cervivor story

Remembering Gina Yong Lee Gossett

Last week, we lost Gina Yong Lee-Gossett, a courageous cervical cancer patient and advocate whose Cervivor spirit inspired countless lives. As we come to terms with her passing, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact Gina had on our community and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. 

Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder shares in our collective grief:“Gina was a beacon of strength, charisma, and humor. Despite the challenges she faced – initially beating cervical cancer, enduring its return, and navigating all the emotions and struggles that come with it – she remained determined to move forward and stay positive. Her final Instagram post, where she shared her decision to enter hospice, was a stark reminder of the devastating effects of this disease. This loss underscores the fragility of life and the importance of our work to prevent cervical cancer. Gina leaves an indelible mark on our organization. Her contributions – from expressing her gratitude for caregivers in a Cervivor blog to her uplifting presence in every interaction will our community – will never be forgotten.”

Gina faced cervical cancer for over seven years, a testament to her extraordinary determination, positivity, and self-advocacy. Her selfless sharing of experiences, advice, and support has left a lasting mark on the Cervivor community.

Cervivor Ambassador and Podcast Host Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio shares cherished memories of Gina: “Over two years ago, I had the honor of meeting Gina, a woman whose smile and spirit could instantly brighten any room. We bonded quickly over our shared experiences with cervical cancer, and from that moment on, Gina became a source of inspiration in my life. Her optimism was contagious, and she faced her diagnosis with an unwavering grace that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Gina was passionate about ensuring that everyone, especially for those in the Asian community, had access to adequate healthcare. She was a fierce advocate, driven by her belief in the importance of equal treatment and care for all. Even in the face of her own challenges, Gina never wavered in her mission to make a difference. Though Gina has passed, her legacy lives on in the those she touched and the fight she championed. I promise, Gina, that we will continue this fight together, honoring the spirit and strength you showed us every day.”

Cervivor Ambassador and Community Engagement Liaison Morgan Newman expresses the depth of this loss: “I will forever cherish the memory of Gina’s presence at the 2021 Cervivor Brand Day, which was my first in-person event post-pandemic. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Gina’s bright humor and incredible smile were a breath of fresh air, making everyone feel welcome and at ease. Her positivity was infectious, and I was deeply moved by her kindness and compassion. In a room full of strangers, Gina had a way of making each person feel seen and valued. I will never forget her spark.”.

Gina was driven by a deep passion to inspire others to take control of their health. Her commitment to eradicating cervical cancer led her to engage in various initiatives, from participating in an informative Surrogacy Q&A session to attending the 2021 Cervivor Brand Day. Cervivor Ambassador and fellow surrogate mom Ginny Marable shares: “I think what stands out most is her grit and grace through it all – she showed us what truly living with cancer looks like and she never stopped cheering others on around her. She made a positive impact on my life and I will forever do my best to honor her legacy. She holds a special place in my heart.”

Gina’s journey resonated deeply with the Cervivor community, but her impact extended far beyond, as she shared her story with numerous media outlets, including news interviews and articles. Through these platforms, Gina amplified her message of empowerment, urging individuals to prioritize their health and take the crucial step of getting regular cancer screenings. By speaking openly about her experiences, Gina humanized the statistics and reminded everyone that cervical cancer affects real people, loved ones, and communities. 

Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer Kimberly Williams remembers how Gina made an immediate impression on her: “I only met Gina once, but her radiant smile and strength left an indelible mark on me. Despite the challenges she faced, she refused to give up, choosing instead to share her story and be a guiding light for others. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to meet her.”.

Long-time Cervivor Makeup Artist Jessica Winchell offers fond remembrances of Gina, “Sweet Gina, such a gentle soul. I remember meeting her for the first time at Cervivor’s Brand Day. She was so happy to be there that weekend. It was my greatest honor to do her hair and makeup that day – we laughed and shared stories like we had known each other forever. I remember her smiling big when she saw herself. From being nervous to sit in the chair, she left confident to share her story, she reminded me what bravery looked like one big smile at a time. Gina will be sorely missed and not easily forgotten.”.

