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About our society

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Society is the first of its kind in Canada.  It was formed on the principle – “Of the patients, by the patients and for the patients.”

In 2015, the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) conducted an initiative to address their Waitlist process. Part of this process involved seeking patient feedback. A key component of that feedback noted that support for Head and Neck Cancer patients would benefit from improvement.

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Society is the result of sustained efforts of Dr. Suresh Nayar and a small but dedicated group of head and neck cancer patients who began collaboration in 2016.

In July 2018, the Head and Neck Cancer Support Society officially received its registered Society status.

Our Board Members

Position Temporarily Vacant

Position Temporarily Vacant

President

Debbie Hall-Lavoie

Debbie Hall-Lavoie

Vice President

At almost 15 years since diagnosis, Debbie is a head and neck cancer veteran. After months of sore throat symptoms, Debbie was diagnosed with Stage 3 base of tongue cancer. Four complicated surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy followed. With humble goals of being able to answer the phone, as well as order and enjoy a “double double” at her favourite coffee shop, she received months of speech and swallowing therapy to achieve these seemingly normal daily tasks. Occupational and physical therapy helped restore her physical stamina and function. The support of her family was an essential part of her emotional recovery. When returning to her long career in a health profession was no longer possible, Debbie embarked on a new career as a volunteer at the local cancer hospital with a particular interest in helping others with head and neck cancer. Today, Debbie tries to make every day count in her new life. Being a member of the HNCSS is rewarding and Debbie hopes the collective energy of head and neck cancer patients will add to head and neck cancer care by positively collaborating with health experts in this area.
Adam Brown

Adam Brown

Treasurer

In 2015, Adam was diagnosed with tongue cancer, resulting in 2 surgeries, the first at the U of A Hospital and the second at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. After receiving 30 sessions of radiation, Adam participated in speech and swallowing therapies, a rehabilitative exercise program and had acupuncture to help restore his salivary glands. Adam has completed both the TARGET and ACE exercise programs and is strong advocate of the benefits of exercise in the recovery of head and neck cancer patients. Adam is a patient advisor with the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) and a founding member of the Head and Neck Cancer Support Society.

Our History

2015:

  • March – April – iRSM Waitlist initiative Focus Group Task Force meetings.
  • April – Waitlist initiative Focus Group Summary Report which identified need for a support group.

2016:

  • November – first meeting called by Dr Suresh Nayar and formation of iRSM Patient Advisory Team

2017:

  • Monthly meetings to discuss way forward in establishing patient support group
  • Ping Mason-Lai, SPOR patient engagement platform facilitator brought in to help facilitate understanding of what support services is required.
  • Patient survey carried out to ascertain need for support and data collected.

2018:

  • Patient survey completed and data compiled.
  • Applied for recognition as a registered society in the province of Alberta
  • Board of Directors appointed
  • July – Received confirmation as a registered society in Alberta

Contact Us

Head and Neck Cancer Support Society
P.O. Box 4773 Edmonton, Alberta T6E5G6

info@head-way.org

About Us

About the Society
Our Board Members
History
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