Meet the Board | Annamaria Scaccia
Getting to the know the board of COA
Ahead of kidney cancer awareness month next month, we’re excited to introduce COA’s newest board member, Annamaria Scaccia!
Fast Facts
Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Communications Director & Fitness Coach
Kidney Cancer Connection: Stage 1 Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
Did you know (fun fact)..? I am an award-winning journalist and documentarian who has written for Rolling Stone, Esquire, Teen Vogue, and Vice.
My Story: Linked here and here
My “Why”
In fall 2020, when I first learned I had chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, I made a promise to myself: I would share my story—openly, honestly, authentically. I knew I wasn't alone, even if I didn't yet know who else was out there. It's a rare disease, and with rare diseases often comes little research, little funding, and little exposure. I needed to find people who understood, and I needed to make sense of our collective experience.
That's how I met Katie—and the rest of the Chromie 6. We came together as survivors, united by a shared mission: to fund the first-ever patient-led research grant for ChRCC. From there, our advocacy grew—both personally and as a community.
So, when Katie asked me to join COA's board, I was honored. Together, we're not only working toward a cure but also supporting and empowering chromophobe patients every step of the way.
COA Year Three
As COA enters its third year, I'm excited to work alongside the Board to develop resources that close the information gap and support patients, survivors, and researchers. I look forward to helping advance research, raise awareness, and make a lasting impact for the chromophobe community.
Affiliations
Kidney Cancer Association
Kesem
COA
Advocates for Collaborative Education
Bag It! Cancer Support
National Cancer Survivors Day Speakers Bureau
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Learn More
Website: coakidney.org
Instagram: coa_kidney
Facebook: COA
X: COA