|  | FEATURED IN SEPTEMBER 2025 |
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| - Survivorship Symposium - last call for tickets!
- November Webinar - alternative therapies
- Sign up for our caregiver education series
- Meet our Ambassadors - this month, Gary Lazarz
- Good News Corner - share your good news with us!
- News & Shorts - articles, podcasts, and more
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| 2025 SURVIVORSHIP SYMPOSIUM |
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| 🚨 JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY! 🚨 The 2025 Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium is almost here—Saturday, October 4 in Los Angeles (or online, free for everyone)! Don’t miss this powerful day of connection, inspiration, and learning. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, clinician, or advocate, you’ll meet others who get it, hear from leading experts, and walk away energized and supported. In-person spots are filling fast, so register today (virtual tickets are unlimited). |
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| | 🌴 KICK OFF YOUR SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND IN STYLE! 🌴 Join us Friday, October 3, for a private pre-event bus tour of Los Angeles—no driving, no stress, just sit back and enjoy the ride! You’ll cruise past iconic sights, stop for photos, and soak in the city’s energy with fellow survivors, caregivers, and friends. We board the bus at 1pm and return around 6pm. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and experience LA before the big day. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours! |
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| | 👕 LIMITED EDITION: SYMPOSIUM 2025 T-SHIRT 👕 Celebrate the 2025 Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium with our exclusive T-shirt - designed just for this year’s LA event! It’s durable, comfortable, and a keepsake you’ll be proud to wear long after the Symposium. Get yours in person for only $15, or order online for $20 (shipping included). Shirts will start mailing out within 2 weeks. And remember—pre-tour attendees get one FREE! |
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| NOVEMBER WEBINAR - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN |
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| EXPANDING OPTIONS: ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR HNC PATIENTS Join us for an informative and empowering webinar focused on alternative therapies for individuals affected by HNC. This session will explore complementary approaches that support healing, improve quality of life, and manage side effects. Our expert panel will discuss therapies such as acupuncture, nutrition, mindfulness, and physical rehabilitation, including their benefits, limitations, and how they can be safely integrated with conventional cancer care. Attendees will also hear from survivors who have incorporated these therapies into their own recovery journeys. |
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| | H&N CONNECT H&N Connect is a free, virtual caregiver education and support series hosted by the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance and features special guest presenters. Over 12 weeks, the program offers six sessions featuring pre-recorded 60-minute videos you view at your own pace, followed by live group discussions with medical experts the next week. These sessions focus on practical caregiving tips, emotional well-being, communication strategies, and more. You meet other caregivers, exchange experiences, and learn from leaders in the field—all from home via Zoom. The first session met earlier this month, but it's not too late to join us for the rest of the classes! |
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| | Gary Lazarz Husband & Father, Manufacturing Salesman Survivor of Stage II HPV-Attributed Throat Cancer |
| | Gary’s cancer journey began in 2018 when he discovered a lump on his neck that changed his life in an instant. What followed was a season filled with uncertainty and challenge—but also with remarkable strength, resilience, and hope. From the very beginning, Gary chose to approach his diagnosis with faith, humor, and determination. He leaned on prayer and the support of his loved ones, refusing to let fear overshadow his belief that brighter days were ahead. Even in the hardest moments, he sought out reasons to be grateful and ways to lift others up, showing that attitude can be just as powerful as medicine when it comes to healing. Now, Gary shares his story to encourage and inspire those who find themselves on a similar path. He reminds patients, caregivers, and fellow survivors that while cancer is overwhelming, it does not have to define who you are or what your future holds. His message is clear: with hope, resilience, and a community around you, it is possible not only to endure but also to thrive after cancer. |
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| | | Congratulations to board member and nurse practitioner Dr. Beverly Garber, who recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Nevada, Reno. For her doctoral project, Beverly improved electronic medical record use and created a new referral process at UC Davis Health to ensure head and neck cancer patients start postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) within the 6-week guideline. Her work led to a 20% improvement in timely access to radiation therapy, aligning with national standards that are tied to better patient outcomes. Her project received Top Honors at the UC Davis Nursing Science and Professional Governance Council Symposium and was shared at national conferences, highlighting the critical role of nurses in advancing cancer care. Thank you, Dr. Garber, for your leadership and advocacy in improving care coordination for head and neck cancer patients. |
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| | We want to celebrate the wins in our community — big or small! Whether you’ve finished treatment, joined an awareness event, run a marathon, gotten married, become a grandparent, or accomplished something else meaningful, we’d love to share your good news. This invitation is open to patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Email us your story along with a photo, and let us know what milestone or accomplishment you’re celebrating. Please note: By sending your story and photo, you’re giving us permission to share them in our newsletter and/or on our social media. We’ll try to include as many submissions as possible, but we can’t guarantee every story will be published. Send your good news (and photo) to: [email protected] |