To honor her legacy, let’s commit to sharing her story, reminding our friends and loved ones of the importance of regular screenings, and educating others about the importance of the HPV vaccine. By taking action and spreading awareness, we can keep her memory alive. Please #Screen4Gina and help protect others.

I’m Done With Treatment, But Treatment Isn’t Done With Me

I recently celebrated my 31st birthday. Around this time last year, I was a brand new 30-year-old enjoying summer with my awesome husband and 3 amazing kids. I never suspected that two months after I celebrated that milestone birthday, cancer would invade my life.

On the day my OBGYN found my tumor, I left her office sobbing. I walked the long way through the parking lot, sobbing. I didn’t care who saw me. The diagnosis was so hard to cope with. I couldn’t align myself with my new reality. I searched every part of my soul to come to grips with what I felt was the end of my life.

“I can’t have cancer. I’m young! My kids are so young! My husband’s going to be a widower, he doesn’t deserve this! My kids are going to grow up without me! They won’t remember me. I have so much left to do here,” I thought, my brain in overdrive. I felt betrayed by my body. 

Treatment was the longest, weirdest dream I’ve ever had

I began treatment. The plan was 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 30+ rounds of external radiation, and 5 internal radiations (brachytherapy). I now call treatment the longest, weirdest dream I’ve ever had because I felt like I was in a fog the entire time. My body was so weak. I barely ate. I slept all the time, but not deeply or comfortably. I felt restless. Thank goodness for my husband, my sister and my dad. They helped me daily. I remember trying to vacuum one day and nearly collapsing. It was so hard to take a back seat to everything. From not working or doing basic chores to watching as others took care of my children daily. That wasn’t me. Everyone who knows me knows that I am fiercely independent.

At the beginning of treatment, I had hand-drawn a calendar to count down to when I’d be done. With each day that passed, no matter how weak I felt, I always remembered to make another “X” on the calendar. It was a long 9 weeks. Treatment ended for me on December 13th, 2019. It was a Friday, and I joked that this nightmare was ending on Friday the 13th. To live up to its name, on that day – my last round of external radiation – the radiation machine that worked so faithfully all those weeks was broken. I stood there with my family (who all came for my last day) and waited around with a full bladder – which was the requirement before receiving radiation – for over an hour. I remember thinking, “Can’t I just get this over with?! I’m so ready!” Right at my breaking point, I heard my name over the intercom and 10 minutes later, I was done. I said goodbye to the amazing doctors and nurses who took care of me all those weeks.

I did it! I’m done!  I can move on forever. Or so I thought…
How naive I was to think that! I’ve learned over the past months that even though I’m done with treatment, treatment is not done with me. I’ve dealt with a plethora of side effects:

For a whole month after treatment, I had what felt like a never-ending UTI.

My bowels are a mess.

What I thought was an upset stomach one late February night has proven to be another side effect from radiation.

My joints ache.

My body doesn’t feel like a 31-year-old. I’m going through menopause! The physical symptoms are many, but the mental stuff is particularly hard. There are highs and lows. I’ve lost two friends over the past few months to cervical cancer. It does something to you to see other women with the same disease pass away. My heart breaks daily for their families.

NED (but there is still the physical and mental evidence of my cancer)

I had my first post-treatment PET scan in March and received the wonderful news that I had “No Evidence of Disease.” In the cancer world, “NED” is a term everyone wants to hear.

NED brings people to their knees.

We rejoice. We celebrate. We still worry, of course. I think I always will, and the aftereffects of treatment continue to bring challenges. But having cancer has given me the gift of perspective. I gladly accept each day that comes. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for all of the small things that bring me joy.

Even with everything I’ve been through – all the procedures, side effects, and pain – I’d do it all again to be here with my husband and children. I’d do it a thousand times over.

My body: How can I not love something that has fought so hard for me to be here?

I am most thankful for my body. I’m proud of it for everything it has been through and how it still keeps going. All of my physical insecurities have been put to rest.

How can I not love something that has fought so hard for me to be here? That’s what I am. I’m here.  I’m still here! 

About Natasha:

Natasha is full time work-from-home/homeschooling mom of three who enjoys taking photos of anything and everything, traveling, reading multiple books at the same time, and finding new places to show her kids. Read Natasha’s Cervivor Story here.