My name is Angie Mulcahy. My good friend’s mom was diagnosed with tongue and neck cancer in 2004 when she was 40, with 3 daughters under the age of 12. She endured a 10 year battle with cancer where it recurred almost every year, requiring surgery and medical attention to remove tumors on her tongue and in her neck.

After countless surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, radiation sessions and doctors opinions, she found Dr Mark Urken and his amazing team. Her last and (hopefully) final surgery involved removing a portion of her jaw and using her own scapula to replace it. Her jaw was then wired shut for 6 weeks. Dr Urken and Erika R—-founded and run the THANC Foundation. The THANC Foundation researches and studies head, neck and thyroid cancers. They help head and neck cancer patients find progressive, innovative solutions that remove the aggressive, life threatening cancer. The THANC Foundation gave her a second chance at a healthy life.

With the loving support by her doctors, her family and community Robin survived her cancer battle. In the process she and her family learned the meaning of neighborly love and medical collaboration. Countless people helped the family and in numerous ways; and most importantly, teaching her daughters the simple act of kindness and love go a long way in recovery. Natalie is a big advocate in supporting THANC and other cancer research foundations and she encouraged me to fund raise for THANC.
Thanc’s work is not over. Head and Neck cancer continues to be on the rise. The debilitating treatments and surgery need to be improved. With more funding for advances in research, surgery, and treatment we can have a major impact not only on survival but on the quality of life of our survivor’s as well. Our goal is to help make sure that happens.

Since her surgery 12 years ago, she's traveled to countless cities, biked 500 miles across the state of Iowa and Israel, attended college graduations, celebrated family weddings and has been blessed with a grandson!
I'm fighting on October 10th to raise money for cancer research and treatments so that others like my friend Natalie’s mom can live happy healthy long lives!