ACC advocates! Welcome to the November 2023 newsletter! ACCOI is excited to showcase our organization, community and updates through this publication.

ACCOI Updates

New Website | Our new website will be launching in January 2024!

Treasurer | Do you have accounting abilities or an interest in spreadsheets? We are looking for a Treasurer to join our board. Email us at [email protected]

Community Survey | Please, help us understand what matters to you! Your feedback can influence improvements to our organization. We invite you to participate in our annual Community Survey. Click the blue box below to share your insights:

Share your feedback with ACCOI

ACCOI Gatherings

As part of our mission, we bring together individuals impacted by ACC to build a supportive, inclusive community. Gatherings are casual and create a space so no one feels alone.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Lake Forest, CA

Saturday, December 2, 2023
RSVP at [email protected]

Houston, TX

(TBD) March - April, 2024
If interested, email [email protected]

Interested in hosting a Gathering in your city?

Email [email protected] for more information.

November: National Family Caregivers Month

We thank our ACC caregivers, spouses and loved ones, for their love, sacrifice, and compassion.

We want to also take this moment to remind caregivers that they need care too!

Below is a 30 minute recorded webinar that offers insights and recommendations for caregivers.

Thanksgiving post head & neck treatment

"Remember that Thanksgiving is about being with the ones you love. Your family and friends want you no matter what."

When you’re learning to swallow again after treatment for head and neck cancer, preparing for Thanksgiving can be like training for a marathon. It can be physical, mental and intense, but absolutely worth the effort.

Continue reading the article

Inspiring Patient Stories

Matthew Gagnon

"The wounds may be visible (for now) but you cannot take my spirit. You tried very hard. I applaud you, but you have failed."

Learn more about his story below:

Matthew is a Middle School Assistant Principal and ACC survivor. For 4 years, he had a lump that was dismissed by doctors, ENT's, dentists and others. He knew something was wrong and through the ACCOI community and resources, he was able to find a medical team who listened and acted!

Matthew was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic ACC in his submandibular gland and it spread to 5 lymph nodes with perineural invasion. His treatment consisted of 2 surgeries, a neck dissection and 33 treatments of proton therapy. He is currently 5 years NED and living a quality life again!

Matthew wrote himself a letter during treatment and chose to share a few snippets, to inspire and motivate others going through active treatment now:

"The wounds may be visible (for now) but you cannot take my spirit. You tried very hard. I applaud you, but you have failed. In fact, you have done completely the opposite of what you set out to do. You had plans to weaken, harden and kill my spirit and will to live. You tried to do the same to those I love around me. You definitely had us worried and scared for a bit. I will give you that. In the end, that worked against you."

"I became stronger than ever! We all did! You showed me just how strong I really am. You showed me and others the power of love, hope and community. You showed me angels on this Earth walking among us, some of whom were complete strangers to me until now. You allowed me to look God in the eyes and you gave Him an opportunity to open his arms to fully display all the true love and grace around me that I did not see until now. You brought upon me the greatest blessing in my entire life. You showed me true love and gratitude! For that, I thank you."

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On behalf of ACCOI, we want to thank Matthew for sharing his story! If you would like to be featured on our newsletter or social media, please email [email protected].

#GivingTuesday

With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to make your tax-deductible donation and support ACCOI.

Here's how: https://www.accoi.org/donate/

Unable to contribute, join us on social media by sharing messages of hope and inspiration on #GivingTuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement; a day that encourages people to do good. It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts.

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ACCOI | https://www.accoi.org | [email protected]