advocacy

We Told Cancer to Go Fly a Kite!

On Saturday, the cancer community came together to share a unified message: Cancer Can Go Fly a Kite! And it was nothing short of amazing! There were so many beautiful photos, videos, and virtual kites shared. It reminded us of one very important message, we are always stronger together. 

Read the Kickoff Message from Our Founder, Tamika Felder.

Cancer Can Go Fly a Kite!

Cancer Screenings: We want others to understand, the global pandemic put a dramatic halt on cancer screening rates and cancer diagnoses. Though rates are climbing back up, they are still not at pre-pandemic levels and it’s a problem. We know that prevention and early detection saves lives.

Have you scheduled your cancer screenings yet? Stay up-to-date on age and risk appropriate guidelines by speaking with your doctor and utilizing the American Cancer Society’s Quick Reference Guide.

Caregivers: Support those who support you. Caregivers deal with so much when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer that they often forget they need support too. We are so grateful for the caregivers in our community.

Community: Cancer can feel isolating and it can make you feel lonely but when you find your community, it can make things feel less scary. The Fort Independence Warriors in New York know all about the word community. They showed up loud and proud for #CCGFAK.

Cancer Disparities: Despite all of the improvements in technology and treatment, cancer disparities are still happening. We will continue to raise awareness on cancer disparities and share our stories to make a difference.

Global Outreach: Cancer impacts us all across the globe. We have patient advocates speaking up in Kenya, Honduras, and Saint Lucia (and many more countries) because…

Cancer remains to be the third leading cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases in Kenya. Milicent and Sally use their voices to make a difference.

“So that everyone knows the importance of HPV vaccination. And to our Kenyan government to know the importance of cancer survivors – when survivors share their journey they give hope to newly diagnosed patients.” – Milicent, Kenya

“Cancer made me lose some parts of my body. Let it go fly a kite. #MakingCancerPay” – Sally, Kenya

And to change the statistics for the 56,000 women in Latin America and the Caribbean that are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year like Kadiana and Karla.

“Cancer has changed my life physically, emotionally and mentally. Although I’ve learnt to accept that I am fat and forgetful with stiff joints and many scars, cancer can go fly a kite because I am also more courageous, resilient and have a profound respect for life.” – Kadiana, Saint Lucia

“I want everyone to be able to enjoy each day, people, pets, and life. Cancer can go fly a kite and let us all live freely and healthy.” – Karla, Honduras

Survivorship: The good news is cancer deaths have declined dramatically but survivorship and quality of life matters. The number of cancer survivors is expected to increase by 31%, to 20.3 million, by 2026 and it is expected that 2 out of 3 Americans diagnosed with cancer will live at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Clinical Trials: Educating others about clinical trials because only 5% of adults with cancer will participate in them. Clinical trials are a great way to help others and gain access to the latest treatment options before they are available to everyone else.

Prevention Tips: We know prevention and early detection saves lives but what can we do to help prevent cancer? We gathered a list of helpful tips to share!

To Honor: We took the time to remember and honor those in our community who are no longer able to tell their stories. We carry their memories with us every day and find new ways to honor them.

Bernie Brennan flew a kite a kite in Ireland for her daughter, Laura Brennan. Laura was a Cervivor Ambassador and sadly, died from cervical cancer in 2019. While she was alive, she served as a Cervivor Ambassador and advocated for HPV vaccination and cancer prevention. During her short time with us, Laura made a massive impact to increase HPV vaccinations. We thank the Brennan family for sharing this day to honor Laura.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Rubius Therapeutics for sponsoring our Cancer Can Go Fly a Kite event and for continuing to find new and improved treatments for HPV-related cancers. To find out more, visit their website: https://rubiustrials.com/hpv-cancers/.

A Promise Kept

Today is National Coming Out Day. I reflect on the different aspects of being gay, having been closeted for years, the amount of courage and fear associated with coming out, and the gain in finally being who I am and love, who my soul desires. I reflect on the years that I spent soul searching knowing that the spark was slowly lighting from within when I was given a “post-hysterectomy-oophorectomy cancer diagnosis” in 2010. 

However, it was not until another seven years later that I would embark on the journey from within my soul that would actually allow me to comprehend what “truly living in my authentic life” meant. 

In January 2016, my best friend, Nikki, gained her heavenly wings after a long battle against ovarian, lung, liver, bone, and brain cancers. In one of my final visits at her bedside, she said something to me that resonated so deep within my soul. She whispered to me “Promise me. Promise me you will start living. Really live life! I love you so much, friend!” 

Tina & Her Friend, Nikki

That moment was the beginning of a “shift” in my life.

I realized I owed it to myself and to my daughter to begin healing and authentically seeking who I am because I was living a life that displayed dishonesty of ones’ self to my own daughter. I didn’t want her growing up with less self value than her worth because she was afraid to chase after what her heart longs for. 

While the healing process is a long road traveled, I didn’t have the support that I expected. I battled survivor guilt, anxiety, and stress from years of processing the hysterectomy oophorectomy treatment I had undergone.

I learned that a cancer caregiver can be a multitude of people in many seasons of life. While the ones who cared at my bedside post surgery were not the same caregivers helping me with accepting and loving myself while healing from past traumas. 

Then I met the caregiver who completed my soul. 

On October 9, 2017, I met Tara, who equally challenged and changed my life for the better in every aspect imaginable. It was the amount of wholeness and love that I knew I could not contain from the world so this led to my coming out journey. 

Tina & Tara at Pride Festival 2019

As a cancer survivor, I undergo an annual wellness pap test and exam to ensure there is no reoccurrence. As an openly gay woman, there are challenges in finding a provider who is affirming and one that I am comfortable discussing personal aspects of my relationship with.

I say this in my sweetest mama bear voice, ladies —  cancer does not discriminate. Cancer does not care about your sexual orientation or history. Regardless of your sexual orientation, you still need wellness exams and cancer screenings. Your health is important. There are many resources available to help find an LGBTQ+ affirming gynecologist. 

Since coming out, I have found a new gynecologist who is LGBTQ+ affirming. It took several attempts with researching websites. While it shouldn’t matter, it does. You should feel completely safe, confident and comfortable with your gynecologist. 

I have not always had a great support system. I understand the pain and anxiety associated with loss of friends and family in the coming out process, but I also know the happiness and joy in finally filling the void that was keeping me from living my authentic life.

My message to my LGBTQ+ cancer community is quite simple: Kudos to you for owning your story, stepping into your brave, embracing your chaos and breaking free from the chains of conformity to find your contentment.  

Pride Festival 2019

I know how challenging the journey can be! Even though we travel on the same road as another person, our destination and duration are unique.

Remember, it is necessary to take a rest and exhale. Freshen up. Look in the mirror and remind yourself why you’re on this trip! Seek the adventure that your heart yearns for.

While I cannot promise the road you travel will always be easy, I can promise it is worth every step.

You are not alone, you are loved, and you are worthy! I relate to your life and I am a “safe place” to come out to for support and encouragement. Someday your journey will be someone else’s survivor guide. 

Much love and light,

Tina

Cervivor community member Tina is a mother of a teenage daughter, partner, and longtime Cervivor supporter. She was diagnosed with cervical carcinoma in situ (CIS) at age 26. Her goal is to help women remember the importance of their cancer screenings regardless of their sexual orientation. She hopes to educate, inspire, and support women, especially in the LGBTQ+ community.