When we heard the news that Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi had been diagnosed with cervical cancer, our Cervivor community immediately began reaching out to one another with the same message: “She needs us.”
So, the rest of this post is for you, Nicole — if we may, Snooki.
Message from Cervivor’s Founder
First, we’d like to introduce our Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder, a cervical cancer survivor who went on to build Cervivor into a leading advocacy and support organization dedicated to ending the disease and ensuring no one faces it alone.
When she started Cervivor more than 20 years ago, there wasn’t anything like it: a “safe” place where people could talk freely about what a cervical cancer diagnosis means and how to navigate life during and after treatment. By sharing her own story, she helped others find the courage to share theirs — what we call our Cervivor Stories — proving just how powerful visibility and connection can be to both healing and combatting stigma. Her message for you:
“Hearing the words, ‘You have cancer,’ is the record scratch of all scratches. From back when you were on Jersey Shore, you’ve always lived out loud — I was a little like that, too. Cervical cancer was the last thing on my radar when I was a twentysomething TV producer in D.C.
Your TikTok announcement took us through all the feels we’ve each experienced in our own way. When you said, ‘I just feel like it’s very common in women,’ you were absolutely right — it is. But it doesn’t have to be. We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer — and even eliminate it someday.
I’m so glad that that ‘plethora of ladies’ showed up for you on TikTok. You said it yourself — so many women go through this silently. But there is a place where people are talking about it openly, supporting one another, and sharing their stories: Cervivor.
Keep sharing your journey in your own authentic, vulnerable way. Stories have the power to save lives.”
Messages from the Cervivor Community
We asked members of our community what they would say to you after hearing of your diagnosis. Many have turned their pain into purpose and their platforms into powerful tools for awareness — especially after completing our advocacy training program, Cervivor School.
Here are their words of wisdom and encouragement:
“Snooki, cancer is a devastating diagnosis, and every journey is different. One day, your story will change someone’s life, so your struggle isn’t in vain. Cervical cancer, like any below-the-belt cancer, carries stigma—but know this: 4 out of 5 women will receive an HPV diagnosis by age 50. That’s most women. You are not alone. When you’re ready, share your story and the facts. Nearly everyone will have high-risk HPV at some point, and many won’t even know it because it often has no symptoms.” —Lorie Wallace, Michigan, 8.5-year survivor
“Dear Snooki,
Hearing ‘you have cancer’ is life-changing—it’s scary, overwhelming, and uncertain. But there is a community called Cervivor where people truly understand what you’re going through—the fear, the emotions, the long-lasting impact. Some of us are still in treatment, others are navigating survivorship, but all of us are here for you.
Know that you aren’t alone.
Know that your story matters.
Know that your voice matters.
We are all here for you.” —Lindsay Gullatte-Lee, North Carolina, 3-year survivor
“Dear Snooki,
Don’t listen to the negativity. I’m so grateful you’re using your platform to raise awareness. I know how scary this moment is—the diagnosis is often the hardest part. I’m sending you strength, love, and support as you begin this journey. You now have a community standing beside you, ready to help educate and push back against misinformation.” —Kellie DeFelice, Massachusetts, 4-year survivor
“The stigma is almost as difficult as the diagnosis. I often remind people that HPV, like anything else transmitted sexually (including pregnancy), can happen from just one time with one partner.” —Cindy Craddock, California, 21-year survivor
“Dear Snooki,
In the beginning, after the diagnosis, emotions run wild—fear, anger, confusion. You may ask, ‘Why me?’ I remember crying until there were no tears left. But through prayer, I found strength and faith. My ‘why me’ became ‘why not me,’ and I chose to fight. Treatment is not easy, but with faith, you can get through it. Hold on to your belief, trust the process, and keep going. I’m looking forward to hearing your Cervivor Story.” —Tukesia Banks, Mississippi, 3-year survivor
“First and foremost, this is NOT your fault. Keep sharing your story—putting a face to this disease is powerful. That’s how we change hearts, minds, and awareness around prevention. I’d also encourage sharing Cervivor stories so you can see the strength of this community and know you’re not alone.” —Carol Lacey, California, 15-year survivor
“Hello dear Nicole, I just want you to know we’re thinking of you, rooting for you, and sending you so much love.” —Maritza Manjarrez, California, currently in treatment
Keep in Touch!
Snooki, if you ever need a place where someone can say, “I’ve been there,” we are here. We’d love you to join one of our upcoming Creating Connections virtual meetups or share your Cervivor Story with our audience. No rush. Whenever you’re ready.
With strength, solidarity, and so much love,
