cervical cancer

Partnerships and Advocacy Count

20151002_211244Advocacy. It’s thankless. It’s tiring. At times, it’s brutal. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Our work is necessary and it makes a difference. Without it, we wouldn’t be the first to go down in history as the first cure for cancer. Do you understand how important that is? Cancer cure. Every single thing we do individually takes us to a much bigger win collectively.

This weekend, I will speak at the National Race to End Women’s Cancer here in D.C., along with other women’s cancer champions, like Camille Grammer, on why our advocacy is so important. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer has been such a wonderful partner to Cervivor over the years and our work together can only continue to gain momentum as we fight to end all women’s cancers.

Here’s why we do it:

  • 98,000 American women will be diagnosed with a GYN Cancer this year, and almost 30,000 — nearly a third — will die.
  • Due to the lack of early screening tools (except for cervical cancer, for which there is HPV and PAP testing) women with these “below the belt” reproductive cancers — cervical, endometrial/uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar — are often diagnosed in the late stages of disease and too many have poorer outcomes.
  • Far too few women recognize the symptoms, which rise with weight, age and other factors, including heredity.

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer urges all women to:

  • LEARN the symptoms
  • LISTEN to their bodies
  • ACT by seeking care from a gynecologic oncologist, because research shows women have better outcomes when treated by these specialists who have 7 additional years of training.

You still have time to join the race or donate to the cause. Go to endwomenscancer.org for more information.

— Tamika

Tell your story: Talking about HPV matters

Whether you know it or not, every single thing we do matters. I can’t tell you how many times I have encouraged one of our Cervivor sisters to share her story. I’ve been working with women for years and I am so proud when I see them share their story and the impact that single story makes. I was recently invited to share my story at an event for the NHMA DC-Metro Region Medical Forum: Screening and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Hispanic Women. While, I never have a problem sharing my story, I knew that this speaking opportunity would be better suited for their target audience – a Latina. I knew the perfect person and I knew she would be terrified but she said yes and she showed up!  Watch as Vanessa shares her story publicly for the first time, and while doing so, she realized the importance of her voice in the cervical cancer space. -Tamika


When Patti asked me to write my story years ago I hesitated at first. But then, I figure, it would be ok because I could hide behind my computer. When Tamika asked me to tell my story in person surrounded by a group of professionals, I have to admit, I wanted to call out sick.

Around one year ago we did a video for Cervivor. Tamika was able to see first-hand how nervous I get when I’m in the spotlight. She didn’t give me much time to prepare last week for the NHMA DC-Metro Region Medical Forum: Screening and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Hispanic Women. Knowing I would get nervous, I think she withheld that little detail that I would be a guest speaker. Well played, Tamika. Well played.

Before arriving at the event, I felt I was a cheater. Why I should I share my story? I never had cancer or went through chemotherapy. I didn’t loose my hair or the ability to have children. Why should I be there telling my story? And that’s when it dawned on me: I’m what they are fighting for.

For HPV to be caught on time and treated BEFORE becoming a cancer diagnosis. For my women to have a chance to live their lives after having HPV, and being able to have children. I was there to show those doctors they are fighting for us. They fought for ME. I was there to show them that their work is not in vain. I was one of those they saved.

While I sat there in the front row, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Ruchi Garg M.D. and Dr. Larry Maxwell, M.D. before my speech. Sitting there listening to them and the statistics of Cervical Cancer, I couldn’t help to think, “I’m what they are fighting for.”

Even tough I went through a four-year fight with HPV, I was able to have a child. My husband has a wife, my parents didn’t have to lose their child, and my child didn’t have to grow up without a mother because my HPV was caught on time and treated.

Afterward my speech I felt empowered, proud and extremely honored to be able to share my story. I learned that one story, my story, can truly make a difference.

– Vanessa