Laura Cerda

At just 38 years old, Laura Cerda received a call that changed her life. Laura was at work when her doctor phoned to say that her CT scan showed a mass on her kidney.

“I hung up and went about my day at work, but when I got out, I went straight to my mom’s house and broke down.”

At the time, Laura didn’t yet know if the tumor was malignant — but the uncertainty was terrifying. A devoted wife and mother to three daughters, her mind raced with fear and questions about what would come next.

Family, Faith, and the Power of Support

The days leading up to surgery were some of the hardest of her life.

“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, and I was a ball of nerves until the day of my surgery. My family went through a lot, and although we all tried to stay positive and strong, emotions sometimes got the best of us.”

Through it all, Laura leaned on her loved ones — and on the doctors who guided her through each step of the process.

“Dr. Panting-Crespo discovered the tumor, Dr. Palacios removed it, and my family was my support system.”

Running To Heal

In the months that followed, Laura discovered an unexpected source of healing — running.

“I fell in love with running because it helped me control my thoughts and I felt stronger every time I ran.”

Running became more than just a hobby; it became a symbol of her resilience. With each mile, she reclaimed her sense of control, her strength, and her peace.

Embracing Life Again

Today, Laura continues to embrace every moment — from reading and walking to spending time with her family. Kidney cancer does not run in her family, so her diagnosis came as a complete shock. But with gratitude and perspective, she now focuses on the life she’s regained.

“I am happy that I found doctors who have been proactive and attentive to my health.”

Laura’s Message to Others

“A diagnosis does not mean it’s the end of the road for you. It’s okay to be scared and sad, but never give up hope. Find yourself an amazing team of doctors that will always prioritize your health. That’s what I did, and I will be forever grateful.”

A Message of Hope

Laura’s story reminds us that courage often appears when life feels most uncertain — and that hope, family, and faith can guide us through even the darkest days.

Her journey is one of perseverance and purpose, and her voice inspires others to keep climbing — one step at a time.