Celebrating Cervivor’s Pathway To Parenthood Week: Embracing the Beauty of Modern Families

As we observe Cervivor’s Pathway To Parenthood Week, we honor the diverse and often non-traditional journeys to building a family. Survivorship encompasses not only survivors of cervical cancer but also those who have faced infertility, adoption, surrogacy, foster care, and other paths to parenthood.

In today’s world, family structures have evolved, and traditional norms no longer define the only way to build a family. Whether through adoption, surrogacy, foster parenting, or blended families, every journey is unique and valuable. Cervivor Aunties, Godparents, and “Bonus Kids” all play vital roles in the landscape of modern families.

Many in the Cervivor community know that life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change very suddenly. However, within the chaos, it’s essential to find peace, support, and necessary resources. The Cervivor community is a testament to each one of these pillars. Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder expresses, “I had always dreamed of being a mother. Over the next 20 years, I never lost the desire to be a mom. But I buried it deep, deep inside. I founded a community, Cervivor, to advocate for other cervical cancer patients. I helped change laws around fertility preservation. My legacy wasn’t going to be the lives that I brought into this world but the lives I would save.”

But on April Fools Day 2021, everything changed for Tamika. Fast forward now to 2024, The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund was established after Tamika received the most exceptional gift – from one Cervivor to another. This fund brings hope for those navigating the challenges of building a family. By donating to this fund, you can provide crucial assistance and support to Cervivors on their journey to parenthood. Every contribution brings us closer to making their dreams a reality.

As we navigate the complexities of modern family building, it’s essential to connect with others who understand our journeys. The Cervivor Podcast offers a safe space for intimate conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories of hope and resilience. Join us as we dive into the experiences of Cervivors and their allies, exploring topics from fertility and surrogacy to emotional healing and advocacy. Our upcoming episodes in season 4 feature:

Episode 7: Anna Ogo and Fertility Lawyer, Rijon Charne share their experiences and insights on navigating the legal aspects of family building. This episode airs on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Episode 8: Dulcely Tavarez and Dr. Terri L. Woodard discuss the intricate link between cancer and infertility, offering valuable insights and hope for those facing similar challenges. Tune in on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity of modern families and support those on their journey to parenthood. Donate to the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund. As a community, we can make a difference and empower others to build their families with hope, love, and support.

If you’re a cervical cancer patient or survivor who has navigated fertility preservation, surrogacy, foster care, or become a godparent after cancer, we want to hear from you! Your story has the power to inspire, educate, and empower others who are walking a similar path. By sharing your experiences, challenges, and triumphs, you can help create a ripple effect of hope and resilience within the Cervivor community. Take a moment to share your story today and be part of a movement that celebrates the strength and diversity of modern families.

From Advocacy to Support

We believe that patient advocacy is the catalyst for meaningful change in the mission to end cervical cancer. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to training and amplifying the voices of patients and survivors, ensuring that their unique perspectives shape the narrative and inform decision-making. By centering the patient perspective – both individually and collectively – we’re creating a powerful community voice that demands attention, sparks action, and drives progress. 

Through our advocacy efforts, we’re not just reacting to the status quo; we’re actively creating the change we want to see – a world where cervical cancer is detected early, treated with dignity and compassion, and prevented. By elevating the patient voice, we’re rewriting the story of cervical cancer and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

As July, our self-proclaimed Patient Advocacy Month comes to a close, we are proud of our progress in amplifying the voices of cervical cancer patients and survivors. Our small team of dedicated cervical cancer survivors and vast global community of passionate volunteers has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for policy changes that benefit our community.

But our work continues. 

We want to emphasize that every story matters in our mission to end cervical cancer. We know that each person’s experience with cervical cancer is unique, and we’re committed to providing a safe space for sharing those stories. Our support programming empowers survivors and patients to take control of their health, connect with others who understand their journey, and find resources and information to navigate the complex healthcare system. 

What We Offer

  • Online Support Groups: A safe space to connect with others who share similar experiences.
  • Mentorship: Pairing patients with trained survivors who can offer guidance and support.
  • Educational Resources: Accurate and reliable information on cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
  • Community Events: Opportunities to connect in person and build a supportive community.

As we launch into highlighting our support programming, we invite you to join us. Share your story, connect with others, find the support you need, and be a crucial part of the community. Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their journey and cervical cancer will be a thing of the past.

Get Involved

  • Follow Us: On social media to stay up-to-date on our support programming and community events.
  • Share: Your story and inspire others to do the same.
  • Sign Up: Are you a provider or community support person? Become a Partner in Purpose.
  • Donate: Support our mission and help us continue to provide vital resources and support to our community

We’re reminded that the journey to healing and wholeness is not a solitary one. Creating connections with others who understand our struggles is the foundation upon which we build resilience. Access to trusted resources empowers us to take control of our health and well-being. And it’s the undeniable sense of community – the feeling of being seen, heard, and supported – that accelerates our healing. 

At Cervivor, Inc., we believe that these elements are the pillars of a supportive ecosystem that cultivates hope, facilitates growth, and transforms patients and survivors into thrivers. Join us in cultivating this community, and we’ll rise stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to overcome the challenges of cervical cancer.