We’re proud to honor our cancer survivors for their strength and courage and recognize their loved ones who supported them through their diagnosis, treatment and life beyond. Hear stories of inspiration and information about the latest head and neck cancer therapies, rehabilitation and coping strategies.

Agenda

8:00 - 8:05 Welcoming and opening remarks

Guy Slonimsky, MD

8:05 - 8:15 Words of encouragement

David Goldenberg, MD, FACS

8:15 - 8:30 HPV and oropharyngeal cancer

Karen Y. Choi, MD

8:30 - 9:15 Survivors sharing stories: A celebration of life & survivorship with a focus on the positive

Marie Bongiovanni, Jody Brelsford, Jim Hepfer, Jennifer Pompei, Jeff Shoop, Chris Dickinson

9:15 – 9:30 Short and long term side effects of radiation therapy

Leonard C. Tuanquin, MD

9:30 – 9:45 Short and long term side effects of chemotherapy

Diane M. Hershock, MD, PhD

9:45 – 9:55 Musical interlude

Shea Quinn

9:55 – 10:40 Caregivers sharing stories

Tina Benscoter, Lorrie Shoop, Chris Dickinson, Lee Saurman

10:40 – 10:55 Complications and side effects of surgery for head and neck cancers

Guy Slonimsky, MD

10:55 – 11:40 SPOHNC: Support groups overview - connecting with others, encouragement and ways to contribute

Jeff Shoop, Richard Comiskey, Jody Brelsford, Patrice Saurman, Lee Saurman, Kat Ballou

Marry Ann Caputo (SPOHNC executive director), Chris Leonardis (SPOHNC outreach administer)

11:40 – 11:55 Psychological challenges of going through cancer and support options

Michael P. Hayes, PhD

11:55 – 12:30 Lunch break

12:30 – 12:40 Group meditation

12:40 – 12:50 Musical interlude

Shea Quinn

12:50 – 13:05 Dental complications and oral care

Heidi L. Myshin, DMD

13:05 – 13:20 Healing philosophies, holistic therapies, mindfulness

Karen Rhoad

13:20 – 13:35 Resources and assistance

Neerav Goyal, MD, MPH

13:35 – 13:50 Disability insurance

Teressa Novotny, Outpatient Social Worker, Penn State Cancer Institute

13:50 – 14:05 Speech and swallowing during and after cancer treatments

Melissa Montano, CCC-SLP

14:05 – 14:10 Thank you words! Honoring our physicians, nurses, other professionals, and everyone involved in our care before, during, and after treatment

14:10 – 14:15 Closing remarks

Guy Slonimsky, MD