UCI Giving Day 2024

Help us meet the challenge! Grateful patient and neck cancer survivor Vicki Gumm is generously offering this challenge. The first 15 gifts received will unlock $15,000 in support of Head and Neck Cancer Research. When we reach 25 gifts, an additional $10,000 will be unlocked!

As the only academic head and neck cancer center in Orange County, our surgeons are dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art care with compassion. We focus not only on the treatment of head and neck cancers, but also maintaining quality of life with minimally invasive treatment options. Our goal is to provide a multidisciplinary, research-driven approach to cancer treatment so that every patient receives personalized care from our world-class team of specialists.

Led by Dr. Tjoson Tjoa, the head and neck cancer team at UCI Health and UC Irvine School of Medicine is deeply committed to improving the care and treatment of head and neck cancer patients. The team has a passion for clinical care and advancing the research to support services and care for our patients and community. As the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Orange County, we are one of the most innovative head and neck cancer programs in the world, at the forefront of research, training the next generation of head and neck surgeons, and leading the way to a cure. Help to support our efforts and meet the challenge to advance our vital research and lifesaving care this giving day!
 
 We are proud to share that our department:

• Published over 120 publications last calendar year.
• Contributed as first or senior author on 50 manuscripts.
• Received over $8 million in grants participated in as investigators. 

“Giving back gives you joy. It’s rewarding to help others, to watch other people grow and learn, and to help other people get better through the trauma. I owe my life to UCI Health and feel like it’s my duty to give back so these programs continue to thrive. I hope others will join me in supporting this vital work." 

– Vicki Gumm, Grateful Patient of Dr. William Armstrong 

All donations benefit the essential, life-saving care and programs only available through the UCI Health ENT program, including the following vital programs and resources.

• Head and Neck Cancer Research – breakthrough clinical research, advancing innovative trials of new drugs, pioneering surgical techniques, paving the way to a cure.
• Head and Neck Care Coordination – between head and neck surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and dental oncology. 
• Rehabilitation Services – dedicated personnel and resources that are directed at helping patients navigate more easily through the many different challenges they face.
• Head and Neck Cancer Education – supports lectureships, residents and fellowships, and physician continuing education.
• Robotic Equipment Needs – funding for advanced, precision da Vinci robotic systems for head and neck cancer surgery, reducing and often eliminating the need for radiation therapy, greatly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Capital Needs – UCI Health — Irvine and the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building.

 Please contact Joy Kliewer, PhD, senior director of development, at joy.kliewer@uci.edu or 310-486-9265 to learn more about the Head and Neck Cancer team’s research and opportunities for support.