#431 HNCA Ambassador Jason Mendelsohn and Mystery Series Author Robert McCaw

Have you ever met a real-life Superman? Well, Jason Mendelsohn might not be a superhero from another planet – but he is a survivor of stage 4 cancer who was given the nickname “Superman” by his friends during his remarkable recovery. Now, the 50-year old father of three, cancer-free, is also known as “Superman HPV,” a crusader who spreads the word about cancer prevention and the importance of the HPV vaccine. Working with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA), Mendelsohn is one of many program ambassadors who help HNCA raise awareness, connect patients with communities of care and resources, and educate medical professionals on the benefits of the HPV vaccine Gardisil-9 (which the FDA now indicates is an effective tool in the prevention of head and neck cancer, in addition to other cancers caused by HPV). For Mendelsohn, his story of survival is not only remarkable – he went from making “goodbye” videos for his family to participating in a charity bike ride in just over a year – but an opportunity for him to inspire others. Assuming the character of “Superman HPV” at local events and via his own social media lead to a call from NBC and an appearance on the Nightly News with Lester Holt, as well as traveling abroad and testifying in front of Congress about the need for more awareness, prevention, and treatment resources to help patients not only survive, but thrive during and after treatment. “I’m not Michael Douglas or Jim Kelly,” says Mendelsohn, referring to two of the celebrities who are past spokespeople for HNCA, and themselves cancer survivors. “But HNCA was happy to work with me right away.” Partnering with an organization that is patient-centered has made “Superman’s” message even more powerful than a locomotive, and the ongoing fight for health, recovery, and a better world is well-met! Robert McCaw is the author of Fire and Vengeance, Off the Grid, and Death of a Messenger. McCaw grew up in a military family, traveling the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, served as a U.S. Army lieutenant, and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. He was a partner in a major international law firm in Washington, D.C. and New York City, representing major Wall Street clients in complex civil and criminal cases. Having lived on the Big Island of Hawaii, McCaw imbues his writing of the Islands with his more than 2-year love affair with this Pacific paradise. He now lives in New York City with his wife, Calli.