The Texas Laryngectomee Association (TLA) was formed in 1989 as a subcommittee of the American Cancer Society (ACS), Texas Divisions. Members of all the Lost Chords clubs in the state met to form the TLA and set about our mission. Since that time we have presented 16 annual conferences that have attracted people in all areas of laryngectomy rehabilitation. As of 2002, the ACS is no longer able to provide support. The TLA  decided to continue to perform our mission with the help of the state clubs and our sponsors. We then formed our association, elected officers and formed a  Board of Directors, received IRS tax exemption, sales tax exemption and have had  our 16th annual conference. Planning is in progress for the 2009 conference.