Remember: You are not alone
There are other people going through the same experience
The Association is here for you, because Hellenic Association of Laryngectomees means:
· Have the support you need and deserve
· Take advantage of all the programs it offers
· Feel that you are not alone
· Rely on the support offered by trained professionals for you and your family
· Realize your goals one by one
· Break the silence resulted by the laryngectomy
· Embrace everyone's efforts because together we can succeed
Hellenic Association of Laryngectomees
· Psycho-social support
· Voice rehabilitation
· Volunteer program of mutual help
· Volunteer training program
· Prevention- timely diagnosis
21-23 Leosthenous Str., Piraeus
Tel. 210-4186341 & 210-4181641, Fax 210-4535343
e-mail: pan_syla@yahoo.gr
The Hellenic Association of Laryngectomees was founded in 1989 by a group of people who had had a laryngectomy. It has members, trained volunteers, qualified professionals, and a scientific committee. It is a Non-Governmental Organization and is managed by a seven member Board. From the beginning, the HAL is supported morally and financially by the Volunteers Against Cancer Association - AGALIAZO.
The goal of HAL is to provide to people sharing the same experience the help they need in order to face the difficulties that derive from the laryngectomy and achieve better quality of life.
The Association has helped hundreds of people diagnosed with cancer of the larynx by providing them with:
- Systematic mutual help
- Social and psychological support to the patients and their families
- Voice rehabilitation after the laryngectomy
- Volunteer training programs
- Prevention and early diagnosis educational programs
Psychosocial support program
A social worker supports the patients diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and their families, in order to help them face the new circumstances brought to their lives by cancer and the laryngectomy. Moreover, she provides HAL members information about state economic support, social security and work issues.
Voice rehabilitation program
An expert speech therapist evaluates the patient and together they decide which is the best method of speech for them, such as esophageal speech, tracheoesophageal valve (provided it is placed by a doctor), or the laryngophone.
Volunteer program
Trained volunteers contribute singularly to the psychosocial rehabilitation of people with cancer of the larynx, since they themselves have recovered and have restored their speech. Thus they set a perfect example for the new members.
Training program
The volunteers are trained in a 12-week seminar, building on real-life experiences, coordinated by a qualified professional. By making use of their own experiences, the volunteers learn how to listen to and support new patients.
Prevention - diagnosis educational program
HAL organizes educational speeches in order to inform the general public on issues of cancer prevention and early diagnosis of cancer of the larynx, as well as special interest speeches for HAL members. In addition, HAL takes part in conferences, seminars etc. in Greece and abroad. HAL is member of the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) and takes part in international research.