At Jefferson, we believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation or ability to travel to Philadelphia, should have access to quality care. The Complex Head and Neck Care and Education (CHANCE) program is a platform for Jefferson physicians in the Department of Otolaryngology to collaborate with physicians across the globe, share knowledge and experience, and address healthcare challenges in order to provide life-changing, life-saving care for patients in low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2014, Jefferson’s Head and Neck Surgery team—accompanied by residents, medical students, nurses, and anesthetists—has traveled to Haiti and Africa, where medical resources are scarce, and training is critical, to provide complex head and neck care and education. CHANCE doctors donate their time and skills, performing all services free of charge while the medication, equipment, and instruments required to successfully perform these complex surgeries are provided through the generosity of our benefactors.
Haiti
Our relationship with partners in Haiti has led to a rich exchange of ideas, facilitating a vital collaboration as we worked together to treat head and neck disease in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and the third poorest nation in the world. Unfortunately, due to recent unrest, our Haitian colleagues have advised us not to visit the country, and our medical outreach is on hold. We long and hope for the safety and stability of this country and their amazing people.
Africa and South America
Although visits to Haiti are on hold, CHANCE doctors have turned their attention to new requests from the international community. We are excited to be in our second year of working with our talented partners in Africa and South America.
In addition to performing surgeries, our physicians, Dr. David Cognetti, Dr. Adam Luginbuhl, Dr. Joseph Curry, Dr. Ryan Heffelfinger, and Dr. Howard Krein, have participated in a greater initiative to provide skill transference to surgeons in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Haiti, Guatemala, and Belize.
major head and neck surgeries performed
reconstructions using tissue transplants for head and neck tumors
patients seen in clinic
How You Can Help
- $50 covers the cost of an outpatient procedure for someone who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
- $500 funds an Audiology Mission including the fitting and donation of 120 hearing aids.
- $1,000 makes a free flap reconstruction surgery a reality for a patient in need.
- $5,000 covers the cost of surgical supplies and instruments needed to operate for a week.
- $15,000 fully funds surgeries, supplies, and travel for physicians and nurses for a one-week trip.
- $25,000 funds a resident’s three- to four-month educational rotation at Jefferson, covering room and board, living, and travel expenses.
- $50,000 fully funds one year’s worth of surgical mission trips to Africa.
Contact
Andy Kitaeff
Assistant Vice President, Development
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Office of Institutional Advancement
andrew.kitaeff@jefferson.edu
617-838-3659
Christina Bender
Director, Development
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Office of Institutional Advancement
christina.bender@jefferson.edu
267-432-2841