FAQs

General Questions

Medical Education Programs

What is the fellowship program?

The fellow plays an integral role on both our oncologic and reconstructive surgery teams. While a team of six residents, four full-time nurse practitioners, and a full-time physician’s assistant, the fellow is able to assist in managing head and neck oncology and reconstructive patients, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgical patients. The fellow runs the head & neck reconstruction conference on a monthly basis where an analysis of difficult upcoming and past cases takes place. Additionally, the fellow plays a key role in our weekly head & neck tumor board where we discuss upcoming cases and determine our treatment plan. Learn more about the fellowship program.

What is the observership program?

During the observership, the participant will have the opportunity to observe head and neck ablative and reconstructive procedures (microvascular), thyroid and parathyroid procedures. He or she may spend time with each member of the team to focus on their respective areas of expertise (i.e. Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck Pathology and Cytopathology, Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Radiology). The time spent with each discipline can be tailored to the particular educational experience that the participant desires. Find out more about the observership program.

What is the residency program?

The role of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the management of head and neck cancer cannot be understated. Working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, oral surgeons play an integral role in the reconstruction of surgical defects and restoring function to the jaws and teeth—helping head and neck cancer patients retain their ability to eat, speak and swallow.

The training an oral surgeon must undergo is significant. For the past ten years, the THANC Foundation has been fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Daniel Buchbinder, DMD, MD, the Director of the Mount Sinai Beth Israel/Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine Residency Training Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Learn more about the residency program.

Fundraising

How can I give/donate?

Donate online or through the mail.

Participate in an Athletic Event

By participating, you will raise money crucial in helping us fulfill our mission.

In-Kind Donation

Contribute goods or services to one of our many yearly fundraisers. We’re always in need of items (i.e. sports tickets, airline miles, hotel stays, jewelry, collectors items, etc) to auction or raffle off at our annual benefits.

Matching Gift Program

Check with your organization’s Human Resources department. Frequently, companies offer programs to match your contribution, dollar-for-dollar.

I’d like to hold a local benefit to sponsor THANC. How do I go about doing this?

We are always looking to involve more people with our cause. Let’s discuss your proposal to host a local event in more detail. Please send us your proposal via email (info@thancfoundation.org).

Aside from money, what can I donate ?

You can donate goods or services for an event. We often hold silent auctions and raffles. Contact us for more details.

Patient Questions

I have a lot of questions about the road to getting well again—the cancer journey. Where can I find more information?

Your cancer journey will take you through each of the important steps—from the moment you discover a suspicious lump, bump or lesion in your head or neck to either remission and life after cancer or end-of-life choices. Everyone’s journey is different, but there are some phases… READ MORE

I care for someone with cancer and need resources. Where can I find more information?

As a caregiver for someone with head and neck cancer, you will face challenges of your own as you help your loved one through the cancer journey. Primary caregivers experience almost as many life changes as the person with cancer, and the tools provided here are designed to help guide… READ MORE

I have children. How do I explain my disease to them?

A diagnosis of head and neck cancer affects the whole family. As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your children from fear and anxiety. It can also be very difficult to switch roles and allow yourself to be cared for. The urge to shield children and keep secrets in this situation is normal, but children—even very young ones—are perceptive… READ MORE