How my story begins: I was a single mom and an assistant teacher who works with special needs children.

I got a regular Pap test and the ob/gyn said I am going to do a HPV test too. I received a phone call saying the my test results came back and they needed to talk to me. I thought it was not that serious until they said I had HPV with abnormal cells. I was devastated but my faith kept me.

How I felt after diagnosis: I was extremely sad at first and did research about it. I couldn't believe it. Being a single mom, alll I thought about was my son. I prayed and God helped me through cause I have to work full time and take care of my son.

Telling my family and friends: I told them about it but they didn't really understand the depths of it. I had to get a cervical biopsy.

My treatment: I got the biopsy and it was so painful. I went alone but God was with me. I waited two weeks and prayed. My results came back with no cancer.

What was most difficult for me: The most difficult part was dealing with it alone and not really knowing what it was and about HPV. I live in a community that does not talk about it. I never even heard of cervical cancer

What I did to help myself: My faith is what gave me strength.

Where I am today: Today I am blessed and grateful and strive to be and do the best. I know now that life is precious and don't take it for granted. Live out your purposes and love like it's your last day.

What I want other women to know: That HPV can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate.

How I will try to help others: I tell a lot of girls to go for their cervical cancer screening tests and how important they are. It can be life or death.