End STIgma

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. 

In Loving Memory of Doris Helene White Soares

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Doris Helene White Soares, a devoted wife, mother, friend, and tireless advocate. Doris faced a long journey with synchronous cervical and uterine cancers with incredible determination, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy that will continue to inspire all of us.

“I had the distinct honor of interviewing Doris—whom I fondly referred to as “Miss Doris”—on an episode of the Cervivor Podcast. In that conversation, she shared her experience of being diagnosed with cancer later in life, and how she never stopped using her voice to break the stigma surrounding the disease,” shared Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio, Cervivor Ambassador and Podcast Host.

Doris reflected on her diagnosis during their interview, recalling how it came unexpectedly. “Who knew that my cervix would act up during the same year in which I qualified for Medicare?” she shared. “Cervical malignancies were for younger, pre-menopausal women, right?” She voiced her frustration with the stigma surrounding HPV and its connection to cervical cancer, challenging the harmful notion that cancer should be a source of shame. Doris refused to remain silent. She boldly declared in an email to Joslyn, “This middle-aged wife and Nana has absolutely no intention of shouldering the stigma, and I suggest you don’t either. Our cells may betray us, but we can find power in knowledge, support, and self-awareness.”

Doris was a passionate advocate who regularly attended support group meetings including our monthly Creating Connections and quarterly Cervivor Noir MeetUps. She candidly shared her journey and encouraged others to do the same. Though petite in stature, Doris’s presence was enormous in her dedication, kindness, and support. It’s no surprise that so many in our community often wished they could embody even a fraction of the grace and composure that Doris so effortlessly extended to everyone she met.

A gathering of the Cervivor Noir virtual support group to bring together cervical cancer patients and survivors who identify as African American and/or Black.

Her advocacy extended far beyond her own journey. Doris was steadfast in her commitment to encourage others, always urging those in the various support groups she attended to share their stories and lift one another up. Her poise, generosity, and unshakable commitment to fighting cervical cancer and dispelling stigma inspired everyone she encountered. Her legacy of advocacy and compassion will continue to guide others facing similar challenges.

Doris’s presence was a symbol of hope and encouragement, and she leaves behind a profound impact on all who knew her.

Yvette Torres reflected on Doris’s influence: “In the Creating Connections Zooms, I got to know Doris through her openness about her story and cancer journey. She inspired me with her strength and dedication to advocacy in her later years. Despite her health struggles, Doris had such a zest for life and appreciation for each day given to her. I will miss seeing her on Zoom and hearing her voice and laugh.”

A group photo captured of the Creating Connections monthly virtual support group held in early 2023.

Christy Chambers, who admired Doris’s grace, shared: “Doris was the epitome of grit and grace! She embraced her cancer journey, and under immense pressure (working, parenting, 2 different cancers, etc.) created an amazing legacy that we can all admire. We were blessed to experience the freedom she felt when she lost her hair – ‘wash and go,’ she said! We laughed at the stories she told of shocked church members who wondered how she could have a gynecological cancer. We were humbled when she cautioned us to slow down and rest. Like a pearl, her iridescent spirit will shine on through her family, her writing, and through those of us who had the opportunity to be in her world.”

Gwendolyn Jackson shared a heartfelt memory of Doris: “Though Mrs. Doris has passed, her warm greeting of ‘Good Morning, Beautiful Lady’ will forever echo in my heart. Her kindness and light will be missed, but her words will always remind me of the beauty she saw in me, and in the world.”

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Doris, we invite you to share your cherished memories of her and reflect on the ways she inspired you. Take a moment to revisit Miss Doris’s heartfelt writings, where she shared her wisdom and insights:

Pictured to the left is one of Doris’s handwritten journal entries.

These personal essays offer a glimpse into her spirit and continue to inspire us. We welcome you to read, share, and remember Doris’s impact on your life.