Penn State Health raises $51,742 during second annual ‘Let’s Get Ahead’ campaign
Penn State Health raised $51,742 through its second annual “Let’s Get Ahead” campaign during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in April.
Throughout the month, the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, along with community partners and members of the public, helped elevate awareness and support for head and neck cancer care at Penn State Health. Activities included free cancer screenings, participation in a community health fair, awareness t‑shirt sales and a featured segment on WHTM-TV abc27. The campaign concluded with the department’s sixth annual sporting clay shoot on Saturday, May 2.
“This year’s ‘Let’s Get Ahead’ campaign demonstrates the remarkable impact of a community united around a shared mission,” said Dr. David Goldenberg, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “The dedication of our clinical teams and staff, alongside the generosity of our donors and community partners, has not only secured vital funding but also significantly strengthened awareness of head and neck cancer in a lasting and meaningful way.”
The money raised will support leading-edge head and neck cancer care at Penn State Health. That care reaches patients across the commonwealth and beyond, including Wendy, who was diagnosed with mouth cancer in her early 30s. Although her diagnosis carried a 50% five‑year survival rate, two years later Wendy is now cancer‑free and able to fully enjoy life with her husband and three young children.
“I wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t look like this or function like this if it weren’t for the team at Penn State Health. They changed my life, and saved my life, and I am grateful,” said Wendy.
About Philanthropy at Penn State
Gifts to the “Let’s Get Ahead” campaign advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the Commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.
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