Celebrating Our Inspiring Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder!

Today, we come together as the Cervivor community to celebrate an incredible woman whose vision, strength, and dedication have changed countless lives. Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder!

Tamika, your journey from a cervical cancer survivor to an outspoken advocate — a “cancer rebel” for cervical cancer awareness and prevention is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Your personal story, filled with courage and resilience, has been a guiding source of hope and empowerment for so many. Through Cervivor, you have created a space where survivors can share their experiences, find support, and educate others about the importance of cervical cancer screening and prevention.

On this special day, we want to acknowledge and appreciate the countless hours you have devoted to this cause. Your tireless efforts to spread awareness, advocate for better healthcare, and support those affected by cervical cancer have made a significant impact on our community and beyond. Your leadership has transformed Cervivor into a powerful movement that continues to inspire and save lives.

Your commitment to breaking the stigma around cervical cancer and advocating for HPV vaccination and regular screenings has not only raised awareness but has also led to actionable change. Your voice has reached people all over the world, providing them with the knowledge and courage to take charge of their health.

As we celebrate you today, we also celebrate the legacy you are building. Cervivor is not just an organization; it is a testament to your passion and dedication. Through educational programs, survivor stories, and advocacy efforts, you have created a lasting impact that will continue to empower and educate future generations.

On behalf of the entire Cervivor community, we wish you a very Happy Birthday, Tamika! May your day be filled with joy, love, and the same boundless energy and positivity that you bring to all of us. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors. With gratitude and admiration, The Cervivor Community.

Join us in celebrating Tamika today by making a donation at https://cervivor.org/donate/

Ending Cervical Cancer Starts with Us

Preoccupied much? It happens. Especially when caring for yourself and others, mourning loved ones, slogging through a global pandemic, and attempting to check off all of the things from your personal and professional to-do list. Because we were quarantined and protecting ourselves, we probably missed a few important benchmarks, library books that may have been due, or our annual dentist appointment may have fallen off the calendar. We know first-hand that everything simply can’t be done. But Cervivor does want to help you prioritize the following three things before summer’s out. (Don’t worry, you’ve got two more months to go!)

1) Stay up-to-date on screenings.

Did you know? Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. Each year, 14,100 individuals will be diagnosed and 4,280 will die as a result of cervical cancer. This disease is the only type of cancer caused by HPV that can be detected early by a recommended screening test. It is also highly curable when found and treated early. Knowing this we will continue to share information on risks, prevention, treatment, and resources.

Not sure of what guidelines to follow? Check out the American Cancer Society’s cancer screening guide, schedule your appointment, and have this meaningful conversation with your doctor.

2) Share YOUR story with others.

Your Cervivor story is unique. It helps others to feel seen. And it helps us feel heard – when we are ready to use our voice, of course. Sharing your story is also a crucial aspect in educating the public, caregivers, medical professionals, and even those funding cancer research.

Seeing and hearing your lived experiences amplifies what others, too, may be going through and helps to further research, offers a personal accounting of what cervical cancer looks like, and most importantly – empowers us more and more to thrive. Take a look at these beautiful testimonies, and consider sharing yours with Cervivor.

3) Start vaccinations early.

According to the June American Cancer Society 2021 HPV VACs Impact Report, about 3 to 4 million HPV vaccine doses were missed. “ACS health care partners maintained rates for 9- to 13-year-olds, growing shot series initiation by 2 percent for ages 9 to 10 and shot completion by 2 percent for age 13.”

Cervivor is happy to partner with organizations like St. Jude’s HPV Cancer Prevention Program, the American Cancer Society, and the National HPV Roundtable (to name a few)- all of which continue to help prevent HPV by increasing HPV vaccination rates for this age group. HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90 percent of these cancers if given at the recommended ages. 

Our new mantra is “start at 9.” Giving a strong recommendation for the 9-year-olds in our lives will increase vaccination success, according to the National HPV Roundtable. When we take our young people to health providers at age 9, it provides ample time to complete the HPV series before age 11, which is when they receive their Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccines. More than 75% of U.S. parents have chosen to protect their children from HPV cancer with the HPV vaccine.

Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, let’s raise that number even more! Together we can end cervical cancer, once and for all! 

Take a look at how survivors in our community have shared their stories and are making a difference:

Need some additional help in prevention messaging? Take a look at the resources in this toolbox created by the National HPV Roundtable, and share with your networks, friends, and families. This impacts everyone, and with your support, we can change the course of cancer.