Westfield to Observe First Official RMC Awareness Day on March 16
WESTFIELD — Westfield will observe its first official RMC Awareness Day on Monday, March 16 with a community gathering and candlelight vigil at Park Square.
The observance is organized by the Tactical Tone Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit established by Jennifer MacKenna in memory of her son, Antonio Angel Ortiz. The event marks one year since Antonio’s passing and honors individuals impacted by renal medullary carcinoma (RMC), a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer.
RMC is one of the most aggressive and least understood forms of kidney cancer, most often affecting adolescents and young adults. It is strongly associated with sickle cell trait, a common inherited blood trait that many individuals may not realize they carry. March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and this local observance aims to increase education, visibility, and support for those affected.
The community gathering will take place outdoors at Park Square (Main and Broad streets) beginning at 6:30 p.m. A candlelight vigil and reading of names will begin at 7:15 p.m. Orange memorial flags bearing the names of individuals lost to RMC will be displayed throughout the square, and an informational table will be available inside the gazebo.
The city of Westfield has confirmed it will illuminate City Hall in orange on March 9-16 in recognition of RMC Awareness Day. Mayor Michael McCabe will present a municipal proclamation to MacKenna on Friday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at City Hall.
“This day is about remembrance, but it is also about visibility,” MacKenna said. “RMC is rare and aggressive, and awareness can lead to earlier conversations, stronger advocacy, and greater support for research. No one gets left behind.”
The Foundation intends to observe March 16 annually and will continue awareness efforts at its Run for RMC 5K on Sunday, June 7.
The March 16 event is free and open to the public. For additional information or to submit a name for remembrance, visit www.tacticaltone.org.