The Cervivor Podcast: Season 1 Recap

In anticipation of the Season 2 release, we’re taking a look back on Season 1 of the Cervivor Podcast hosted by our very own Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder. It was a season where we laughed, cried, and learned from guests during Cervivor School 2017. We give honor and observance to those featured in these podcasts that are no longer with us. To be able to hear their voices, laughter and transparency is a special treat for us. We hope you think so, too.

If you haven’t listened to Season 1 yet, take a moment and do so now – currently available on Anchor.fm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and Spotify.

Recap by Episode:

  1. Cervivor’s “Most Enthusiastic” awardee, shares all the things we wanted to know but didn’t want to ask in “Dry Panties, Depends, and Urine. What Does This Have to Do with Cervical Cancer?” Turn the volume all the way up and be proud as you listen to Holly Lawson talk about obstacles during diagnosis.
  2. “Everybody’s voice makes a difference,” says Erica Frazier Stum whose school-aged son knows his mother may be gone sooner than she should be. This podcast episode is a special treat hearing Erica’s voice posthumously who passed away in 2019.
  3. “Education 101: What is Lymphedema?” Heather Banks drops a few jewels around compression undergarments, drainage, swelling, and giving yourself grace when you just … can’t. 
  4. Balancing school, work, her grandmother’s dementia, and an unexpected stage 4 cervical cancer diagnosis, Teolita Rickenbacker says she found her calling amidst an overwhelming period. “It’s nothing wrong with having cervical cancer; it’s nothing wrong with having any kind of cancer. It’s just how you define it.” Listen to “The Will to Live: How Faith Got Her Through a Cancer Diagnosis.”
  5. In “Acceptance of Death: How She is Making Her Story Matter,” Lisa Moore shared her story of diagnosis, kidney failure, and coming to grips that once she passed, her 30-year-old husband would likely start a family with someone else. “I have accepted death. I’m done being stuck, I’m done being treated. I’m ready to just live my life … it’s a different kind of hope.”
  6. The aftermath of a car accident reveals Sierra Thetford has cancer, but despite a six-month prognosis to live, she sought solace in sharing her story and becoming a gym rat. Listen to “Wrecking into Cancer: How the Gym Became Her Refuge.”
  7. Lynn Tromp talks about cervivorship globally and being open to new experiences, “I trusted my medical doctor. He spoke to me with confidence. Even though it was a trial, he spoke to me with confidence,” said Lynn who lives in South Africa. Listen to “Cancer in another country: A Tell-all From South African.”
  8. In “Toxicity in Relationships: Coping with Cancer,” Dr. Ramani Durvasula talks with Tamika Felder about feminism, narcissistic relationships, and convoluted thoughts that we can experience during diagnosis and treatment. 

Season 2 of the Cervivor Podcast is moving past the archives. Join us on Friday, May 13, 2022 for the Season 2 Episode 1 release!

We’ll be welcoming our first guest, Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio. Joslyn was diagnosed with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at the age of 18 and with cervical cancer at the age of 24. She shares her story to encourage women and future generations, like her daughter, to advocate for themselves and make their health a priority. You’ll also hear what else you can expect on this Season of the Cervivor Podcast.

For more Cervivor-related content, check out our award-winning YouTube channel, CervivorTV. Follow Cervivor on all social media platforms and sign up for our newsletter. If you would like to be interviewed for upcoming Cervivor Podcast episodes or to request content or speakers for future episodes, fill out this form or contact us at [email protected].

Remembering Holly Lawson

Today we are remembering a shining light within our community, Holly Lawson. 

Holly Lawson at Cervivor School 2017 Delray Beach, Florida

Holly elevated our Cervivor community with her fierce commitment to making sure her voice was heard. She never wavered in her advocacy and she always lifted others in the process. She connected with and inspired so many that we felt it important to share those memories today.

Holly Lawson 1978 – 2020

Holly’s Southern charm made her so likable and approachable; she naturally drew you in and captivated you with her activism towards making this world better. She worked hard to expand Cervivor’s reach, always knowing that the power of our collected stories made a difference. She mentored many in our community and always said that Cervivor gave her story ‘wings’.   

HPV Roundtable: https://cervivor.org/the-national-hpv-vaccination-roundtable-2018/

One thing Holly never shied away from was sharing the true realities of cancer and cancer side effects. She was always her authentic self and her voice and messages resonated with so many. 

“I want my story and even my pain to inspire others.” 

Holly Lawson

Holly & Dilators: https://cervivor.org/dilators-after-cervical-cancer/

Cancer Broke My Cup: https://cervivor.org/cancer-broke-my-cup/

As we take time today to remember our friend and fellow advocate, we do so with equal parts joy and sorrow. Joy for what Holly gave us while she was here. Joy for all that we carry in our hearts and in our mission. And sorrow for knowing that cervical cancer continues to take our sisters, friends, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, our loved ones.

Holly left us a legacy of inspiration and dedication to ending cervical cancer that we will carry forward. Please share your memories of Holly with us.