Find Out More About Our Background
The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center has been established to assist patients to achieve their maximal state of physical, emotional and social wellness through an interdisciplinary team approach.
The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center has been providing its unique services since 1980. It came about as the result of one patient’s experiences. In the 1970s Milton Dance, Jr. was diagnosed with cancer of the vocal cords. The surgeons were able to remove the tumors from his vocal cords, enabling him to return to his livelihood, horse auctioneering. He was aware that he was very fortunate since most who have cancer of the larynx have to have their vocal cords removed. Mr. Dance understood what might have happened to him and the plight of people to whom it did happen. Mr. and Mrs. Dance decided to develop a Center which would provide practical assistance in the pre- and post-operative periods. Their vision was to have an entire multidisciplinary care team, working collaboratively within one center, to improve the overall quality of patient care. And so the Center was born.
In March 1980 the first patients were accepted and began receiving specialized services from the rehabilitation team: a nurse with expertise in problems of the head and neck, a speech pathologist, a social worker and a secretary. The primary objective then, which holds true today, was to address the concerns of the head and neck cancer patient and family and to assist them as they learn to cope with life before, during, and after surgery.
Mr. Dance was involved with horses throughout his life. In fact, his horse, Lemon Drop Kid, won the Belmont Cup in 1999.
Mr. Dance died suddenly on November 28, 2002. He will continue to be a great support to head and neck cancer patients through the work of the Dance Center.
Many patients and caregivers are compelled by their experience to get involved. Whatever your age, diagnosis or special interest, there is something to be done. This page highlights some ways others have contributed to the M. J Dance Center.
People who are surviving cancer are in a unique position to help others just starting their journey. Frequently new patients ask to speak with another patient on the same path. We offer an extensive patient visitation program at the Dance Center. If you would like to share your personal experience with cancer to a new patient please call or email Barbara Messing 443-849-8451.
- Speaking to children about the dangers of tobacco (at schools, youth groups etc.)
- Organizing community screenings
- Get involved with local support groups.
- Encourage friends and family to quit smoking and provide them with the resources to do it.
- Participate in Quality Of Life survey
- Volunteer for non-invasive treatments (e.g.) nonsurgical
- Write your own tips or suggestions to researchers of topics you feel are neglected
DRC (your contribution goes toward supplying equipment to others less fortunate, staff education and conference scholarships for patients) American Cancer Society
Contributions may be made to The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center at GBMC. They are used to allow the Dance Center to provide community outreach, patient education and research in head and neck cancer. Please call 443-849-2087 or e-mail bmessing@gbmc.org for additional information.
