March 2026 - Cervivor

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions women have made and continue to make across every field. In healthcare especially, women have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, compassionate care, and powerful advocacy.

From advancing cancer prevention to ensuring underserved communities have access to life-saving resources, women in healthcare are shaping the present and building a more equitable future.

At Cervivor, this month is about lifting up the voices of women driving change in cervical cancer awareness, prevention, and survivorship — including the following five leaders.

“Their work reminds us that progress happens when research, advocacy, and community come together,” says Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder, who proudly calls them allies in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer.

Dr. Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH: Advancing Prevention and Health Equity

Dr. Deanna Kepka’s work focuses on what matters most: saving lives through prevention. From increasing HPV vaccination rates to improving access to cervical cancer screening, this public health researcher, nursing professor, and award-winning leader at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute is dedicated to reaching communities too often left out of the conversation.

Through culturally responsive education and community-based programs, she works alongside underserved populations to ensure that language, access, and trust are no longer barriers to care. Her impact extends beyond borders, supporting prevention efforts across the U.S. and internationally, because prevention should be accessible to everyone.

Dr. Kepka’s work reflects the power of meeting people where they are and turning knowledge into action, moving us closer to cervical cancer elimination.

Dr. Marvella Ford, PhD: Bringing Community Voices into Research

Cancer research is strongest when it reflects the communities it serves.

Dr. Marvella Ford is helping lead that change through the Community Scientist Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, SC, which brings survivors, advocates, and community leaders directly into the research process.

By training community members in cancer science and research design, the program helps bridge the gap between researchers and the people most impacted. The result is research that is more inclusive, culturally aware, and grounded in real lived experiences.

As advocates, we know how powerful it is when patients have a seat at the table. Our voices matter. Our experiences matter. When we partner with researchers, we help move science forward in ways that truly serve communities.

Dr. Susan T. Vadaparampil, PhD, MPH: Turning Research into Real-World Impact

Behind every breakthrough is someone making sure it reaches the people who need it most.

Dr. Susan T. Vadaparampil has spent her career focused on a central challenge in cancer prevention: ensuring that scientific advances are not just discovered, but delivered to the communities needing them most. Earlier this month, her work earned her the Connie Mack Researcher of the Year Award, one of the highest honors at Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center.

A nationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and population science, Dr. Vadaparampil designs and leads studies that help patients, providers, and health systems better adopt life-saving innovations. Her work bridges the gap between discovery and real-world care, ensuring that breakthroughs do not stay in labs but reach everyday people.

One major focus of her research has been cervical cancer prevention, particularly increasing uptake of the HPV vaccine. Since the vaccine’s early rollout, she has explored ways to improve vaccination rates through provider education, parent outreach, and system-level solutions that make prevention more accessible.

“There are so few things where we can actually prevent cancer,” she said after the recent award announcement. “Being able to move the needle on HPV vaccination feels like a huge accomplishment for our state and for our nation.”

Beyond cervical cancer, Dr. Vadaparampil has made significant contributions to expanding access to genetic testing for inherited cancer risk. Her research examines why many eligible patients do not receive testing, from provider awareness to patient concerns, and works to develop practical solutions that increase access to this potentially life-saving information.

Her career reflects a powerful truth. Progress in cancer prevention is not just about discovery. It is about access, implementation, and impact.

Dr. Adana A. M. Llanos, PhD, MPH & Dr. Jennifer Tsui: Advancing Health Equity Through Research

Equitable access to cervical cancer care remains one of the most urgent challenges in women’s health. Dr. Adana A. M. Llanos and Dr. Jennifer Tsui are working to change that.

As Co-Principal Investigators of the ACHIEVE Study at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Mailman School of Public Health, they are identifying and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent many women from receiving timely, life-saving treatment. Their work focuses on turning research into practical strategies that improve access to care.

Dr. Llanos, a cancer and molecular epidemiologist, studies how social and structural factors shape cancer risk and survivorship, while mentoring future scientists to lead with equity and evidence-based prevention.

Dr. Tsui, an expert in cancer disparities and health services research, focuses on improving how care is delivered within complex healthcare systems so screenings, treatment, and prevention reach underserved communities.

Together, their work reflects the importance of integrating community perspectives into research. By connecting science with lived experience, Dr. Llanos and Dr. Tsui are helping build a future where access to cervical cancer care is not determined by circumstance, but available to all.

Moving Forward, Not Back

These five healthcare leaders remind us that progress is possible when passion meets purpose. This Women’s History Month, we honor their work and recommit to a future where prevention is accessible, care is equitable, and no one faces cervical cancer alone.

Want to connect with more inspiring, impactful experts who care? Save the date for the 2027 Cervical Cancer Summit, powered by Cervivor, Inc. Join us as researchers, advocates, survivors, and healthcare leaders come together to learn, collaborate, and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer — together.

Graphic featuring Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi with text reading “Dear Snooki: Messages from Cervivors” and Cervivor branding

When we heard the news that Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi had been diagnosed with cervical cancer, our Cervivor community immediately began reaching out to one another with the same message: “She needs us.”

So, the rest of this post is for you, Nicole — if we may, Snooki.

