Oral cancer walk puts spotlight on little known disease

Meet Eric Statler, who has an amazing story to tell. Four years ago he was managing hotels in Idaho, enjoying life with his wife and children, and considered himself the healthiest man alive.

That all changed when, on a routine dental appointment, his dentist found an indication of oral cancer. Stage IV metastatic hpv positive oral cancer was confirmed by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Chemotherapy and radiation, standard treatment for oral cancers, was followed by a 14-hour surgery that removed half of Eric’s jaw. His face was disfigured, his body devastated by weight loss, he endured constant pain, which left him dependent on opiates, and he was unable to work.

Today, Eric is a four-year survivor who has rebuilt his body, re-focused his life, and is dedicating himself to raising awareness and helping others with oral cancer.

As Patient Advocate and Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Oral Cancer Foundation, he spends much of his time telling his story to encourage oral cancer patients, survivors, and families to stay strong.

Eric was featured on the cover of the April issue of Dental Economics magazine, dentaleconomics.com, in honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Eric Statler will be the keynote speaker at the Northern Illinois Oral Cancer Awareness Walk June 10 at Lake Arlington, 2201 N. Windsor Drive, Arlington Heights.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Fee is $25 per person at the event or online, www.oralcancerfoundation.org/events.

There will also be a silent auction, raffle and free screenings by dental professionals. Proceeds will be donated to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

Sponsors include: Air Techniques; Beutlich Pharmaceuticals; Family Smiles Dental at the Glen; GlaxoSmithKline/ Biotene; NorthShore University Health System/Kellogg Cancer Center; North Suburban Dental Hygienists’ Society; Oral CDx; VELscope and Henry Schein Dental; Xlear/Spry; and Young Dental.

The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, nonprofit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy and support activities.

For information about the foundation, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org.