Cervivor at SGO 2025: Amplifying the Survivor Voice in Gynecologic Cancer Care

On March 14th, 2025, Cervivor had the incredible opportunity to host a table at The Foundation for Women’s Cancer – Patient and Advocate Education Forum, part of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in Seattle. This event brought together patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates for a powerful day of education, connection, and advocacy.

The forum featured leading medical professionals who shared the latest breakthroughs in gynecologic cancer care. One of the highlights of the day was the Patient Advocacy and Empowerment Panel, where national and local patient advocates shared their lived experiences, offering hope, support, and practical strategies for making an impact in the cancer community.

Among the panelists were Selena Rushton, National Cervical Cancer Coalition Pacific Northwest Chapter Leader, and Arlene Simpson, a dedicated Cervivor community member. Each brought a unique and powerful perspective to the discussion.

Selena Rushton shared her journey of living through stage 4 cervical cancer, a diagnosis with an often daunting five-year survival rate. She spoke about the incredible resilience it took to overcome the odds and how, after fighting for her life, she found a renewed sense of purpose through advocacy. Selena has since used the skills she gained in her corporate career to amplify awareness, educate others, and support fellow survivors. Her story is a testament to the strength and determination of cervical cancer survivors, proving that even in the face of the most challenging diagnosis, hope and impact are possible.

Arlene Simpson, also a dedicated member of the Cervivor community, shared her deeply personal journey. Despite growing up in a family filled with medical professionals, Arlene had never heard about HPV until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She spoke about the guilt and shame she initially felt—emotions many survivors experience due to the stigma surrounding this disease. However, through finding a supportive community like Cervivor, she was able to reclaim her voice, break the stigma, and turn her experience into advocacy.

Arlene’s Story:
Sharing my story was not easy coming from a very strict and disciplined family. Once my treatment was over, many questioned my decision to share my personal story in public. The reason I share my story is because of those who are afraid, unseen, or unheard. I want to be a familiar face and voice to someone who relates to me. Being one of the very few Asian Americans in Cervivor, I feel it’s very important for me to amplify my voice so others will know they are not alone in this fight. 

It was a humble experience being in a panel with other gynecologic cancer survivors. We all had our unique stories but, what brought us all together was being united in our mission to help other patients and medical professionals understand that the patient’s voice, the patient’s stories, and their cancer treatment choices and decisions are crucial in these types of medical conferences. 

It’s much more than being just a number in a report. We are living proof of the treatment, trials, and patient care that our cancer care teams provide. We provide the invaluable piece of the puzzle that one cannot get from a medical report alone. We are the HEART that beats or stops beating. Our voices matter!

At the Cervivor table, we had the privilege of connecting with survivors, caregivers, and advocates, sharing our mission of education and empowerment. The conversations we had reinforced the importance of sharing our stories, raising awareness, and advocating for better prevention, treatment, and survivorship care.

Mechal, Anna, and Arlene at the Cervivor exhibition table.

Beyond the panel discussions, attendees explored essential topics like managing treatment side effects, integrative medicine, and sexual health—critical issues that often go under-discussed but have a significant impact on quality of life.

A Powerful Story of Advocacy and Care

Another unforgettable moment at SGO 2025 was Aisha McClellan’s powerful speech, delivered on the main stage during the conference’s opening session—a moment that truly set the tone for an impactful and inspiring event.

Aisha took the stage alongside her oncologist, sharing her journey through diagnosis, the importance of finding an oncologist who truly cares, and the power of patient advocacy. She opened up about the challenges she faced early on, where she was met with dismissive care teams who assumed she would not survive. But Aisha refused to accept that fate. She fought tirelessly to be heard, advocating for herself across multiple hospitals until she finally found an oncologist who stood by her, fought for her, and ultimately saved her life.

Aisha’s story was raw, emotional, and deeply moving, highlighting the critical role of patient-centered care and the life-saving impact of advocacy. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, and by the time she finished speaking, the entire room was on its feet, giving her a standing ovation—a moment of recognition for her strength, resilience, and the powerful message she delivered.

The Power of Survivor Voices in Research & Clinical Care

One of the most powerful moments of the event was during the final session, where I was deeply moved by the recognition of patients and survivors as essential voices in clinical trials, research, and daily hospital operations. Seeing researchers, oncologists, and healthcare professionals actively listening and valuing the lived experiences of survivors reinforced the progress we are making in patient-centered care. It was a reminder that our voices matter—not just in advocacy spaces, but in shaping the future of gynecologic cancer care itself.

