End Cervical Cancer

She is Tamika

Happy 50th Birthday to our Founder, Chief Visionary, and Global Trailblazer, Tamika Felder!

Today, we don’t just celebrate a birthday — we celebrate a legacy in motion.

Diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 25 years old, Tamika Felder could have let that diagnosis define her limits. Instead, she transformed it into a launching point. What began as one woman’s journey of survivorship has become a global movement centered on advocacy, education, and community.

In 2005, Tamika founded Cervivor, Inc. to create what she wished she had during treatment — a space to be seen, heard, and supported. Her vision gave birth to a powerful community where cervical cancer patients and survivors could raise their voices, share their stories, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Nearly two decades later, Cervivor is now a recognized global leader in the mission to eliminate cervical cancer. And Tamika — still at the helm — remains one of the most influential voices in the cancer advocacy space.

“Every birthday is a big deal when you’ve had cancer, but this one isn’t just about turning 50. It’s about asking: ‘What have I done with this time? What mark have I left?’For me, that answer is Cervivor. Twenty years ago, I founded the organization to create the kind of support I didn’t have: a community where cervical cancer patients and survivors can find their voice, share their stories, and educate others. I’m proud of what we’ve built. We’ve turned pain into power. We’ve built a movement.”

Tamika with her fellow survivors and volunteers during the early years of Cervivor, Inc. (formerly Tamika and Friends, Inc.).
Tamika and Chief DEI Officer, Kimberly Williams with the 2024 Communities of Color Retreat Attendees in Cleveland, Ohio.

But her impact reaches far beyond this organization. She has:

Tamika’s work has transformed systems, shattered stigma, and created space for countless others to rise in their purpose.

The Cervivor Community Reflects

Tamika, your mark is undeniable. You’ve opened doors for others to walk through. You’ve transformed individual stories into collective progress. You’ve given power back to people who never thought they’d be seen. 

Tamika’s impact isn’t just professional — it’s deeply personal. The Cervivor community, made up of those whose lives have been touched by her work, shares their heartfelt thanks:

Tamika strikes a pose with other cervical cancer survivors at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered By Cervivor, Inc.

“I know I say this often, but I truly am grateful for you being bold enough to walk in your purpose. You continue to open doors for all of us to walk through. Your reach is immeasurable. Merci beaucoup, Tamika Felder!” — Cervivor Community Member

“You have given so many of us a platform of hope, all while empowering us to use our stories, our voices to create a better tomorrow. Thank you for being unstoppable!” — Cervivor Community Member

“Tamika, you have changed the face of cervical cancer and helped to spotlight the lives and stories of too many patients and survivors to count. I am glad to celebrate you today!” — Cervivor Community Member

“Thank you for everything you do every day to end cervical cancer. You are a force of change and so very needed!” — Cervivor Community Member

Join the Celebration: Honor Her Legacy.

As we reflect on Tamika’s 24 years of global impact, we’re reminded of the power of resilience and determination. From creating a community for those affected by cervical cancer to advocating for awareness, education, and research, Tamika’s work has changed lives and saved lives.

Tamika moderating the 2024 Biden Cancer Moonshot Cervical Cancer Forum

Through Cervivor, Inc., she has given a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, and support to those navigating the complexities of cervical cancer. Her legacy is a testament to transformation through adversity and turning it into purpose.

Tamika’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and compassion, inspiring a movement that continues to grow and evolve. 

As Cervivor, Inc. stands strong today, it’s a direct result of Tamika’s vision, leadership, and commitment to eliminating cervical cancer once and for all. Now, it’s our turn to celebrate her legacy. 

In honor of her 50th birthday:

  • Share — how Tamika’s work has inspired or impacted you.
  • Give to support Cervivor’s work — because access, education, and advocacy save lives.
  • Get involved — share your story, raise awareness, and be part of the change.
  • Use your voice — because your story matters, and together we can eliminate cervical cancer.

Let’s show Tamika and the world that her impact has not only mattered, but multiplied. Happy 50th Birthday, Tamika Felder. Your legacy is powerful. Your leadership is transformative. Your voice has changed the world. 

It’s a Family Affair: How Advocacy Begins at Home for Cervivor Community Members

Cervical cancer advocacy often starts with a personal story—but it doesn’t end there. For many in the Cervivor community, it begins at home, with children watching, learning, and eventually joining the mission to end cervical cancer.

