At age 70, Jeffrey Bolek never imagined a routine back scan would change his life. What began as a search for relief from lower-back pain turned into a moment that stopped him in his tracks.

“I got home and looked in My Chart for the results at 4:30 p.m. on February 3, 2021. At the bottom of the note was an ‘actionable finding — possible kidney tumor.’ My whole world changed. I have cancer.”

Within a week, Jeffrey was in surgery. The operation was successful, but what followed was just as daunting — waiting to see if his remaining kidney could keep him alive. When his filtration rate began heading in the wrong direction, Jeffrey turned to a strict vegetarian diet, focusing on plant-based meals with tofu, noodles, and greens. Over the next six months, his kidney function steadily improved. Today, his single kidney tests in the normal range — and he’s living cancer-free.

A Life of Movement and Motivation

Before retirement, Jeffrey ran the Motor Control Program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, helping patients with head injuries learn to walk, sit, and stand again. Just two months after retiring, he faced his own physical challenge — a fight for life.

But Jeffrey is not one to sit still. A lifelong competitive stair racer, he’s competed in tower climbs across the country — including the One World Trade Center Climb (twice!), earning third place in his age group. Now, post-surgery, he continues to train year-round, plays acoustic guitar, and travels to compete in stair races — including those that raise awareness and funds through Climb 4 Kidney Cancer.

Support and Gratitude

Jeffrey credits his recovery to his Cleveland Clinic physicians, Drs. Haywood and Mehdi, and to the discipline that has guided his athletic life. “Over time,” he says, “my energy came back — and so did my drive.”

He also acknowledges the reality that many kidney-cancer survivors experience symptoms that aren’t always discussed — mental fog, hot and cold flashes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Yet he emphasizes that life after cancer is still rich with opportunity and purpose.

Words of Advice for Others

Jeffrey offers this insight for anyone newly diagnosed:

“Limit your time on social media. While helpful at first, the information can often be inaccurate or unnecessarily frightening. Instead, meet with a nutritionist who can review your labs and help you develop a diet that supports your recovery — typically one that limits protein, potassium, and phosphorus.”

Looking Ahead

Now cancer-free, Jeffrey continues to climb — both figuratively and literally. His resilience and competitive spirit make him an inspiring figure within the Climb 4 Kidney Cancer community. As a new member of the Patient Advisory Committee, he hopes his story will remind others that there is life after diagnosis — and that every step upward is a victory worth celebrating.