What Happens After Survival? The Hidden Toll of Infertility After Cervical Cancer

According to a National Health Statistics Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 13.4% of women of reproductive age (15-49) in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. For cervical cancer patients and survivors, the risk of infertility is significantly higher due to treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Studies suggest that approximately 80% of cervical cancer patients and survivors are interested in parenthood, and up to 38% of them may experience infertility or difficulty conceiving after treatment.

That’s why, during Infertility Awareness Week (April 20 to 26), Cervivor is amplifying this critical conversation—talking openly about the often overlooked emotional and physical toll of infertility after cervical cancer.

The Silent Struggle of Infertility After Cervical Cancer

Infertility after cervical cancer is a harsh reality many survivors face, often in silence. The loss of fertility can be a profound grief that lingers long after treatment has ended, affecting relationships, sense of identity, and future plans in unimaginable ways. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be overwhelming, especially for those who’ve already endured the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. Here, two members of the Cervivor community open up about the different ways infertility after cervical cancer has shaped their lives.

Heidi’s Story

Heidi Burgard’s journey with cervical cancer began when she was 29. In a long-term relationship and hoping to start a family, her diagnosis upended her plans and forced her to confront a double loss: her fertility and, eventually, her relationship.

Heidi Burgard

“Losing the ability to have children and experiencing the loss of relationships along the way was incredibly difficult,” says Heidi, who is from Northern Colorado. While fertility preservation was discussed at the time of her diagnosis, she chose to prioritize her health and begin treatment immediately. “I still reflect on that decision,” she shares. “And after experiencing three recurrences, I believe—though it was incredibly difficult—it was the right one for me.”

The emotional toll extended beyond her health. After her first recurrence, Heidi’s partner ended their relationship, telling her it was “too much” to handle. “It was heartbreaking and eye-opening—one of those moments that shows you not everyone is built to stand beside you when life gets hard. That chapter closed, but it helped shape who I am today,” says Heidi, who has worked in banking for the last 17 years.

Today, Heidi is passionate about helping others feel seen and heard. She finds strength in storytelling, advocacy, and shared experiences. “Survivorship is about both healing and rediscovery,” she says, crediting the Cervivor community for helping her recovery. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that embraces the full complexity of that journey.”

Cindy’s Story

At 35, Cindy Trice received a life-altering diagnosis: Stage II cervical cancer. This was in 2004, and she had just graduated from veterinary school and was three months into an internship in Tampa, Florida. While survival became her focus, the loss of fertility was a lasting consequence.

Cindy Trice

“I’m not even sure I wanted children… but over the years, the loss of the ability to have children has haunted me,” she shares. Her candid reflection captures the complex and often conflicting emotions that many cancer survivors face—grief not only for what was lost, but also for what might have been.

Now a 25-year survivor, Cindy has transformed adversity into advocacy. Her experience inspired her to co-found KickIt Pajamas, a company focused on creating stylish, dignified hospital and recovery wear for women—the kind she and other Cervivors longed for during treatment. What began as a personal need has evolved into a mission to uplift and support others facing similar challenges.

Through KickIt Pajamas and her ongoing involvement with Cervivor, Cindy helps others find strength in their own stories. Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of shared experience.

How Cervivor Can Help

At Cervivor, we understand that survivorship is more than just making it through treatment. It’s about navigating the emotional aftermath, redefining your future, and finding hope again, like both Heidi and Cindy shared. Our community offers a safe space to process grief, share stories, and connect with others who truly understand.

Additionally, financial assistance is available for those pursuing parenthood, helping to ease the burdens of this often unpredictable journey. Read on about a special gift fund and keep reading for our latest list of trusted fertility resources and partners. 

The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund: A Lifeline for Survivors

During an online seminar Cervivor hosted in April 2020, Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder met Ginny Marable, a fellow cervical cancer survivor and 36-year-old human resources director. As Tamika spoke about having to “bury” her hope of having children, Ginny was struck. “I was very moved by Tamika’s story,” she says. “She wasn’t really given the choice to preserve her fertility.”

Ginny, who married her husband Sean in November 2018, was thrilled when doctors thawed one of their frozen embryos. The embryo split, and their gestational carrier gave birth to identical twins in March 2021. With their family now complete, Ginny and Sean were left with four remaining embryos—and a big decision. It didn’t take long for Ginny to know what she wanted to do: she offered the embryos to her friend. 

Out of that generosity and connection, The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund was born. This fund offers tangible support for cervical cancer survivors navigating fertility services and family-building options. 

Dulcely Tavarez, the first recipient of the Cervivor Baby Gift Fund, shares: “This grant has been such a meaningful part of my journey to parenthood. It’s not only helping to ease the financial burden of adoption, but it’s also a powerful reminder that I’m not alone. Knowing there’s a community standing beside me, cheering me on, gives me so much strength and hope.”

Dulcely Tavarez

Pathway to Parenthood: Helpful Resources

Access to the right resources can make all the difference. Cervivor’s Pathway to Parenthood Helpful Resources offers a comprehensive list of organizations, support groups, and services that support fertility preservation, family-building, emotional care, and financial assistance—providing a vital lifeline for survivors looking to start or grow their families. 

Whether you’re exploring adoption, surrogacy, or fertility treatments, these resources can provide valuable guidance, support, and hope as you navigate your path to parenthood.

How You Can Help

For many survivors, the journey doesn’t end with remission. Cancer treatments can leave lasting scars, including the pain of infertility. By acknowledging this often-overlooked struggle, we can build a more compassionate community that supports survivors in every part of their healing.

Here are some meaningful ways you can make a difference—within the Cervivor community and beyond:

  • Raise awareness about how cervical cancer treatments impact fertility
  • Share stories like Heidi’s and Cindy’s from the Cervivor website
  • Share your own story about infertility and cervical cancer
  • Advocate for fertility preservation and post-treatment support
  • Offer survivors a listening ear and a safe space to share
  • Donate to the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund to help someone take one step closer to the family they’ve dreamed of

Infertility Awareness Week reminds us that the path to parenthood may look different for cervical cancer survivors—but different doesn’t mean impossible. Through shared stories, community support, and advocacy, we can bring hope and healing to those navigating this difficult road. Together, we can turn empathy into action. Every shared story, every act of support, and every donation brings us closer to a world where no one has to walk this journey alone.

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/.