“In my opinion, cancer is analogous to an ocean wave. Depending on your physical, mental and emotional state, every day is different with an array of ups and downs. Hope is what kept me afloat.”
— Alyssa Fischer-Reeder
Alyssa Fischer-Reeder
HNC Fund was founded by Alyssa Fischer-Reeder in 2019. While celebrating her 15th year of being cancer-free, she and her husband discussed ways of giving back and teaching their children the importance of philanthropy. The following day the HNC Fund was created.
When Alyssa was 22 years old, she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer. Her 14 ½ hour surgery entailed splitting open her jawbone to remove a tumor that was more than half of her tongue. Then reconstruction of her tongue using a free tissue forearm flap and microsurgery to connect two main blood vessels in her neck. Following surgery she had congruent treatments of radiation and chemotherapy for 6 months. During that time, medical cost grew exponentially between surgery, MD/ER visits, hospitalizations and post-operative treatment. The stress was overwhelming.
We believe in creating high-impact funding.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 dollars annually for every HNC Fund Patient of the Year. The HNC Fund will distribute at least 80% of all funds raised to the current Patient of the Year. The remaining balance will be utilized to cover overhead and administrative expenses to ensure fund sustainability. All funds raised in any calendar year exceeding the target amount will be held in reserve for distribution to the next succeeding Patient of the Year.
High impact funding equals long-term support. We realize that the cost of cancer doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. Once our HNC patients of the year move 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, Child care costs, Loss of Income, Doctor appointment Co-Pays, medications, caregiving at-home care, long-term care, employment, legal and financial issues, and let’s not forget cancer treatment. (cancer.net)