Why Events Like SGO Matter

Gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, don’t just affect individuals—they impact families, communities, and the healthcare landscape as a whole. The SGO Annual Meeting provides a vital platform for survivors and patient advocates to be at the table with researchers and clinicians, ensuring that the patient perspective is heard loud and clear.

As Cervivor continues to advocate for eliminating cervical cancer and improving survivorship care, we encourage all survivors to share their stories—because they truly matter. Every story has the power to inspire, educate, and spark change.

Were you at SGO 2025? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us at [email protected]. Together, we are stronger.

About the Authors

Anna Ogo is a passionate cervical cancer survivor, and Cervivor Ambassador from Kent, Washington. Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 after a routine health check, Anna faced her diagnosis with resilience, undergoing a radical hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and IVF for fertility preservation. Now a proud mother through surrogacy, as well as a loving dog and cat mom, Anna serves on the leadership team of the HPV Free Washington Taskforce. A 2022 graduate of Cervivor School, where she learned how to turn her experience into advocacy, Anna channels her journey into raising awareness about HPV, its vaccine, and the importance of early detection. Anna shares her story to inspire change, empower others, and promote accurate information about cervical health.

Arlene Simpson is a cervical cancer survivor and advocate residing in Bothell, Washington. She was diagnosed in September 2021 and underwent external radiation, chemotherapy, and Brachytherapy. She will be 3 years with no evidence of disease (NED) come March 2025. Arlene is a loving mom, a devoted wife, a Financial Services professional, and a dedicated leader in her church. She is very passionate about helping others and giving back to her community by volunteering in various ministries where she shares the importance of the HPV Vaccine, getting annual exams and pap tests, and sharing her story to raise awareness, especially in the Asian-American communities. She believes that being part of a community (like Cervivor) that understands and cares, along with having strong faith and a positive mindset, has gotten her through the many challenges in her cancer journey.

Celebrate 20 Years of Empowerment with Cervivor 

Join the “Tell 20, Give 20” Campaign and 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit

As Cervivor, Inc. gears up to celebrate 20 remarkable years of advocating for cervical cancer awareness, we are thrilled about these two pivotal initiatives: the “Tell 20, Give 20” campaign and the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit. These events mark our commitment to eliminating cervical cancer and offer you the opportunity to share vital information and contribute to our mission.


The Tell 20, Give 20 Campaign

In tandem with our 20th-anniversary celebrations, Cervivor is proud to launch the “Tell 20, Give 20” campaign. This initiative is a cornerstone of our efforts to amplify awareness and secure the necessary funds to continue our vital work in combating cervical cancer. By participating in this campaign, you become an essential part of a movement dedicated to saving lives and empowering women everywhere.

Why Tell 20?

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers thanks to advancements in screening and vaccination. However, awareness and education are crucial in ensuring that every woman has access to the information and resources she needs to protect her health.

By participating in the Tell 20 initiative, you commit to sharing Cervivor’s resources and information with 20 friends, family members, or social media followers. Here’s how your efforts can make a difference:

  • Raise Awareness: Educate your network about the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings and prevention methods.
  • Educate Others: Inform your community about the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with cervical cancer.
  • Support the Community: Provide encouragement and resources to patients, survivors, and those currently battling cervical cancer.

Why Give 20?

To honor our 20th year, we invite everyone to consider making a $20 donation to Cervivor. Your contribution will enable us to:

  • Provide Educational Resources and Support: Through our Comfort Care and Compassion Program, we offer specially curated tote bags for those newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment, greeting cards for any occasion, and milestone lapel pins to celebrate survivorship.
  • Advance Advocacy and Awareness Initiatives: Programs like Cervivor Cares bridge the gap between our flagship events and active advocacy, ensuring continuous support and outreach.
  • Empower Through Community Programs: Initiatives such as the Cervical Cancer Summit, Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color, and Cervivor School empower patients, survivors, and caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need.

Join Us at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit

From January 23-26, 2025, Washington, D.C. will be the epicenter of empowerment, education, and community as Cervivor, Inc. hosts the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit. This milestone event celebrates 20 years of progress and sets the stage for future advancements in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Why Attend the Summit?

