RMC Awareness Day
March 16, 2026
Westfield, MA
RMC Awareness Day is a community remembrance and awareness event honoring those impacted by renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) - one of the most aggressive and least understood forms of kidney cancer.​
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Join us in Westfield, MA on March 16 as we gather in reflection, education, and unity - to honor lives, raise awareness, and stand together.​​
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Event Details
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​​Location: Park Square, Westfield, MA
Gathering: 6:30 PM
Candlelight Vigil: 7:15 PM EST (Livestream begins at 7:05 PM EST)
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All are welcome. This event is open to the public.
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What is Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC)?​​
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​Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive form of kidney cancer that:
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Primarily affects adolescents and young adults
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Is strongly associated with sickle cell trait (SCT)
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Often progresses rapidly and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage
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Remains under-researched and widely misunderstood​
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Because RMC is so rare, many families - and even healthcare providers - may be unfamiliar with its warning signs. Increasing awareness is critical to improving outcomes and advancing research.
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RMC and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT)​​
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​RMC disproportionately affects individuals who carry sickle cell trait - a gentic condition that many people have with no symptoms.
Understanding this connection is an important part of raising awareness and encouraging informed conversations about health history and potential risk factors.
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Why March 16?​​
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​March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.
RMC Awareness Day is observed annually on March 16, in memory of Antonio Angel Ortiz, whose life and legacy inspired the founding of the Tactical Tone Memorial Foundation.
Through this day of remembrance and education, we seek to bring greater visibility to RMC and stand beside families who have been impacted by this devastating disease.
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Participate​​
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​Whether you attend in person, submit a name to be honored, or share this event with others, your presence matters.
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Through remembrance, education, and advocacy, we strive to keep Antonio’s legacy alive while shining a light on a disease that deserves greater understanding and attention.
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Honoring lives. Raising awareness. Standing together.
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No One Gets Left Behind.
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