Vaccination

Empowering Communities of Color: A Recap of the Fall Virtual Advocacy Retreat

The Fall Virtual Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color, held on October 28th, was an inspiring and informative event that brought together cervical cancer survivors and speakers dedicated to closing the gap in cervical cancer disparities. The retreat aimed to provide a platform for empowering and educating communities of color across the globe to become advocates in the mission to end cervical cancer. With a dynamic lineup of speakers, engaging and impactful conversations, and a clear advocacy action list, the retreat left attendees feeling empowered and equipped to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

The retreat’s success was undoubtedly due to the incredible speakers who graced the virtual stage. Each speaker brought unique insights and experiences to the table, making the event an unforgettable experience for all who attended:

  • Kimberly Williams, Cervivor’s Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer gave the opening remarks, shared how her personal journey has progressed over the last several years, and discussed the unwavering commitment Cervivor, Inc. has to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mission to end cervical cancer.
  • Tamika Felder, Founder and Chief Visionary of Cervivor, Inc. inspired attendees to define their ‘why’ while sharing her personal experience of building what she didn’t have, the vision turned into a reality with the creation of the Cervivor, Inc. organization of nearly 19 years ago.
  • Nancy Peña, ONP-CG, CMI, BS, Director and Founder of Navegación de Pacientes Internacional, Inc. (NPI), was our morning keynote to share the important work to end cancer disparities by identifying and providing cancer patients support resources throughout the continuum of their care.
  • A Cervivor-filled panel moderated by Tiera Wade included the voices of Joslyn Paguio, Kadiana Vegee, and Karla Chavez to show their journeys from cervical cancer survivors to Cervivors.
  • Chicago-based duo, Dr. Nita Karnik Lee and Dr. Paris Thomas teamed up to share the importance or representation in clinical trials, how to access the opportunities available, and advocate for others to seek the care they deserve.
  • Dr. Jennifer Cunningham Erves, PhD, MPH, MAEd, MS, CHES, Director of Community Engaged Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center shared what attendees needed to know about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of cancer prevention through vaccination.
  • Dr. Jane Montealegre, Baylor College of Medicine, was the closing keynote to address the unique opportunities and challenges we face in eliminating cervical cancer.

Throughout the retreat, attendees from across the globe engaged in meaningful conversations and breakout discussions that shed light on various aspects of cervical cancer and advocacy. Several survivors logged in from islands in the Caribbean and a large group of survivors gathered together in Milicent Kagonga’s home, a Cervivor Africa Ambassador, to learn more about patient advocacy. 

But the retreat didn’t just stop at discussions; it moved the speakers and empowered attendees with a clear action list to ensure that the knowledge gained translated into impactful change:

  • Advocate for Improved Access to Healthcare: Support initiatives to increase access to cervical cancer screenings and vaccinations within communities of color.
    • Attendees expressed the importance of holding workshops to share screening and vaccination information not only for the public but to bridge the gap between patients and providers.
  • Education and Awareness Campaigns: Join Cervivor, inc. and participate in community-driven awareness campaigns to educate individuals on the importance of cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and self-advocacy.
    • Attendees expressed the need to bring men into the discussion as cervical cancer impacts the entire family structure and the very virus that causes 5 more cancers.
  • Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships within their communities and collaborate with local organizations to promote cervical cancer awareness and advocate for accessible healthcare services.
    • Community outreach days with mobile screening and vaccination clinics are necessary to communities who do not have regular access.

In closing, the Fall Cervical Cancer virtual retreat has been a powerful journey of connection, support, and empowerment. As we reflect on the stories, insights, and shared strength of our attendees, we are reminded of the urgency to end cervical cancer once and for all. Together, we can make a difference. Whether you’re a cervical cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, or an ally in this fight, your voice and your actions matter. Join us in raising awareness, advocating for regular screenings and vaccinations, and supporting research for better treatments. Let’s unite to ensure that one day, cervical cancer is a thing of the past. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Join us in our mission by visiting cervivor.org, and together, we can help end cervical cancer.

Lastly, Cervivor, Inc. would like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting our mission of educating and empowering individuals impacted by cervical cancer to take action and create change in their local communities and beyond. Thank you to Seagen, Genmab, Roche Diagnostics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital HPV Cancer Prevention Program, and Genentech.

Bridging the Gap for Native American Heritage Month

November is not only a time for Thanksgiving, it is also National Native American Heritage Month. Let’s come together to celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Native Americans while shedding light on the importance of cervical health and the disparities surrounding cervical cancer diagnosis in Native American communities. 

Cervical cancer is a disease that impacts individuals of all backgrounds, including those in the Native American community. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects underserved and marginalized populations, including Native American women. These disparities are often due to limited access to healthcare, educational resources, and cultural barriers. Native American communities, like many others, face challenges in cervical cancer prevention and early detection which can detect abnormal changes in the cervix early, when they are most treatable.
Beverly is a Cervivor community member who is a part of the Easter Band of Cherokee Indians. As we acknowledge National Native American Heritage Month we take a look at Beverly’s Cervivor story.

“When I learned at age 40 that I had stage IIIB cervical cancer, it sounded like a death sentence. I remember thinking “My children are too young to be left alone!”

Immediately, I went into a series of traditional ceremonies with my community. During sweats, I pictured the tumor melting. My children sang healing songs. But I didn’t pray for instant healing—I prayed for strength and clarity. At the sun dance, where prayers were said for me, I received items like eagle plumes and prayer ties. The water ceremony was also very powerful—and the hospital showed respect for it. I can never forget the amazing change the ceremony brought to the lymph node surgery I had less than an hour later. My traditions are everything to me, and they were what I held onto during this time.”

Kristine, a Cervivor community member representing the Navajo Zuni Clan shares:

“When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer I had to lean on my heritage for my source of strength. It was a great reminder of the those that came before me and what it meant to have their blood run through mine. Navajo women are the matriarch and we (all Navajo’s) introduce ourselves by clan which identifies and defines relationships between individuals and families. When you meet someone with one or more of your same clan, you become related by clan. You can also tell a region by someone’s clan. 

According to the American Indian Cancer Foundation, American Indian and Alaska Native women are nearly twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to white women and four times as likely to die from it. Those are statistics I would like to help change. Cervical cancer is preventable. I share my story to remind you to be proactive with your health. Make those uncomfortable gynecologist/prevention visits and ask about the HPV vaccination for your child(ren). ”

Through the work with Cervivor, Inc. and community partner organizations, we can reduce and close the disparity gap:  

  • Education: Promote awareness about cervical cancer and its risk factors within Native American communities. Partner with local health organizations, community leaders, and tribal authorities to host workshops, webinars, or informational sessions and include patients and survivors to share their stories and experiences.
  • Access to Care: Advocate for improved access to healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening and vaccination, in underserved areas with high Native American populations.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor educational campaigns to respect and acknowledge the cultural beliefs and practices of Native American communities. Building trust and understanding is essential for effective outreach.
  • Support and Resources: Collaborate with healthcare providers and organizations to ensure that Native American women have access to affordable screenings and follow-up care, if necessary.
  • Encourage Vaccination: Promote HPV vaccination to protect young girls and boys from the virus, ultimately reducing cervical cancer rates.

We can make a significant difference in the lives of Native American communities and all those affected by this preventable disease. Let’s honor our past while working towards a healthier future for everyone. Do you identify as Native American or Alaskan Indian? Share your Cervivor story today!