For Anne Zajic, a Stage 1B2 cervical cancer survivor and mom of three, advocacy has become a true family affair. Diagnosed in 2016 when her daughters were still very young, Anne leaned into the Cervivor community for strength and purpose. Today, she’s a Cervivor Ambassador, and her daughters—Clara, 11, and twins Julia and Katie, 9—are right beside her as Junior Ambassadors.

A family’s love for baking inspired their summer-long fundraiser to benefit Cervivor.

“They’ve grown up with advocacy as part of their lives,” says Anne, whose efforts include volunteering with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and helping secure gubernatorial proclamations in Kansas recognizing both HPV Awareness Day and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. “They understand why we talk about HPV, screenings, and prevention—they’ve seen what this disease can do.”

Why It Matters

Family involvement in health education and advocacy can make a measurable impact.

According to the Community Preventive Services Task Force, family-based interventions can increase preventive screening rates by up to 35%. And when parents talk openly about HPV and cancer prevention, their children are significantly more likely to be vaccinated.

These conversations are critical—especially when so many still don’t realize cervical cancer is largely preventable. In 2024, more than 13,800 women in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with the disease, often without knowing the role HPV plays in causing it, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respectively.

“We can’t keep letting people face this in silence,” says Anne. “The more families talk about it, the more lives we can save.”

Empowering the Next Generation

This summer, Anne and her daughters are turning cupcakes and cookies into action with a fundraiser benefiting Cervivor. Inspired by Julia’s idea to spend more time together while giving back, the family is popping up at local events, sharing their story—and plenty of sweet treats.

“Julia said, ‘Why don’t we do a bake sale?’ That was all I needed to hear,” Anne recalls with a laugh. “Baking has always been something we love doing together. Now, it’s become a way to raise awareness.”

Alongside the goodies, the girls will also be selling handmade jewelry crafted with love and purpose. “Every cookie, every cupcake, and every earring is a step toward supporting Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer,” says Anne.

For Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder, advocacy has long been a way of life—even before it became personal after surviving cervical cancer in her twenties. Raised in a family rooted in public service, she spent her childhood volunteering for causes and through her church. 

Cervivor founder Tamika (far left), her son, and Cervivor community members gathered in Cleveland last year to raise awareness. Kadiana, whose daughter also helped out, is third from left.

Now, her son Chayton often joins her at Cervivor events, learning the power of speaking up and giving back. At last year’s Communities of Color outreach effort in Cleveland, they were joined by one of her goddaughters, Ming, and Cervivor Ambassador Kadiana Vegee’s daughter, Aurianna—showcasing how the next generation is stepping into advocacy alongside their mothers and mentors.

“Children aren’t just watching us—they’re learning from us,” says Tamika, recalling how her goddaughter Kennedy, then in elementary school and now a college student, once held a Giving Tuesday bake sale to support Cervivor. “When a child sees you stand up for something that matters, it stays with them. That’s how movements grow—across generations.”

Tamika’s goddaughter, Kennedy, hosts a bake sale in 2019, donating a percentage of proceeds to Cervivor, Inc. to help women with cervical cancer.

One of Cervivor’s bright lights, Becky Wallace, tragically passed away in 2021—but her legacy continues to shine. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, her tween daughters organized a heartfelt neighborhood bike-a-thon, raising over $2,000 in support of Cervivor. Their inspiring efforts, captured in this moving video, remind us that it’s never too early to stand up for a cause you believe in—especially when it’s your mom’s life on the line. (Warning: You might need tissues.)

Get Your Family Involved 

Whether it’s hosting a bake sale or a bike-a-thon, traveling to awareness events, or simply having honest conversations around the dinner table, Cervivors are teaching their children that advocacy is a shared responsibility—and a powerful gift.

“This isn’t just my story anymore,” says Anne. “It’s my daughters’ story, too. Our fundraiser is just one example of what advocacy can look like. You don’t have to start big—just start somewhere. Whether it’s baking cookies, creating art, or hosting a virtual event, your passion can fuel change.”

Support Cervivor’s Mission!

Want to get your family involved in cervical cancer advocacy? Have a fundraising idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] and let’s turn your creativity into support for survivors.

And don’t forget to check out Tell 20, Give 20—Cervivor’s awareness and fundraising campaign celebrating 20 years of impact. We are grateful for every dollar donated that helps us get closer to ending cervical cancer.