Heritage

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Resilience and Promoting Health Equity

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a celebration of the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Native American communities. This month also serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities and challenges faced by these communities, including alarming rates of cervical cancer. 

Cervical Cancer Disparities in Native American Communities

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects Native American women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Indian/Alaska Native women experience higher cervical cancer incidence rates compared to white women. Factors contributing to these disparities include:

  • Limited access to healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination
  • Cultural barriers and mistrust in healthcare systems
  • Higher rates of smoking and obesity
  • Limited health education and awareness

Empowering Native American Communities

Cervivor, Inc., a non-profit organization, works to eliminate cervical cancer disparities. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Cervivor promotes health equity and empowers Native American communities to take control of their health.

Let’s share some of our affected Cervivor community members’ personal stories during this important month…

Kristine

Kristine is half Native American and half Caucasian. When she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she turned to her heritage for strength. It served as a reminder of those who came before her and what it meant to have their blood running through her veins. Kristine expresses, “I believe my strength comes from both sides of my family. We come from a long line of warriors. I was diagnosed with stage I cervical cancer in 2012 when I was 34 years old to which I received a radical hysterectomy. The decisions leading to that were difficult and heart-wrenching as I wasn’t sure our family was complete. I suffered from anxiety and depression for a few years after. Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult – it teaches you humility and vulnerability all the while showing you what strength you possess even years later.”

Nicole

Nicole’s journey with cervical cancer began unexpectedly. A hospital visit for a suspected UTI revealed a startling diagnosis: stage IIIC cervical cancer. Nicole’s life changed forever. The initial shock gave way to determination. Nicole refused to let cancer defeat her, driven by the desire to be there for her children. Having lost her mother at 16, she knew the pain of growing up without a parent. With newfound resolve, Nicole shared her diagnosis with loved ones, finding comfort in their unwavering support. Nicole’s experience has ignited a passion for advocacy. Through Cervivor, she shares her story to raise awareness and promote education. Nicole’s resilience inspires others to confront cervical cancer boldly. Her story embodies strength, inspiring others to confront cervical cancer head-on. And her unwavering spirit encourages open conversations, promotes health education, and honors the resilience of Native American communities during Native American Heritage Month.

Beverly 

Beverly’s courageous journey with stage IIIB cervical cancer began at 40. Amidst fear and uncertainty, Beverly found solace in traditional ceremonies, communal support, and determination. Embracing both spiritual practices and medical interventions, Beverly underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical implantation of radioactive material. Despite community doubts and personal terror, she chose a path blending modern medicine with ancestral wisdom. Beverly faced judgment, whispering, and avoidance, but also kindness from supportive community members. Driving herself to treatments, exhausted and lonely, she persevered. “My song will continue until my last breath,” she says. Beverly embodies Native American resilience, inspiring others through Cervivor. Her spirit honors ancestral strength during Native American Heritage Month.

Get Involved

Native American Heritage Month celebrates resilience, strength, and cultural richness. Addressing cervical cancer disparities requires collective action. Organizations like Cervivor play a vital role in promoting health equity and empowering Native American communities. By sharing stories like Kristine’s, Nicole’s, and Beverly’s, we honor their experiences and amplify the call for change. 

  • Learn about cervical cancer prevention and disparities
  • Support patient advocacy organizations like Cervivor
  • Advocate for health equity and culturally sensitive care
  • Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by promoting awareness and understanding

We can eliminate cervical cancer disparities, honor the heritage, and build resilience in Native American communities.

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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