made sure I was doing well,” Debi says.

Her family, too, was her foundation. “It was very hard on them. I know my kids were afraid I’d die, but I was able to stay positive because of the fantastic medical team I had at every turn.”

Life After Cancer

Debi retired the year following her diagnosis and has since devoted her time to board work with three nonprofit organizations, including Climb 4 Kidney Cancer.

“I walk, cook, work with nonprofits, enjoy my seven grandchildren, and I’m studying for a new career in real estate,” she shares with enthusiasm.

Advice for Others

For those newly diagnosed with kidney cancer, Debi offers this practical wisdom:

“Listen to your doctors. Look around and get a second opinion. I had never thought to look at the University of Minnesota Hospitals for help—but they had the equipment, knowledge, and experience to make a difference right away. Find the doctor that fits you. Dr. Weight and I really connected, and we continue to work together on the nonprofit to this day.”

Continuing the Climb

Debi’s story is a testament to courage, gratitude, and new beginnings. What started as a shocking diagnosis has become a powerful journey of advocacy and hope—one she continues to share through her work with Climb 4 Kidney Cancer.