Christy Basa Chambers

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Inspiring Stories from Cervical Cancer Survivors

For many cervical cancer survivors, healing goes beyond remission, often leading to advocacy that raises awareness and offers strength. Here, Cervivor community members and cervical cancer advocates Christy Basa Chambers, Athena Porter, and Lorie Wallace share personal reflections on how their journey with cervical cancer has helped them thrive — not just survive.

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, read on!

Christy’s Story: Living Her ‘Dash’

About Christy: An 18-month Stage IV cervical cancer survivor, Christy Basa Chambers lives in Monroe, NC, with her family. She’s a Cervivor Ambassador, 2023 Cervivor School graduate, and winner of the 2024 Brittany Wagner Social Media Advocacy Award.

This image shows cervical cancer survivor, Christy, who is from North Carolina. She has teal hair and glasses with a ruffled white shirt.
Christy Basa Chambers (photo by Molly Dockery Photography)

“I was given a second chance at living.”

When I first wrote that phrase in a blog post, I paused. Was it “a second chance at life,” or did I really mean living? Are they different? I think they are. Life is the span of time we are given, but living is what we do with that time.

The distinction became clear after my diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic cervical cancer. Facing my mortality forced me to ask hard questions: How would I be remembered? What legacy would I leave? These questions didn’t just make me reflect on my past; they became a wake-up call to reevaluate my present. Survival wasn’t enough for me — I wanted to thrive.

But thriving didn’t happen overnight. It was a choice I made every day, even when it felt impossible. I had to face my fears and let go of what didn’t serve me.

Now, I’m living my “dash.” What’s a dash? It’s that little line between the dates of our birth and death. It’s small, yet so powerful, because it represents everything we do while we’re here. Cancer taught me to live my dash with intention — to focus on love, kindness, generosity, and joy.

Advocacy has been one of the most transformative ways I’ve chosen to live my dash. As a Cervivor Ambassador, I’ve found healing through helping others. Sharing my story and empowering others to share theirs has given me a sense of purpose and a way to leave an impact.

Who am I? A Cervivor, a thriver, and an opti-mystic who sees the world through the eyes of possibility. That’s the legacy I want to leave.

Athena’s Story: Overcoming Survivor’s Guilt

About Athena: Athena Porter was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two little girls. Since her diagnosis, Athena has served on a panel at the 2024 Cervical Cancer Summit and continues to advocate for cervical cancer awareness and prevention.

Athena Porter

To call myself a “cervical cancer survivor” used to feel like a fraud. My cancer was caught early, and my treatment was a radical hysterectomy. Diagnosed after having two children, I was spared the devastation of infertility and the physical toll of chemo, radiation, or brachytherapy. I got to keep my hair.

In contrast, many of the women in the Cervivor community I’ve been blessed to meet since my diagnosis have endured grueling treatments. They’ve shaved their heads, relocated for care, lost their fertility, and dealt with the lingering effects of treatment-induced trauma. Despite facing anxiety, depression, pain, and significant physical challenges, they continue to persevere and advocate for those without a voice. I am honored to know these women. Their strength, passion, and unwavering light inspire me.

Still, survivor’s guilt is real. My experience feels minimal in comparison because I “only” needed surgery to remove my cancer. Thankfully, the incredible women I admire have reminded me that it wasn’t “just” surgery or “just” stage 1A cancer. They’ve encouraged and supported me, helping me embrace my journey as valid. Their support has been instrumental in helping me thrive, not just survive.

I’ve been given a platform to advocate not only for those impacted by cervical cancer but also for its prevention. My hysterectomy was radical and represented the best-case treatment scenario for me, but the true best-case scenario is no cancer at all. Supporting the HPV vaccine, promoting early screenings, and advocating for proper treatment is the least I can do for all the women battling cervical cancer.

Lorie’s Story: Never Giving Up

About Lorie: Lorie Wallace, a Detroit resident, was diagnosed with invasive cervical adenocarcinoma in 2017. She underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and later developed radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy (RILP), a debilitating condition with no cure. Today, as a Cervivor Ambassador and 2022 Cervivor Champion, she inspires others with her resilience.

This image shows Lorie, a cervical cancer survivor from Michigan wearing a black "Making Cancer Pay" t-shirt. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and brownish pink lipstick.
Lorie Wallace during Cervivor School 2022

Sometimes, I wait until I’m alone to scream at the injustice of it all. But I refuse to let cervical cancer or my radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy (RILP) define me.  

I’ve learned that while I can’t control everything, everything cannot control me. I’ve found ways to adapt and thrive, not just survive. I’ve focused on strengthening the muscles not affected by plexopathy, embraced the support of my cane, and let go of the stigma I once felt about using a disabled parking pass. Learning to give myself grace and to see these tools not as symbols of weakness but of perseverance has been a profound part of my journey.

Through advocacy, I’ve reclaimed my purpose. As a Cervivor Ambassador, a cancer support coach, and a mentor with organizations like Imerman Angels, I use my voice to help others navigate life after cancer. This work has been as healing for me as it has been impactful for others. I’ve discovered that purpose can emerge even from the darkest times.

For me, advocacy is more than action — it’s a declaration: I am still here, I am still fighting, and I will never give up.

