April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and for Melissa Vincent—a local wife, mom, writer, and oral cancer survivor —there’s no better time to bring light to her story. “My son Ryan can confirm I’m the loudest mom cheering in the bleachers,” she laughs. “But nowadays, I’m using my voice to help oral cancer patients navigate their own journeys with the disease.” Melissa explained her cancer diagnosis led to a glossectomy, a surgery in which half of her native tongue was removed and reconstructed using a flap of skin from her wrist.
With a communication degree from Purdue University, a certificate in Social Impact Storytelling from Georgetown, and a memoir writing class through Davidson Learns under her belt, Melissa has always been drawn to the power of words. She gratefully continues to spread her message by leading Bible studies, speaking publicly for oral cancer education and advocacy, and writing with passion and purpose.
“I created a website called SimplySpokenLife.com as a platform to share more about my experience with oral cancer and about my Christian faith,” Melissa says. Her storytelling blends honest details about the raw emotions of diagnosis and recovery with stories of hope, grace, and perseverance. “Today I celebrate my post-operative scars. I believe they are my greatest storybook,” she says.
Melissa’s efforts recently expanded through a partnership with White, Haines, & Rodrigues Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius where she and Dr. Claire Rodrigues hosted a free oral cancer screening day in March. Through events like this, they extend free education and early detection while also giving folks an opportunity to voice concerns regarding their own oral health.
“I’ve never been at a loss for words,” she smiles, “and being an oral cancer survivor has given me so much more to say to others.” Whether through writing, speaking, or leading with her faith, Melissa is motivated to speak words of inspiration and hope using, what she calls, her new tongue.
Melissa’s storytelling space, Simply Spoken Life, invites readers to learn, donate, volunteer, and connect. For more information and updates on screenings and other oral health events, visit www.simplyspokenlife.com and www.oralcancerfoundation.org.
