Here in Indiana, October marks a turning point. The green of summer gives way to a stunning tapestry of gold, yellow, and orange. The mornings and evenings greet us with a chill in the air, hinting at the winter to come. For many, it’s simply a season of transition. But for me, October carries much deeper significance.
This month is an anniversary—one that marks battles I never expected to fight. It was in October, 10 years ago, that I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Then, just two years later, in the same month, I heard those dreaded words again: breast cancer. So, for me, October is a time of scanxiety—anxiety over upcoming tests, mixed with moments of reflection that can sometimes feel like reliving trauma. But it’s also a time of gratitude, because I’m still here, standing strong.
October is also the month when pink ribbons seem to bloom everywhere, spreading messages of hope for breast cancer warriors, survivors, and thrivers. And while I appreciate the awareness, I’m tired—tired of cancer’s relentless presence in my life. It wasn’t just my diagnosis. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then my aunt. Then me. My cousin. And now, just recently, my sister. It’s as if cancer has drawn a line through generations of my family, and the next in line could be my daughter.
My beautiful family including my sister and her family plus our parents.
The only silver lining? We’re catching it earlier. My mother and aunt were diagnosed with stage 3, while my cousin, sister, and I were caught at stage 0 or stage 1. Early detection saves lives, but that doesn’t lessen the emotional toll.
Here’s the reality: 1 in 8 women reading this will face breast cancer in their lifetime. Think about that. According to Komen.org, the two most common risk factors are simply being born female and getting older. It’s staggering, and it’s unacceptable. Breast cancer and cervical cancer share more in common than we often acknowledge, and both must be stopped.
When I got my breast cancer diagnosis, I was in shock. I had just finished treatment for stage 3B cervical cancer. I couldn’t comprehend how cancer had returned, but there it was—another battle, another round of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. And now, watching my sister go through it? I refuse to let my daughter face the same fate without a fight.
So yes, I’m wearing my pink this October. I’m mad as hell, and I’m making sure legislators, researchers, and anyone who will listen hears my voice. Come January, I’ll be wearing teal and white, advocating just as fiercely for cervical cancer awareness.
Mom hugging her sister, Beverly who lost her 10 year journey with breast cancer in 2018.Me standing strong and advocating for cancer policy.
We cannot stop talking about breast and cervical cancer. We must continue fighting for better treatments, vaccines, healthcare equality, and cures. We are the warriors, the survivors, and the thrivers. And in the words of Helen Reddy: “I am woman, hear me roar!”
Laura Lemons (she/her/hers) is a 2019 alumni of Cervivor School and a Cervivor Ambassador. She is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for the state of Indiana and was an advocate for the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) which passed in 2023. Her journey as an advocate for equitable healthcare began after witnessing disparities while receiving treatments for cervical and breast cancer. Laura is particularly passionate about addressing the stigma surrounding gynecological cancers. A proud central Indiana native, Laura lives with her husband, Jim, and their dogs, Bella and Sylvie. She is also a mother to two adult daughters, Allison and Melissa.
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.
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!