Interested in Patient Advocacy?

Christy, Athena, and Lorie’s stories show that surviving cancer is only the beginning. By turning their experiences into cervical cancer patient advocacy, they’ve found healing, hope, and a way to thrive. You can make a difference too! 

Here’s how you can get involved with Cervivor advocacy:

  • Attend Cervivor School: Gain training to become a leader in cervical cancer advocacy. Sign up to receive the latest updates!
  • Support Through Donations: Help fund programs that empower survivors.
  • Raise Awareness: Promote cervical cancer prevention and survivorship.

Together, we can thrive, not just survive — and make a difference! 

Meet Cervivor’s Newest Patient Advocacy Award Winners

At the recent Cervivor School 2024 – celebrating its 10th year as a one-of-a-kind patient advocate training program – the following five Cervivor community members were honored with patient advocacy awards, recognizing their leadership and commitment to the urgent cause to end cervical cancer.

Read on to hear what they had to say about receiving these unique patient advocacy awards — some of which honor the legacy of Cervivor community members who are no longer with us — and why our Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder believes they are so deserving.

Cervivor Champion Award – Lindsay Gullatte-Lee


Why She Won: “Lindsay checks all the boxes of a Cervivor Champion,” says Tamika about this coveted patient advocacy award. “She’s great at sharing the patient experience, fundraising, and much more. She understands the importance of closing health inequalities and has used her survivorship to help make that happen.”

What She Says: “The reason I do this is so no one else suffers this disease alone. Everyone should have the facts about cervical cancer prevention and it’s important that our voices as patients are heard. I was completely shocked to win! I felt seen, heard, supported, and loved. I’m still healing but forever grateful to the Cervivor community for all its support. I found my people, and I’m just happy to give back a little of everything they’ve given me.”

Brittany Wagner Social Media Advocacy Award – Christy Basa Chambers


Why She Won: “Christy is so deserving of this award because she shows up and shares her vulnerability – the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between,” says Tamika about Christy, whose personal hashtag is #choosinghopedaily. “More importantly, she provides crucial information to encourage people to get screened and vaccinated, and we know that visibility is key to our cause. Christy truly understands what community means and spreads a message of hope across all social media platforms and in person.” 

What She Says: “When I was first diagnosed, I felt very alone. It would have been easy to lose hope, but life with and after Stage 4 cancer is possible! I have made it my mission to foster hope and joy in others who are struggling. If my online content can encourage someone to visit the Cervivor website, get vaccinated, schedule a screening, or learn more about HPV and cervical cancer, then I know I’ve made an impact.”

Erica Frazier Stum Living Life with Cancer Award – Gwendolyn “Gwen” Jackson


Why She Won: “No one is more deserving than Gwen, who is helping others while in the midst of fighting for her life,” says Tamika about this award named after an inspiring late member of the Cervivor community and honors a particularly passionate patient advocate who is thriving despite battling cancer.

What She Says: “This award means so much to me because of Erica Frazier Strum’s legacy,” says Gwen, who was unable to walk up to receive the patient advocacy award due to pain from her treatment, prompting a standing ovation from the Cervivor School attendees. “It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and contributing to the cause in her memory. I believe that individuals never pass if their names are still spoken in rooms. I will make sure her name is spoken in every room I enter.”

Cervivor Spark Award – Tiera Wade


Why She Won: “Tiera has shown incredible dedication and passion toward Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer,” affirms Tamika about this motivated and motivational patient advocate “Her commitment shines through in everything she does: from volunteering her time to support our organization, to enthusiastically sharing vital information about cervical cancer within her community.”

What She Says: “To know that cervical cancer is preventable with proper screening drives me to empower others to prioritize their health – because they are worth it. This award was the God-sent confirmation that there is still work to do,” says Tiera of the honor. “My spark was reignited!”

Cervivor Rising Star Award – Claudia Pérez-Favela


Why She Won: “Claudia is all in, and she’s already doing incredible work – not only within the Hispanic community but also in the broader effort to end cervical cancer,” says Tamika. “If this is what she’s achieving right out of the gate, I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

What She Says: “The stigma surrounding gynecological cancers in the Latinx community drives my advocacy. It’s crucial because cervical cancer and HPV are preventable, and treatment is much more effective when caught early.”

Thank you to these dedicated advocates for amplifying the patient voice in everything they do, inspiring hope, resilience, and action in our collective mission to end cervical cancer. They embody the spirit of the Cervivor community and demonstrate the importance and power of sharing the stories of those affected by this disease.

Join the Movement

If you’re inspired by these patient advocate award winners work, consider becoming an advocate yourself. Here are ways to get involved:

  • Share Your Story: On the Cervivor website, write a blog post, or post on social media about your experience with cervical cancer and tag Cervivor!
  • Volunteer: Help organize events, participate in awareness campaigns, or support local initiatives.
  • Fundraise: Support our non-profit’s mission of empowerment, education, advocacy, and support.
  • Join the conversation on social media using #Cervivor and #EndCervicalCancer.

Together, we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat, and every patient has access to the care and support they deserve. Thank you again to Lindsay, Christy, Gwen, Tiera, and Claudia for shining bright as pillars of strength in the mission to end cervical cancer.