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| | | STAND UP TO CANCER NIGHT - RIVERDOGS We were excited to join the Charleston RiverDogs last month for “Stand Up to Cancer Night.” We had an exhibit table at the stadium, where we shared resources, talked to fans, and handed out info on head & neck cancer. We also hosted a screening to help people recognize signs and symptoms early. The RiverDogs pulled off a thrilling 4-3 win over the Hickory Crawdads with a walk-off single by Larry Martinez, in front of 5,019 fans! |
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| | Our friends at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) are hosting a Patient Advocacy Summit titled: Addressing the Unique Cancer Care Needs of Veterans and First Responders. This event will focus on the increased incidences of cancer that veterans and emergency responders face and their unique cancer care needs as a result of this. Panelists will engage in thoughtful discussions on relevant issues impacting access for these groups. Join them on Tuesday, December 9, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., or virtually. For event details and to register, visit NCCN.org/summits. |
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| | 📣 HEADS UP: Our friends at The Rare Cancer Research Foundation are conducting a survey with a goal of identifying cancer therapies that may be difficult to access for patients with rare cancers. Access may be limited by availability, cost, or a related barrier. Their goal is to identify these therapies so they can help find a supply solution and lower costs for patients in need. If you are a patient, care provider, or advocate, please click the link below to access this quick, 2-minute survey. You can help make a difference!💙💚 Take the survey |
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| - ARTICLE: Tips for Coping with Cancer Scanxiety
One of the most common sources of anxiety for cancer survivors is surveillance scans and tests. The fear of the unknown, the memories of the test results that led to your initial cancer diagnosis, and the anticipation of potential bad news can give rise to what is commonly referred to as “scanxiety.” - ARTICLE: 4 Causes of Hearing Problems for Cancer Survivors
Hearing problems are a common long-term side effect of some cancer treatments, especially for children and older adults. Sometimes treatment can lead to temporary or permanent hearing changes. - ARTICLE: After 20 Years with Tongue Cancer and Losing Most of His Tongue, This Dad, 41, Is Determined to Speak Again
Ryan Shinkle first noticed something was off with his tongue more than 20 years ago, at just 25 years old - NEWS: New drug for cats with head and neck cancer could help humans too
The first-ever clinical trial of a new targeted therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has found promising results in pet cats, with the disease controlled in 35% of the animals that received the treatment. - ARTICLE: Hey Hey It's Saturday star (Australia) reveals shock cancer diagnosis following routine dental check
Wilbur Wilde, who played saxophone in the show's house band, revealed on Monday that he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma following a routine dental check. |
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| FEATURED POSTS FROM OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS |
| Our work would not be possible without our sponsors and partners. Please see below to learn more about our partners and the clinical trials that are underway to help head and neck cancer patients. For more information about clinical trials and where to find trials that might apply to you or a loved one, visit our Clinical Trial Finder or click on any of the trial opportunities below. Featured Clinical trials are meant to provide educational information about trials and not endorse any particular trial. |
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| | | | | REVIEW US ON GOOGLE! If our programs and materials have made a difference to you, please consider reviewing us on Google. Your review will help make us more visible so other patients, survivors, and caregivers can easily find us while searching online! To write a review, you'll need to sign up for a free Gmail account. |
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| | PICTURE THIS! We're looking for pictures of real people to use on our website, brochures, and social media. We don't want to use boring stock photos! Your photos could provide hope and inspiration to others going through head and neck cancer! If we use your photo on our website or a print project, we'll send you some Alliance "swag" and provide photo credit on our website and social media. |
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| DO YOU FOLLOW? Are you following us on social media? It's just one more way to keep up to date with what is going on with us as well as other head and neck cancer related news and opportunities. So pick your favorite platform and give us a follow! Facebook | Twitter* | LinkedIn | Instagram *also known as X |
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| | | | | Good copy is inspiring. Click the pencil icon to edit this copy and replace it with content that speaks to the supporter in a personal, emotional, and actionable way. Make it clear that their support is mission-critical. |
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| *Statement on Sponsor Content and Corporate Support: The information published on this website and in our materials is intended to educate you about Oral, Head and Neck Cancer. The content is not intended to take the place of a discussion with a qualified physician who is familiar with your medical situation. It is important to remember that each individual is different, and the reasons for—and outcomes of—any treatment plan depends on the patient's individual condition. If you have questions or concerns after reading any information on this website or in our materials, you should discuss them openly and honestly with your physician. Any products and manufacturers included on this site are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by HNCA. The content provided by HNCA is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical consultation with a qualified professional. HNCA encourages those using its resources to be careful when evaluating medical information or products. If you are unsure about your medical condition, consult a physician. Funding from our corporate partners supports HNCA’s programs and educational initiatives, and HNCA maintains independence in its design of programs, content, and initiatives. |
|  | | Be sure to add our email address to your address book or safe senders list so our emails get to your inbox. Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser |
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| Head & Neck Cancer Alliance PO BOX 21688 | Charleston, South Carolina 29413 866-792-4622 | [email protected] |
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