Message from Cervivor’s Founder

First, we’d like to introduce our Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder, a cervical cancer survivor who went on to build Cervivor into a leading advocacy and support organization dedicated to ending the disease and ensuring no one faces it alone.

Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and founder of Cervivor, smiling in a professional indoor portrait

When she started Cervivor more than 20 years ago, there wasn’t anything like it: a “safe” place where people could talk freely about what a cervical cancer diagnosis means and how to navigate life during and after treatment. By sharing her own story, she helped others find the courage to share theirs — what we call our Cervivor Stories — proving just how powerful visibility and connection can be to both healing and combatting stigma. Her message for you:

“Hearing the words, ‘You have cancer,’ is the record scratch of all scratches. From back when you were on Jersey Shore, you’ve always lived out loud — I was a little like that, too. Cervical cancer was the last thing on my radar when I was a twentysomething TV producer in D.C.

Your TikTok announcement took us through all the feels we’ve each experienced in our own way. When you said, ‘I just feel like it’s very common in women,’ you were absolutely right — it is. But it doesn’t have to be. We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer — and even eliminate it someday.

@snooki
A little update for my ladies ???????? #cervicalcancer
♬ original sound – Snooki

I’m so glad that that ‘plethora of ladies’ showed up for you on TikTok. You said it yourself — so many women go through this silently. But there is a place where people are talking about it openly, supporting one another, and sharing their stories: Cervivor.

Keep sharing your journey in your own authentic, vulnerable way. Stories have the power to save lives.”

Messages from the Cervivor Community

We asked members of our community what they would say to you after hearing of your diagnosis. Many have turned their pain into purpose and their platforms into powerful tools for awareness — especially after completing our advocacy training program, Cervivor School.

Group of Cervivor School attendees sitting in a circle around a fire pit on a beach at night, sharing support and connection — *Attendees at the 2018 Cervivor School in Cape Cod, connecting on the beach after a day of advocacy training.*

Here are their words of wisdom and encouragement:

“Snooki, cancer is a devastating diagnosis, and every journey is different. One day, your story will change someone’s life, so your struggle isn’t in vain. Cervical cancer, like any below-the-belt cancer, carries stigma—but know this: 4 out of 5 women will receive an HPV diagnosis by age 50. That’s most women. You are not alone. When you’re ready, share your story and the facts. Nearly everyone will have high-risk HPV at some point, and many won’t even know it because it often has no symptoms.” —Lorie Wallace, Michigan, 8.5-year survivor

“Dear Snooki,
Hearing ‘you have cancer’ is life-changing—it’s scary, overwhelming, and uncertain. But there is a community called Cervivor where people truly understand what you’re going through—the fear, the emotions, the long-lasting impact. Some of us are still in treatment, others are navigating survivorship, but all of us are here for you.

Know that you aren’t alone.
Know that your story matters.
Know that your voice matters.

We are all here for you.” —Lindsay Gullatte-Lee, North Carolina, 3-year survivor

“We all know how brave it is to ‘come out’ with a cervical cancer diagnosis. The stigma can be brutal. Even well-meaning comments can sting — and it’s amplified when you’re in the public eye. People hear ‘STI’ and jump to harmful assumptions, often without understanding the facts. Education is our strongest tool. This cancer is no more ‘deserved’ than any other. I commend Snooki’s bravery and wish her strength, resilience, and healing.” —Danielle D., New York, 9-year survivor

“Dear Snooki,
Don’t listen to the negativity. I’m so grateful you’re using your platform to raise awareness. I know how scary this moment is—the diagnosis is often the hardest part. I’m sending you strength, love, and support as you begin this journey. You now have a community standing beside you, ready to help educate and push back against misinformation.” —Kellie DeFelice, Massachusetts, 4-year survivor

“The stigma is almost as difficult as the diagnosis. I often remind people that HPV, like anything else transmitted sexually (including pregnancy), can happen from just one time with one partner.” —Cindy Craddock, California, 21-year survivor

“Dear Snooki,
In the beginning, after the diagnosis, emotions run wild—fear, anger, confusion. You may ask, ‘Why me?’ I remember crying until there were no tears left. But through prayer, I found strength and faith. My ‘why me’ became ‘why not me,’ and I chose to fight. Treatment is not easy, but with faith, you can get through it. Hold on to your belief, trust the process, and keep going. I’m looking forward to hearing your Cervivor Story.” —Tukesia Banks, Mississippi, 3-year survivor

“First and foremost, this is NOT your fault. Keep sharing your story—putting a face to this disease is powerful. That’s how we change hearts, minds, and awareness around prevention. I’d also encourage sharing Cervivor stories so you can see the strength of this community and know you’re not alone.” —Carol Lacey, California, 15-year survivor

“Hello dear Nicole, I just want you to know we’re thinking of you, rooting for you, and sending you so much love.” —Maritza Manjarrez, California, currently in treatment

Keep in Touch!

Snooki, if you ever need a place where someone can say, “I’ve been there,” we are here. We’d love you to join one of our upcoming Creating Connections virtual meetups or share your Cervivor Story with our audience. No rush. Whenever you’re ready.

With strength, solidarity, and so much love,

Cervivor

informed. empowered. alive.

Blog

Month: March 2026

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Honoring Healthcare Leaders Eliminating Cervical Cancer