Cervivor School Graduate

Embracing Fearlessness After a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Life often takes unexpected turns, and sometimes these twists reveal a sense of fearlessness we never knew we had. For many in the Cervivor community, this unexpected resilience and strength begins with one of the scariest challenges to confront: a cervical cancer diagnosis. The experience forces us to confront our deepest fears – which some of our Cervivors share below – and find the courage that changes our lives forever.

The Diagnosis

Receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis shakes your world. Fear of the unknown, anxiety about treatment, and worries about the future overwhelm your mind. Initially, many of us feel powerless against this invasive disease. The thought of surgery, chemotherapy, and the potential long-term effects are daunting. 

But let Julie Groob, a survivor who volunteers with Cervivor and attended the 2024 Cervical Cancer Summit, explain how the cervical cancer diagnosis was for her:  

“It’s weird to be relieved to hear the words, “You have cancer,” but that was my reaction. After eight years of recurrent cervical dysplasia, finally, the world of cancer support and services was open to me. Those eight years were lonely, but with a cervical cancer diagnosis, I found the Cervivor community as well as cervical cancer patient advocacy and purpose. Cervivor connected me with women on a very similar journey, who embraced me completely. By meeting them in person, I connected with them beyond our shared cancer diagnosis. Cervivor taught me that my voice, my humor, just being me, and sharing my story could change and save lives. Cancer let me in on a little secret, life is precious, so live life fiercely and joyfully, always.” 

Discovering Cervivor, Inc.

Like Julie, other Cervivor community members often find solace in shared experiences and strength in unity, from attending our monthly virtual cervical cancer support group, Creating Connections, to attending live events like the Cervical Cancer Summit, Communities of Color Retreat, and the premiere cervical cancer patient advocacy training program, Cervivor School. (Read about the recent Cervivor School Minneapolis, which marked the 10th year of the unique program.) 

Here’s how Sara Johney, who graduated from the aforementioned Cervivor School, found her way to Cervivor’s cervical cancer support organization: 

“It was early in my cancer journey, just around the time I was diagnosed, when I found Cervivor. As I developed recurrences and challenges, I never knew how much I would come to depend on my Cervivor sisters. The strength and resilience I learned from these women have helped me in the last few years and even today. I know I will not go down without a fight and anything is possible with God, my family, and the Cervivor community.” 

Empowerment Through Community

Through Cervivor, Inc., many in our community members discover that fearlessness is not about the absence of fear but the courage to act in spite of it. By participating in cervical cancer awareness campaigns, advocacy, and support groups, our members often transform their fear into fuel for change.

Gwendolyn Jackson, who was recently given the Erica Frazier Stum Living Life with Cancer Award and is currently going through cervical cancer treatment, shares: 

“I was looking for a support group for cervical cancer and when I did a Google search, Cervivor came up. Since then, Cervivor has taught me that my story matters and the true definition of advocating for myself and others. I am living fearlessly with stage IVB cervical cancer because of my relationship with Cervivor, which connected me to a clinical trial when I needed it most. The organization also taught me that I’m more than a cancer patient and that I have a voice that can change lives, heal others, and prevent this from happening to anyone else. Cervivor has equipped me to be informed, to feel empowered, and to be alive.”

Finally Finding Fearlessness

A cervical cancer diagnosis can shape your story, but – as Gwendolyn pointed out – it doesn’t have to define you. Fearlessness isn’t something achieved overnight; it’s a journey. Embracing a fearless mindset happens through support, education, and collective strength. 

Here are some ways that you can make a difference in your life and others:  

Together, let’s break the silence surrounding cervical cancer and cultivate a community of powerful patients, survivors, and advocates.

Cervivor School 2024: Our 10th Year of Patient Advocate Training Success

Marking the 10th anniversary of the first Cervivor School in New York City in 2014, this year’s annual patient advocate training program was a testament to Cervivor’s commitment to empowering patients and survivors to have a voice in their own health. It also solidified Cervivor School’s reputation as a top-tier program that has mobilized advocates worldwide.

The cause colors’ teal and white were on full display throughout the three-day event held in Minneapolis from September 12 to 14. More than 45 attendees – including Cervivor Ambassadors, valued industry sponsors, distinguished speakers, and, of course, the Cervivor School class of 2024 – dyed their hair, painted their nails, and coordinated their outfits to demonstrate their loud-and-proud dedication to Cervivor’s mission: ending cervical cancer through patient advocacy now.

Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder welcomes attendees to Cervivor School.
Kat Gentner Shaw provides graphic illustrations for class.

By the end, this year’s school was deemed a complete success, with attendees creating meaningful connections and gaining an extensive education – or a refresher – on the latest initiatives and information needed to make the most impact with our advocacy work. This continued success is due to the tireless dedication of Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder, whose unwavering commitment has driven both the program’s impact and longevity. 

