In loving memory of my cousin, Bonnie Nugent. A poignant, heartfelt message for dental professionals to commit to earlier discovery of oral mucosal lesions.

As I took my seat amidst my family, the chapel began to fill up very quickly. There was a faint playing of a favorite songs accompanied by a slide show of treasured family times playing across a large screen. The balcony began to fill and eventually there were more chairs being brought into this setting that had witnessed much happier times.

This was the day of the funeral for my cousin, Bonnie, who lost her life to human papillomavirus (HPV) oropharyngeal cancer. This was not supposed to happen.

A Cruel Twist of Fate

Bonnie informed the family of her being diagnosed with HPV-16 oropharyngeal cancer on September 26, 2011. This was days before I was to deliver a presentation based on my research in this very area to our National Dental Hygiene Association at the annual meeting. Her diagnosis was a cruel and crushing blow to our entire family. Bonnie dedicated her life to fitness and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle for herself, family, and all those who she came in contact with.