Love Drives Cancer Patient to Raise Funds for Research

When gastroenterologist Ken Youner speaks about fighting cancer, his reference point is personal as well as professional.

Not only did he lose his wife to the disease, but he is currently battling stage 4 kidney cancer.

Ken's wife Cecile spent years living with breast cancer, and her life was eventually claimed by leukemia in November 2008. Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and continues to receive treatment.

For years, the Youners supported each other in their fight against the deadly disease, and they also teamed up to advocate for further federal funding for cancer support.

"This battle brought us closer together - love forged in the crucible of challenge," Ken explains.

These days, Ken, an avid cyclist, rides hundreds of miles per year to help raise money for a cure, and he uses his medical knowledge to evaluate cancer research for Action to Cure Kidney Cancer to determine where funding is most needed.

He has also created the Cecile and Ken Youner Fund for Cancer Research, dedicated to channeling more money toward eradicating the disease. Ken says that as works tirelessly for this cause, his wife is always on his mind.

"She faced this disease with incredible courage," Kenneth says. "It became clear to me that I would continue our battle. Everything I do stems from the love we shared."