  • Empowerment Through Connection: Engage with patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates to build a supportive network.
  • Educational Excellence: Gain insights from leading healthcare professionals and researchers on the latest advancements in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Connect with experts to develop more patient-centric approaches in healthcare.
  • Honoring Progress: Reflect on 20 years of achievements in awareness, research, and support for those affected by cervical cancer.
  • Inspiring Action: Ignite a new era of hope, resilience, and collective effort to eliminate cervical cancer.

Whether you join us in person in Washington, D.C., or participate virtually from anywhere in the world, your involvement will strengthen our community and propel us closer to our mission of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Register Here


Real Stories, Real Impact

Hearing from those who have benefited from Cervivor’s programs can inspire and motivate others to join the cause. Here are some heartfelt testimonials from our community:

Nymphia’s Journey: No Cervivor Fights Alone 

“I was in my feelings about the scans I was having and felt like my anxiety was at an all-time high and I received this care package from Cervivor and I was reminded that I am not alone in this walk. Thank you for always reminding me that I’m never alone on this journey.”
Nymphia, Cervivor Recurrent Patient

Janet’s Diagnosis: Finding A Life Changing Support 

“I’m so grateful for this group and the outpouring of support.”
Janet T., Cervivor Community Member 

Gabrielle’s Legacy: Empowering Future Generations

“Cervivor has empowered me to transform my journey as a cancer patient into a mission to change the world. It has given me a sisterhood, the knowledge, the platform, and the voice to share my story and to turn my experience into a lifesaving force of hope and awareness.”
Gabrielle S., Cervivor Community Member


How to Participate

Engaging with the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attending the Cervical Cancer Summit are simple yet powerful ways to contribute toward our mission to end cervical cancer. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Attend the Summit

Join us at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit to connect, learn, and celebrate our collective achievements. Whether you attend in person in Washington, D.C., or participate virtually, your involvement will strengthen our community and propel us closer to our mission of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Register Here

2. Tell 20 People

  • Share Information: Use our social media toolkit with pre-written posts to effortlessly spread the word.
  • Start Conversations: Engage your friends and family in discussions about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of regular screenings.
  • Host Informational Sessions: Whether in person or virtually, educate your community about the resources available through Cervivor.

3. Give 20 Dollars

  • Donate Online: Visit our Tell 20, Give 20 donation page to make your $20 contribution.
  • Support Programs: Your donation directly funds our Comfort Care and Compassion Program, Cervivor Cares, and our community empowerment initiatives.
  • Join Fundraising Events: Participate in or organize events that support our mission and encourage others to donate.

4. Share Your Support

  • Use the Hashtag: Tag us on social media with #Tell20Give20 to showcase your involvement and inspire others.
  • Highlight Your Story: Share your personal experiences with Cervivor or why you’re passionate about ending cervical cancer.
  • Engage Your Network: Encourage others to join the campaign by highlighting the impact of their participation.

5. Get Screened and Vaccinated

  • Lead by Example: Ensure you are up-to-date with your own cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations.
  • Encourage Others: Motivate the women in your life to prioritize their health by scheduling regular screenings and considering vaccination.

The Impact of Your Support

By participating in the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attending the Cervical Cancer Summit, you are making a tangible difference in the fight against cervical cancer. Your support can achieve:

  • Increased Awareness: Educated communities take proactive steps in health measures, reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.
  • Enhanced Access to Healthcare: Donations help fund clinics and outreach programs that provide essential services to underserved populations.
  • Advancements in Research: Contributions support ongoing research to develop more effective treatments and potential cures for cervical cancer.
  • Empowered Women: Knowledge and resources enable women to take control of their health, leading to longer, healthier lives.

Join the Mission Today!

As we kick off 2025, we invite you to help Cervivor raise awareness and funds to combat cervical cancer. Together, we can work towards the 2030 elimination goal, creating a future where no one faces cervical cancer alone.

Take Action Now:

  • Attend the Summit: Register for the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit
  • Tell 20: Share information about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of screenings with at least 20 people.
  • Give 20: Donate $20 to support vital programs combating cervical cancer. Donate Here
  • Share Your Support: Use the hashtag #Tell20Give20 on social media to spread the word and inspire others.

Together, we can create a future where every woman has the knowledge and resources to prevent cervical cancer. Join the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attend the Cervical Cancer Summit today to be part of this life-saving mission.

Let’s spread awareness, save lives, and build a healthier tomorrow. Your voice and generosity can make all the difference.


For more information on cervical cancer prevention and resources, visit www.cervivor.org.

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