Here’s what happened at Cervivor School 2024.

Cervivor School Officially Opens

On Thursday, the official Welcome Reception began at the downtown W Minneapolis – The Foshay, where the weekend’s patient advocate training activities took place. Attendees, dressed to impress, mingled over food and drinks and were welcomed by Cervivor’s founder Tamika, a 23-year cervical cancer survivor herself.

Kimbery and Linda snap a selfie at the welcome reception.
Members of Cervivor Español mingle at the welcome reception.

The following morning, Tamika kicked things off with a powerful presentation about her “why” – the driving force behind her patient advocacy and the reason she founded Cervivor almost 20 years ago. She cited a quote from Dr. Heather Palmer that resonated deeply with the group, garnering many knowing nods: “Cancer is a gift wrapped in barbed wire.”

Mallory Erickson presents on fundraising.
Roshanda Pratt teaches attendees powerful media tips.

Among the day’s speakers: 

  • Mallory Erickson, fundraising expert and host of the “What the Fundraising” podcast (featuring Tamika in an early episode!), led a session introduced by Cervivor Ambassador Karen North, who shared some of her fundraising successes including a creative and profitable drag bingo event she organized. 
  • Roshanda Pratt, acclaimed motivational speaker, book author, and media maven of “The Ro Show Live,” followed with a hilarious and insightful presentation on strategic storytelling. She highlighted why sharing our survivor stories is vital: It connects us, prompts action, and provides context. 
  • Members of Team Cervivor were interspersed throughout the day including Community Liaison Morgan Newman, who thoroughly unpacked Cervivor’s mission and patient advocacy approach, and Lead Cervivor Ambassador Carol Lacey, who moderated a panel of Cervivor Ambassadors – Lindsay Gullatte-Lee, Christy Chambers, and Claudia Pérez-Favela.

Day 2’s official programming concluded with an open discussion, allowing attendees to reflect on the emotional journey of survivorship.

Diving Into the Data

The final day of the intensive patient advocate training program focused on learning about ongoing initiatives from pharmaceutical companies, researchers, the federal government, as well as legislative efforts. The goal? Connect the Cervivor School attendees to the broader global advocacy work that still lies ahead.

Dr. Allison Garda gives attendees the CervicalCancer 101.
Nikki Hayes encourages attendees to continue advocacy with health equity at the forefront.

Among the day’s speakers: 

Additionally, Cervivor community members participated in thought-provoking panels, including one moderated by our DEI chief Kimberly Williams with Karla Chávez and Claudia Pérez-Favela, aimed at dismantling the damaging stigma that prevents too many people from getting the care and support they deserve. Cervivor Ambassadors Tiera Wade, Emily Hoffman, and Anne Zajic also shared how they’ve harnessed their unique strengths and perspectives to advocate effectively through Cervivor.

Karla Chavez, Shelly Dusic, and Kimberly Williams discuss Stigma Elimination in cervical cancer.
Tiera Wade, Anne Zajic, and Emily Hoffman share their insights as Cervivor Ambassadors.

Rewarding Cervivor’s Outstanding Advocates

Cervivor School concluded with a momentous graduation ceremony, followed by a special recognition ceremony, where five outstanding individuals were honored for their exceptional dedication to Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer. Our founder Tamika proudly presented these remarkable individuals with awards, acknowledging their tireless efforts in spreading awareness, supporting survivors, and advancing the Cervivor mission. (Read more about the patient advocacy award winners.) This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for these empowered advocates, making a lasting impact in their communities. 

Thank You Again to Our Sponsors, Speakers, and Supporters

This year’s Cervivor School was made possible by the generous support of Hologic, which provided beautiful and useful goodie bags for all attendees, as well as our sponsors Pfizer, Genmab, Genentech, BD, and Roche. We also owe a heartfelt thank you to the speakers who dedicated their time and expertise throughout the weekend.

The 2024 Cervivor School Graduates, Mentors, and Cervivor Team

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous companies and individuals who helped make Cervivor School 2024 an empowering experience for our attendees. Special thanks to The Business Women’s Circle (BWC), led by Lani Basa, for cultivating a supportive community that fuels growth and collaboration, as well as Heather Bantle, Executive & Transitions Coach, for her expertise in guiding individuals through life’s challenges. Additionally, we thank WAY the Label for their sustainable accessories, and KickIt Pajamas for providing their cozy, functional, and stylish KickIt socks that bring warmth and comfort to cancer patients. 

Want to Attend Cervivor School in the Future? 

To secure your seat at one of Cervivor’s future patient advocate training programs, we encourage you to commit to cervical cancer patient advocacy and expanding the Cervivor Footprint. Visit our Cervivor School page to sign up for updates, or subscribe to our newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of this page – and be the first to know about our important initiatives!