Welcome to the Research and Education Foundation
of the American Head and Neck Society

What is the Research and Education Foundation of the American Head and Neck Society?

The Research and Education Foundation of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) is working to:

• Encourage and fund science and clinical research in head and neck oncology
• Support and fund individuals and institutions in the development of educational programs or materials in head and neck cancer
• § Support educational endeavors that improve knowledge, techniques, and skills of practitioners devoted to the care of head and neck cancer patients

The Foundation is the only organization dedicated to treating and curing head and neck cancer. As such, it is a significant force in the fight against head and neck cancer. Our efforts are promising and we have made headway because of the support we receive from AHNS members, individuals affected by head and neck cancer either personally or through a loved one, corporations, and foundations. However, so long as head and neck cancer exists, we must continue our efforts in research, education and treatment. There is more work to be done and we need your help. Please consider a donation today.

Commemorative Giving

Wishing to honor a survivor of head and neck cancer or cherish the memory of one who lost their battle with head and neck cancer? A commemorative gift to the Research and Education Foundation of the American Head and Neck Society is truly a meaningful and unique way to express your love while demonstrating a commitment to the fight against head and neck cancer. At your request, the Foundation will send notice of your commemorative gift to the identified recipient.
We will also acknowledge commemorative gifts on the AHNS Foundation Supporters web page.
To make your commemorative gift, please click here.

In Memory of Dr. Chris O’Brien,
The Chris O’Brien International Lecture and Traveling Scholar Award

In 2008 the American Head and Neck Society and the Australia/New Zealand Head and Neck Society established the Chris O’Brien Fund in a joint effort in order to honor Dr. Chris O’Brien.  Dr. O’Brien, founder of the Sydney (Australia) Head and Neck Cancer Institute and active member of both societies, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2007.  After a valiant battle against the cancer, Dr. O’Brien passed away in early June 2009. He did, however, live to see the first recipient of the Chris O’Brien International Lecture and Traveling Scholar Award named.

The Chris O’Brien Fund will support a lecture in memory of Dr. O’Brien at the International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer held every four years and additionally will support the Chris O’Brien Traveling Scholar Award which allows for a young head and neck surgeon to visit the United States or Australia/New Zealand in order to further their education.  The first Chris O’Brien International Lecture and Traveling Scholar Award recipient, Dr. Carsten Palme of Australia, received the award at the AHNS 2009 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. 

To make a contribution to the Chris O’Brien fund in memory of Dr. O’Brien, please click here.

DR. EDWIN WESLEY COCKE, JR.

DR. EDWIN WESLEY COCKE, JR., 89, of Memphis, TN. passed away on August 22, 2008. He was a founding member of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery and served as its secretary and subsequently, president. Dr Cocke was one of the first in the field of otolaryngology to receive focused training in head and neck surgery and oncology under the tutelage of Dr Hays Martin at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. During his career he became characterized as an innovative surgeon, compassionate physician, excellent teacher, and a warm and vibrant human being.

He is a graduate the University of Tennessee, Memphis, College of Medicine where he also completed a residency in otolaryngology. After his fellowship, he opened his practice in Memphis in 1950, where he spent the rest of his life. His busy practice in head and neck surgery led him to become the chief consultant in the region for his sub-specialty. He became internationally known for his scientific presentations and expertise. Of particular note is his development of the maxillotomy procedure to access lesions of the skull base. Dr. Cocke served as clinical professor in the department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis for many years, working with more than 140 residents. In his honor, the department re-named its alumni meeting the Annual Ed Cocke Research Forum.

Dr. Cocke served a term as president of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, and later received two Presidential Citations from the society. He also served on the Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee for the Yul Bryner Foundation. Other memberships included the American Laryngologic Society, the Triological Society, the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and the Tennessee Medical Association, in which he was recognized as the Outstanding Physician of the Year in 1999.

Dr. Cocke loved music and played the baritone saxaphone in the Memphis Doctor's Band. He was an avid fly fisherman, a skeet shooting champion, and he played competitive badminton at the local, state, and national level. Dr. Cocke is survived by his son, Tripp Cocke and daughter-in-law Cathy. He was a loyal friend, colleague, and mentor to many of us who had the privilege to know him.