Gina Lee Gossett

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.

Cervical Cancer Survivors Turned Mothers Through Gestational Surrogacy

March is a month of significance for many, particularly within the Cervivor community. It marks Surrogacy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on an alternative path to parenthood that holds profound meaning for those whose fertility has been impacted by cervical cancer treatments like hysterectomy and radiation therapy. Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy that involves a surrogate carrying a fetus not genetically related to her. This method allows individuals or couples to have a child using their own genetic material or that of a donor, while the surrogate provides the nurturing environment for the pregnancy.

Cervical cancer survivors like Ginny, Tamika, Gina, Anna, and Kate all have something in common. They have each embarked on unique journeys of resilience, hope, and motherhood through the remarkable path of gestational surrogacy. Their inspiring stories shed light on the triumph over challenges and the profound joy of becoming a mother beyond cervical cancer.

Ginny’s Journey
Ginny’s journey with cervical cancer was daunting, but her determination to become a mother never disappeared. Gestational surrogacy offered her a double dose of hope. With the support of her husband Sean, they embraced the path to parenthood, navigating the emotional ups and downs with grace. Today, Ginny cherishes every moment with her twin boys who celebrated their 3rd birthday. [Click here to watch Ginny’s Cervivor Story].

Tamika’s Path
At the young age of 25, Tamika received devastating news from her doctor: she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and faced the prospect of a life-saving radical hysterectomy, rendering childbirth extremely challenging. She never imagined that the option to have children would be taken away from her and for years she believed becoming a mother would never come true. Until one day, the most exceptional gift came from a woman she barely knew. [Read the Featured Article Here]

The surrogacy process is intricate, involving careful matching of surrogates with intended parents based on preferences and health criteria. Surrogacy agencies or programs often facilitate this matchmaking process, ensuring compatibility and support throughout the journey. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities is essential in surrogacy arrangements. Surrogates have the autonomy to make health decisions during pregnancy and receive compensation for their invaluable contribution. Intended parents, on the other hand, assume the financial, legal, and medical obligations associated with the surrogacy journey.

Gina’s Grace
In 2016, Gina and her spouse, Dan, received the joyous news of expecting a baby, only to be met with the harsh reality of Gina’s cervical cancer diagnosis. Amidst this challenging time, the medical team at the University of Washington Medical Center played pivotal roles in saving her life not once, but twice. However, the treatments rendered Gina unable to conceive naturally. With hope and determination, Gina turned to social media, where her friend generously volunteered to become their gestational carrier. [Read More of Gina’s Story].

Anna’s Adventure
Anna, a resilient cervical cancer survivor, made a courageous decision with her husband, Soto in 2021 to undergo fertility preservation before embarking on her cancer treatments. Determined to preserve her dream of motherhood, she opted to freeze her embryos. Despite the uncertainties ahead, Anna held onto hope. In November 2023, her son entered the world through a gestational surrogate. Anna’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the love of becoming a mother. [Read more of Anna’s Cervivor Story].

Kate’s North Star
In the same appointment where she received the sobering diagnosis of cervical cancer at 30, Kate was also informed that carrying children would be an impossibility. Her oncologist presented her with a glimmer of hope, outlining options for biological children through surrogacy in the future. Without hesitation, she embarked on the journey of invitro fertilization, resulting in the preservation of nine healthy embryos. Later, she and her husband Matt dove into the intricate world of surrogacy, navigating through the complexities with the guidance of an agency. The process proved to be arduous, lengthy, and financially daunting. [Read Kate’s Blog].

As we read in Kate’s story above, one of the significant barriers to surrogacy is its cost, which can range from $60,000 to $150,000, covering legal fees, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, and other miscellaneous costs. This financial burden can be overwhelming for many individuals and couples aspiring to parenthood. In January of this year, Cervivor, Inc. established The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund: Supporting Your Path to Parenthood. Initiatives like the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund aim to alleviate these financial barriers and make surrogacy accessible to all. By supporting this fund, donors contribute to removing obstacles and providing hope to those navigating the journey to parenthood.

The stories of Ginny, Tamika, Gina, Anna, and Kate serve as powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of gestational surrogacy. Through adversity, they found hope. Through uncertainty, they found courage. And through it all, they discovered their pathway to parenthood. Their journeys inspire us all to embrace life’s challenges with grace and to celebrate its blessings with gratitude. This Surrogacy Awareness Month, let’s come together to celebrate the gift of surrogacy and support initiatives like the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Gift Fund. Through awareness, understanding, and collective action, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of financial means, has the opportunity to build the family they’ve always dreamed of. Let’s break down barriers and cultivate inclusivity to ensure that parenthood remains within reach for everyone.

Are you a cervical cancer patient or survivor and would like to share your surrogacy or pathway to parenthood story with us? Email us at [email protected]!