What to Expect During the First Year

Amanda Hollinger has served as Executive Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance since 2018. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sector, Amanda has held leadership positions in a variety of organizations, including the YWCA of Greater Charleston, Trident Technical College, and as a nonprofit consultant. Her skills include fundraising, federal and foundation grant writing, advocacy, community outreach, and organizational development. Co-authored publications related to head and neck cancer include: Yan, et. al. (2020). The role of head and neck cancer advocacy organizations during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Head & Neck: Journal of the Sciences and Specialties of the Head & Neck (Vol 42, Issue 7) and Reed, et. al. (2010. Oral Cancer Preventive Practices of South Carolina Dentists and Physicians. Journal of Cancer Education (Volume 25), pages 166–173. Amanda received her Bachelor’s degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, and her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. In her free time, Amanda enjoys cooking, running, volunteering, reading, traveling and spending time with family. Head and neck cancer has impacted the lives of family members close to her, and Amanda is committed to helping HNCA fulfill its vision of saving lives through prevention, education, and advocacy.

Associate Professor
Associate Program Director
Head & Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction
Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine

Dr. Jason T. Rich is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his medical degree at the Ohio State University. He completed an otolaryngology residency at Washington University in St. Louis. His residency included a 2 year research experience under a T32 training grant, in which he investigated transcription factor expression of human mesenchymal stem cells. He then went on to complete a head and neck oncologic and microvascular reconstructive fellowship at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Hospitals. Since completing fellowship, Dr. Rich has been on staff at Washington University in St. Louis. His practice spans the breadth of head & neck ablative and reconstructive surgery, including microvascular free tissue transfer. He has expertise and clinical interest in the treatment of advanced skin cancers. His research activities are focused on head & neck surgery in the elderly population and head & neck cancer survivorship. Dr. Rich helped initiate and manages the Washington University Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Program. He also serves as the Associate Program Director. He and his wife have 4 children and love living in St. Louis.

Melvin was first diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma on the right side of his neck in 2018. It was presumed to be attributed by HPV and originally metastasized on the base of his tongue. He received both radiation and chemotherapy and experience several side effects from his treatment. After his cancer treatment, he became actively involved in the pickleball sport and has won numerous medals through competitions.

Melvin full cancer story can be read on her profile page here.

Tina was first diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2015 when she noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of her neck. It was originally presumed to be an infection until she visited a local ENT who then referred her to a head and neck surgeon clinic after four biopsies. Her medical team performed a Da Vinci Robot intricate modified neck dissection surgery recommended a series of radiation therapy treatment post surgery.

Tina full cancer story can be read on her profile page here.