Joseph Harmon
Kidney Tumor Surgery
“There’s no sidekick with these two—both are Super Heroes in my book.”
When Joseph Harmon was diagnosed in April 2025 with a massive kidney tumor measuring over 14 cm, he was told by his original surgeon in Fairhope, AL, that it would require complete removal of the kidney and involve a very large incision. The tumor was not only large but also aggressive. He was referred to a second surgeon with more experience in complex kidney tumors, and that surgeon reached the same conclusion. A tentative surgery date of May 5, 2025, was scheduled, and Joseph was given just one week to decide whether to proceed. Determined to find a better solution, he began researching his options.
What unfolded over the next few days was nothing short of miraculous. Within a week, Joseph identified alternative surgical options, connected with a robotic specialist, scheduled an in-person consultation, underwent imaging and labs, emergently hospitalized for a complication, and still underwent a successful robotic surgery, all within a day of the original date for an open radical nephrectomy in Alabama. Mr. Harmon characterized the timing and orchestration of events as far beyond coincidence, calling them an example of Divine guidance.
During his online research, Joseph learned about Dr. Erik Castle, a renowned urologic oncologist recognized for his pioneering robotic surgery expertise at the Mayo Clinic and now a member of NRMC Urology Associates in Natchitoches, LA. However, the number he found connected him to Dr. Kenneth Perego, Dr Castle’s partner at the NRMC Urology Associates Alexandria, LA office location. Together, Dr. Perego and Dr. Castle provide advanced urologic oncology care for patients throughout the NW and Central Louisiana region and beyond. On April 17, Kylie Lacombe, NRMC Urology Associates scheduling and patient navigator was instrumental in coordinating the details so Joseph could meet with Dr. Perego just four days later. On April 20th, the Harmons traveled to Alexandria for the consultation. After reviewing the case, Dr. Perego believed the tumor could be removed robotically. Joseph recalled, “I felt an immediate rapport with Dr. Perego. His personal story and trust in God were compelling. He was confident the procedure could be done robotically, and I trusted him.”
While the next available surgical date was in late June, a patient with a less urgent case graciously agreed to trade spots. Dr. Perego followed up personally with Joseph to share the news and schedule surgery for May 6 at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. In order to prepare for the surgery, an MRI and lab work were scheduled for Friday, May 2 at NRMC. The Harmons planned to stay over the weekend to relax and get mentally ready for the surgery planned for the following Tuesday. However, during their stay in Natchitoches, Joseph began experiencing severe pain and bleeding late Saturday night. At 2am, Ronda called Dr. Perego, who met them at the NRMC Emergency Department and removed a blood clot the size of Joseph’s forefinger. Joseph was admitted for observation prior to surgery.
On Monday, the Harmons met Dr. Castle and immediately felt a connection. Dr. Castle explained he would be assisting Dr. Perego with the robotic surgery the next day. Joseph said, “The way everything came together; the schedules, the doctors, the availability, it was so fast that the only explanation is Divine intervention.”
On May 6, the five-hour robotic surgery was a remarkable success. Imaging had confirmed the tumor was massive, and the team knew the kidney could not be saved. Pathology later confirmed that the tumor was clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The right kidney, tumor, adrenal gland, and nine lymph nodes were removed robotically. Additionally, an unexpected umbilical hernia was discovered and repaired. While there was no guarantee the robotic approach would be possible, Drs. Perego and Castle accomplished it flawlessly.
Mrs. Harmon shared that when the NRMC “Dynamic Duo”, as he put it, exited the operating room, they were grinning from ear to ear extremely proud of the surgical outcome. It was unmistakable, they made a great team supported by excellent staff members!
Mr. Harmon said, “I had surgery performed by two of the top robotic surgeons in the United States, if not the world, on a Tuesday and was discharged by Friday. All of this happened within two weeks of first contacting Dr. Perego. If things hadn’t fallen perfectly into place, I would have a large open wound, a much longer recovery, and still needed hernia repair down the road. I was blessed that God put us all in the right place at the right time. There were no sidekicks in this story. They are both highly skilled and deeply compassionate.” He added, “As Dr. Perego reminded me, ‘Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you’ (1 Peter 5:7). That verse became real for us.”
Joseph also praised the outstanding care he received from the nurses and staff at NRMC Surgery, Med-Surg, ED departments, and NRMC Urology Associates. “Everyone was so attentive and professional,” he said. “They truly went above and beyond to care for me.”
Mr. Harmon is a devoted husband to Ronda and father of four (JD, Madalyn, Garrett, and Jarrod). He is a career officer in the Alabama National Guard, having served over 23 years with multiple deployments, including two tours in Afghanistan and a 13.5-month Southwest Border Mission assisting Border Security as the lead Logistics Officer. After just 8 weeks of recovery, he returned to work on July 1st and also rejoined his church family at Shore Light Baptist Church in Daphne, AL, where he serves as a deacon. He also looks forward to returning to the basketball court as an assistant coach at Central Christian alongside his father, coaching his youngest son through his senior season.
Joseph shared how meaningful it was to have his brother-in-law, Bradley Edmondson (Director of Medical Missions Outreach), and his pastor, Andrew Tewell, travel a great distance to support him and Ronda through the surgery. These two godly men left a lasting mark. Bradley was even able to meet Dr. Perego and begin discussing potential partnerships between NRMC professionals and Medical Missions Outreach to reach underserved communities around the world. There is tremendous potential for more people to receive excellent medical care and ultimately be introduced to the ‘Great Physician’.
Mr. Harmon hopes that his journey is a reminder that faith, persistence, and the right team can overcome even the toughest challenges. The NRMC team is proud to have played a role in Mr. Harmon’s care and continues to champion compassionate, cutting-edge treatment for every patient.
If this testimony can encourage even one person facing a devastating diagnosis, then none of it will have been in vain!
