HNC Fund

  • man standing on rock formation

    The Hopeful Fight 

    Generally, the early twenties are spent interviewing for your first big job after graduating university, dating, traveling, meeting new people, trying new things, exploring new passions, and accomplishing new goals. It’s a special and transformative time in life. Though for Luis it has been a different experience.

  • contemporary cozy curtain decoration

    The Conviviality of Sharing a Hospital Room 

    During my first hospitalization and the hundreds of stays that have followed over the last 19 years, I have had the good fortune of meeting and listening to hundreds of patient’s stories.

  • Nutritional Tips for HNC Patients & Survivors

    Although I am not a dietician, the following is what has worked for me over the last 11 months on a predominantly liquid diet and most recently on a soft food diet. I am a pescatarian therefore the following reflects my most recent favorite meals.

  • Jawbone Replacement

    My personal belief of “The Power of Hope” was tested again in August 2020, when at age 39, my jawbone fractured.

  • A Hopefull Perspective

    After you lose more than half of your tongue, much of the upper pallet on the roof of your mouth, and experience life after all things Head Neck Cancer my reality is very different than most.

  • Head and Neck Cancer: Items for Hospital and Home

    Something I made and used, a card size sign one YES and one NO. Tape each to a pencil, pen or popsicle stick. It is an easy way of answering yes and no questions quickly by simply hold up the sign.

  • Top 10 Beauty Suggestions:

    Conscientiously maintain a balanced diet. If you are unable to eat solid foods be certain to rely on a certified nutritionist to establish a daily regimen of liquid vitamins, protein shakes, green juices, and fruit smoothies.

The HNC Fund is a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides financial support for the well-being of Head and Neck Cancer patients and supports HNC Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Our Mission:

The HNC Fund provides financial support for the well-being of Head and Neck Cancer patients and supports HNC Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.


High impact funding equals long-term support.

The HNC Fund will distribute 80% of all funds raised annually between our patients of the year and specific
HNC research programs.

We realize that the cost of cancer doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. Once our HNC patient of the year moves on, we hope that they will continue to benefit and/or recover from a multitude of “hidden costs”. These expenses can include: transportation and travel for medical appointments, child care costs, loss of income, medical co-pays, medications, long term home care, legal and financial issues, and let’s not forget cancer treatment. (cancer.net)

Help us support the world best at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City

Discovery Program 1: For Young Oral Cancer Patients:

This research program is designed to specifically identify why very young, non-risk patients are
increasingly being diagnosed with HNC and then to stop it from occurring.

Discovery Program 2: For Young, HPV Oropharynx Patients:

This research program entails examining the microbiome of young, HPV Oropharynx patients
in hope of achieving a positive influence on their health outcome.
(The part of the throat at the back of the mouth behind the oral cavity, including the rear third of the tongue; soft palate; side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils).

Meet our patient of the year & help make a difference today

Heidi Holt Patient of the year 2022-2023

Heidi Holt | 2022- 2023

Luis Miguel | 2021-2022

Luis Miguel | 2021-2022

Camile Ingle | 2020-2021

Mrs. Margarita (Maggie) Passione
2019-2020

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Recent Posts

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Oral Care

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Head Neck Cancer patients and survivors have a plethora of unique healthcare needs both immediate and long-term. One vital component throughout any HNC journey is maintaining proper oral care. Many people might assume that simply flossing, brushing, and rinsing your…

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Thriving After HNC

alyssa0619 by

“The healing power of hope has no bounds. Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” —Christopher Reeves This quote exemplifies how my fabulous friend, tongue cancer survivor, model, actor, singer, and our HNC Fund board member, Elly Brown is living her…

Read More Thriving After HNC

Head to Toe

alyssa0619 by

According to the National Cancer Institute, more young, non-risk individuals are being diagnosed with head and neck cancers around the world. New data indicates that the rise of HPV cases could be one of the significant links between oral head…

Read More Head to Toe