The Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation was incorporated in April 2003 and has quickly grown to become the largest private funder of research in the country for these areas of cancer. In addition to research, THANC sponsors continuing professional medical education, community awareness and education, as well as patient outreach and support programs. Under the medical direction of Dr. Mark Urken, THANC has recently been housed within the Institute for Head and Neck and Thyroid Cancer at the Phillips Ambulatory Care Center at Beth Israel.