Empowered

Embracing Resilience: Celebrating Survivors, Heritage, and Pride This June

As June dawns upon us, it brings with it a vast spectrum of significance to our community, weaving together the threads of awareness, diversity, resilience, and celebration. This month, we commemorate not just one, but three vital observances: National Cancer Survivors Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and Pride Month. The community at Cervivor embraces the intersectionality of these occasions and honors the strength, courage, and vibrancy of those who embody their spirit. Read along with us as we navigate each thread.

National Cancer Survivors Month serves as a reminder of the estimated 20 million worldwide who have confronted the harrowing journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s a time to celebrate the resilience of survivors, who navigate through the storm of uncertainty with unwavering resolve. Each survivor’s story is a testament to strength, reminding us that hope can thrive even in the face of adversity.

Within the realm of cancer survivors, there exists a rich diversity, reflective of the world’s cultures and identities. This June, we also celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month, paying homage to the vibrant traditions, flavors, and rhythms of the Caribbean diaspora. From the sun-kissed beaches to the pulsating beats of Calypso and Reggae, the Caribbean exudes a spirit of resilience ingrained in its history of triumph over adversity. In honoring Caribbean heritage, we recognize the strength and unity cultivated by communities in the face of challenges, a resilience mirrored in the journey of cancer survivors.

Moreover, as we embrace the mosaic of identities that enrich our world, we also commemorate Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s courage, diversity, and resilience. LGBTQIA+ individuals facing cancer diagnoses often navigate unique challenges, from concerns about discrimination in healthcare to seeking inclusive support networks. Pride Month serves as a crucial time for visibility and acceptance, creating a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and support for all those affected by cancer, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

At Cervivor, we understand the power of community, support, and solidarity in the face of adversity. Our mission transcends borders and boundaries, embracing individuals from all walks of life, united by the shared experience of cervical cancer. Through advocacy, education, and support, we strive to empower survivors, caregivers, and allies to navigate their journey with courage and resilience.

As we reflect on the significance of National Cancer Survivors Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and Pride Month, let us honor the resilience, diversity, and strength that define our collective human experience. Together, we stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul, capable of overcoming even the darkest of storms with unwavering grace and resilience.

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Reflecting On 15 Years Cancer-Free

Every year, on May 5, also known as “Cinco de Mayo”, I celebrate my cancerversary. This year I am celebrating 15 years of being cancer-free. Wow! Let me take that in just a few more seconds – 15 years! – What a blessing. Fifteen years is a big milestone for me. It is a milestone that I thought I would never reach, but here we are.  

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IIB just 3 months after I retired from the New York City Police Department after being a police officer for 20 years. After I retired, my husband and I were ready to enjoy our lives. However, some plans do not happen when we want them to happen. 

My world went dark as soon as I heard “You have cancer”. I did not see the possibility of being here 15 years later. My journey was difficult, to say the least. After 7 treatments of chemotherapy, 35 treatments of external radiation, and 2 treatments of internal radiation (brachytherapy) I was lucky enough to come out on the other side.

I must be honest and say that even when my doctor said I was “cancer-free” I felt lost. Everything was still dark. I did not know what to do. Yes! I was grateful, but I did not recognize myself. I did not know the woman staring at me in front of the mirror. She was not the woman I was before. 

Cancer for sure changed my life forever. It took time to put the pieces back together. It is definitely a slow process. Most people think that when you are cancer-free you can pick up where you left off. This is further from the truth. You become a different person. 

It has been a journey of highs and lows while re-inventing myself. I can look at the negative side and say my body has changed, and even after 15 years, there is still the fear of cancer coming back. I live with the physical and mental scars this monster left me. I deal with the many secondary effects of my treatments, and I can go on with so many other things, but I will not. 

I focus on being positive and grateful for every single day. I choose to live every day like it will be my last, but if it is not – I drop to my knees and give thanks. I embrace the good, the bad, and the in-between. It is all part of my gift of life.

Today, I am grateful that I am also part of an extraordinary cervical cancer community. A community of women woven together. We lean on one another, learn from one another, celebrate together, and grieve together when we lose one of our own. I have met women who are courageous, strong, determined, and supportive. Women who have personally inspired and motivated me to make my survivorship count by becoming an advocate of this disease to help other women. 

Therefore, before I end this– I want to remind women to get their cervical cancer screenings and to vaccinate their children (both boys and girls) with the HPV vaccine to protect them from six different cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. Let us protect the next generation.  

Now, let us celebrate today – have a margarita in my name if you wish, but my true wish is for you to consider donating $15 to Cervivor. Please support our mission to educate, and support women with this disease, and end cervical cancer. This is within our reach. 

Patti Murillo-Casa is a Cervivor Ambassador and Cervivor’s Health and Wellness Coach who manages the Survivor Slimdown Facebook Group. She also co-leads Cervivor Español. Patti is a retired NYPD police officer and a 15-year cervical cancer survivor. She resides in NYC with her husband of 25 years where she is a Group Fitness Instructor, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Health Advocate.