Honor the memory of a loved one by making a memorial donation to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders.
We are deeply grateful and honored to receive these gifts, which help advance support, education, research, and awareness for individuals and families affected by swallowing disorders.
Honor the memory of a loved one by establishing a memorial fund benefiting the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders. The NFOSD will set up a dedicated memorial page with a unique link that you can share with family and friends, making it easy for others to honor their memory. Contact Us to get started.
Memorial donations may also be made by mail:
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders
440 N Barranca Ave #1740
Covina, CA 91723
A dedicated memorial fund does not need to be established for your loved one to be remembered through a gift to NFOSD. Donations can be made directly through our donation website, where donors can provide the name and contact information of the family or loved one being honored. The NFOSD will recognize the memorial gift and ensure the family is notified of the thoughtful contribution.
It is with deep sadness and gratitude that we honor Stephen “Steve” Clark (May 18, 1948 – December 26, 2025), a cherished member of the NFOSD community whose courage, creativity, and resilience touched many lives. Steve passed away peacefully at his home in Camp Verde, Arizona, after facing head and neck cancer for the third time in 2025. He remained in remission at the time of his passing—a testament to his strength and determination.
In 2016, Steve shared his powerful story with NFOSD in “A Newfound Meaning to Life,” reflecting on his experiences with head and neck cancer and the challenges it brought to his swallowing and speech. Rather than focusing on what he had lost, Steve embraced his journey as an opportunity for growth, connection, and finding meaning in life’s everyday moments. With the support of his wife, he connected with NFOSD and specialists who helped him navigate his care. His words continue to offer hope and encouragement to others living with swallowing disorders. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and everyone who was touched by his life and his voice.
The Albert J. Ingrassia Fund was established to support individuals living with swallowing disorders, which remain poorly understood, underdiagnosed, and often undertreated—even by experienced professionals.
Al Ingrassia passed away on January 17, 2016, from complications related to treatment for Stage IV tongue cancer. Aggressive radiation severely damaged his epiglottis, leaving him with profound dysphagia and unable to eat or drink by mouth.
The fund was established by Al’s loving daughter, Lisa, who challenged others to rethink how we celebrate special occasions with loved ones who can no longer eat. As Lisa shared, “My father, my hero, survived on medically prescribed shakes, Gatorade, and water. While living with a PEG tube, he constantly choked on thick phlegm and often told family and doctors he felt as if he was being suffocated.” His experience showed that swallowing disorders affect not only the individual, but the entire family.
Throughout Al’s illness, the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders became a trusted source of information and support for his family.
Click here to donate. The NFOSD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and all donations are tax-deductible in line with IRS regulations.
