Woman Creates Video, Raises Money to Keep Dying Friend Comfortable
Lisa Nemzo's friend Artie Coltarella was diagnosed with renal cancer, but due to misplaced medical records and denial of care, the disease progressed beyond the hope of long-term survival.
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January 13, 2010
As the debate over the healthcare reform is entering its final stages, one artist decided to highlight the story of a friend dying of cancer in an effort to spur changes in the healthcare system and help him spend the remainder of his days in comfort.
Lisa Nemzo's friend Artie Coltarella was diagnosed with renal cancer, but due to misplaced medical records and denial of care, the disease progressed beyond the hope of long-term survival.
In response, Nemzo organized a benefit concert and recruited a film crew who donated their time and equipment to create a video of Artie's story in hopes of raising money for him. In the process, she also became an advocate for patients nationwide.
"A basic check up [and timely treatment] could have prevented this," she said, adding that Artie's story is not unique in that "this is happening to people every day and it is unforgivable."
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 57,760 Americans were diagnosed with renal (kidney) cancer in 2009, and about 12,980 died from this disease.
Experts say the risk of developing renal cancer may be reduced by quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure as well as reducing or avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.
Among the resources that can help patients and survivors thrive despite their diagnosis is the Kidney Cancer Association, a nonprofit organization that accepts donations.
As the debate over the healthcare reform is entering its final stages, one artist decided to highlight the story of a friend dying of cancer in an effort to spur changes in the healthcare system and help him spend the remainder of his days in comfort.
Lisa Nemzo's friend Artie Coltarella was diagnosed with renal cancer, but due to misplaced medical records and denial of care, the disease progressed beyond the hope of long-term survival.
In response, Nemzo organized a benefit concert and recruited a film crew who donated their time and equipment to create a video of Artie's story in hopes of raising money for him. In the process, she also became an advocate for patients nationwide.
"A basic check up [and timely treatment] could have prevented this," she said, adding that Artie's story is not unique in that "this is happening to people every day and it is unforgivable."
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 57,760 Americans were diagnosed with renal (kidney) cancer in 2009, and about 12,980 died from this disease.
Experts say the risk of developing renal cancer may be reduced by quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure as well as reducing or avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.
Among the resources that can help patients and survivors thrive despite their diagnosis is the Kidney Cancer Association, a nonprofit organization that accepts donations.
