Alyssa Fischer-Reeder
Founder
“Throughout my battle with cancer, the power of hope is what kept me afloat emotionally and mentally. My team of world renowned doctors, my family and friends helped me survive and thrive. I taught myself how to swallow, eat, talk and laugh again. Without hope I’m not sure what I would have done.” Alyssa Fischer-Reeder
Alyssa graduated from American University in Washington, DC, in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Communication. She later earned her Master’s degree in Communications, where she wrote her thesis, “The Power of Hope.”
Following her recovery from head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, Alyssa dedicated her career to service, working with health-related nonprofits and teaching Pre-K. In 2013, she joined Dr. Jatin Shah and Michael Douglas on a national radio tour to raise awareness about oral head and neck cancers; the campaign was nominated for a SABER Award.
In 2019, Alyssa founded The HNC Fund (Head and Neck Cancer Fund). The following year, she became a featured blogger for Cancer Be Glammed, helping to raise awareness about HNC. In 2020, she was nominated by Dr. Peter Cordeiro for the Patient of Courage Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and was honored with this distinguished recognition. That same year, she became an ambassador for the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA), focusing on community education and advocacy. She was also invited to join the advisory board for Courage Unmasked.
In October 2020, Alyssa underwent an emergent mandibulectomy with fibula free flap jawbone reconstruction. Following surgery, she relearned how to walk, eat, and speak—all while caring for her two children with her husband’s support.
In 2022, Alyssa became a support volunteer with the Cancer Hope Network. Later that year, she was selected as an Elevate Ambassador for Cancer Nation (formerly the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship), where she developed and implemented initiatives to improve survivorship care in her local community.
Over the past four years, Alyssa has facilitated a free, monthly, virtual support group for HNC patients and survivors. She has contributed to the review of emerging HNC policies, participated in 11 medical studies advancing understanding of head and neck cancer in the United States, and served on 4 global research advisory panels focused on improving treatments and strengthening support for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. She is currently writing a children’s book while continuing to expand The HNC Fund.