cervical cancer

CervivorTV Wins Again!

Cervivor Chief Visionary Tamika Felder and music composer Pete Lacey Receive Three Telly Awards

May 25, 2021 – During a year when the world shutdown, Cervivor created a video that shows what resilience and strength look like. The song, The Will to BE, written and composed by Cervivor caregiver Pete Lacey, is the backdrop to this timeless music video featuring amazing cervical cancer survivors from around the world. This beautiful video was made in partnership with Tim Hashko, President of Steaming Kettle.

Winning Gold in Three Categories: Social Impact, Social Not for Profit and The People’s Choice

CervivorTV now holds six Telly Awards

“Winning three Telly Awards for our work on Cervivor is a testament to the brave women in our network that advocate for themselves and others affected by the disease, who are forcing conversation about the ugly nature of this often misunderstood and stigmatized form of women’s cancer,” said Tamika Felder, Founder and Chief Visionary of Cervivor. “We feel heard – our stories are being validated and celebrated out of the 12,000 entries the Telly Awards receive, which shows that people want to learn about cervical cancer, they just need someone to teach them.”

“When I saw the first cut of the video, I knew it was going to be something special. I soon recognized that my aspirational lyrics that are lived by incredibly inspirational Cervivors, would be impactful, thought provoking and healing. I’m humbled to know the world now thinks so too”, said Pete Lacey.

“We wanted to show the world that cervical cancer is not faceless. We come from all walks of life and have been affected by this horrible disease but we continue to persevere and find joy in living”, said Carol Lacey, Lead Cervivor Ambassador and Production Manager for the The Will to BE video.

Cervivor knows the power a story holds and this community did not hesitate to step up and bring a light of hope when so much of the world is struggling. We saw these women just as they are, sharing that in spite all the adversity cancer brings, life is about the small moments that bring us laughter, happiness and a sense of calm. As the rest of the world moves through a challenging pandemic, those in the Cervivor community showed us that it is possible to rise above stronger together.

About Tamika Felder

Tamika Felder is well-versed in media on both sides of the camera: she’s provided commentary to national radio shows, worked as a journalist and producer in multiple capacities, and is now in the process of making her own documentary. See this short video on her lifestyle website to see how she’s living her second chance, and read more about her experience with cervical cancer on the Cervivor website. 

About Cervivor

Cervivor builds a community for cervical cancer survivors, family members, educators and caregivers to advocate for HPV awareness, cervical cancer prevention, to create meaningful networks across survivors and experts in the field; and to ultimately change the future of women’s health. To learn more, visit www.t0g.ce7.mywebsitetransfer.com. 

About Pete Lacey

Pete is an inspirational artist who has earned his reputation as a talented musician, skillful performer and composer. Pete generously donates much of the proceeds of the sale of his music to cancer fighting organizations like Cervivor. To learn more, visit www.petelacey.com.

About The Telly Awards

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 to honor excellence in local, regional and cable television commercials with non-broadcast video and television programming added soon after. With the recent evolution and rise of digital video (web series, VR, 360 and beyond), the Telly Awards today also reflects and celebrates this exciting new era of the moving image on and offline. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work created within television and across video, for all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. To learn more, visit www.tellyawards.com.

How One Cervivor Marks Important Milestones

On May 26, 2017 I found out my entire reproductive system needed to be removed when I received a cancer diagnosis over the phone: grade one endometrial cancer. The gynecologist said I would receive a call from oncology that day and that they were deeply sorry. One week prior, I’d received an acceptance letter into the accelerated MSW program. The start of that semester was not to be. I had hopes to begin the following cohort. 

Lorie’s original diagnosis

I was wheeled into surgery in July, eyes still damp from tears. Within a week of surgery, I received news that my grade one endometrial cancer was instead invasive grade two cervical cancer. Oncology apologized for the unexpected diagnosis. The tumor board suggested daily high dose pelvic radiation with concurrent weekly platinum chemo. I stood up, holding my entire post-surgery swollen abdomen and pelvis, agreed to it all, and left. I called my master’s advisor and said the treatment would continue through the beginning of winter. I found it difficult to breathe and I couldn’t hear what she said, except that she was terribly sorry. It wasn’t just the additional news of the treatment. It was the news coupled with the fact that I had already lost so much prior to this. I’d just spent a week in the hospital before my diagnosis due to severe asthma attack and had to rebuild my lungs. I had put myself through school for all my previous degrees (summa cum laude with my most recent), while co-managing a department and staff, while supporting my household which we lost to foreclosure after my partner lost his job (packing instead of going on a honeymoon) and staying with my mom months at a time to care for her after each of her falls. 

Lorie’s final diagnosis

I continued to focus on my dreams, even after my department closed to a college-wide restructure, my health deteriorated, and I lost my mother. The MSW dream wasn’t meant to be, and it was the first time in my life I couldn’t make the impossible possible for myself. I did not tolerate treatment well. In fact, the following years were spent dealing with the fallout from the radiation and now small nerve neuropathy from the cisplatin. Still, during this time, I became a cervical cancer advocate. Word got out, and I would begin to receive calls from strangers whose loved ones were at end of life. I would hold the hands of the dying after driving to their homes and hospitals. I used my adult-ed teaching and training to raise awareness and educate the community about cervical cancer.

Lorie with Bella striking their Cervi pose.

There is more on the horizon that only those closest to me know about. I am also due to have another major surgery to my abdomen soon and the level of fear is exquisite. Through everything, I am still grateful knowing that I find beauty in the lakes and the trees. Comforted, that I am a part of a community of survivors who hold space for each other. Although my actual cancerversary is November 1, the day I completed treatment, this month I remember the three words that changed my quality of life forever. 

Lorie is a three and half year cervical cancer survivor, thanks to life-changing surgery and cancer treatment. Prior to her diagnosis, Lorie worked in research, employee training and development, case management, workshop facilitating and sales. She now dedicates herself to cancer advocacy and support, community education on cancer and HPV awareness as well as elder and animal rights. Lorie is a community member of Cervivor.