Rita Juran — Climbing for Hope
When firefighter Rita Juran felt pain in her left lung last August, she assumed it was something simple — maybe pneumonia, or exhaustion from a long hike in the summer heat. But that one trip to the emergency room changed everything.
Tests revealed a blood clot in her lung, and something far more serious — a mass on her right kidney. Alone in her hospital room, Rita received the news that would change her life:
“You have cancer in your right kidney, and it has spread into your vena cava.”
In that moment, fear and disbelief filled her mind. How could this happen? What can be done? How will I tell my family? But soon, the hallway outside her room filled with love and support — her parents, her spouse, her son, her sisters, nieces, and an entire family of friends and fellow firefighters. That outpouring of compassion gave Rita the strength to begin the hardest climb of her life.
The Fight Begins
On September 4, 2024, Rita underwent major surgery to remove her right kidney and the tumor that had grown into the vena cava. The surgical team included a transplant specialist, who carefully repositioned her liver to gain access to the affected vein. The long scar tracing across her ribcage stands as a symbol of both the magnitude of the operation and her courage to keep going.
After recovering, Rita began immunotherapy in October 2024. But by spring, new scans revealed metastases to her right femur and spine. Radiation followed in June 2025, along with a new immunotherapy regimen and a daily chemo medication — treatments she continues today as she awaits another scan.
Rooted in Strength and Love
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Rita continues to embody resilience. She finds peace and healing through camping, fishing, hunting, rock collecting, and gardening — activities that ground her in nature and remind her that life, even in its toughest seasons, continues to grow.
Her greatest source of strength?
“My mom, dad, sisters, family, spouse, sons, friends, and fire family.”
Their unwavering love carries her through each challenge, proving that even in the darkest moments, light can break through.
Her Message to Others
When asked what she would tell someone newly diagnosed with kidney cancer, Rita’s words are simple yet profound:
“There is hope. Love is miraculous.”
