HPV awareness

Why I’m a cervical cancer advocate

ericaSometimes life takes you in directions you never expected. I have never thought of myself as a writer. I never set out to be an inspiration for people or even to be an advocate for a cause. I also never planned to hear the words, “You have cancer.”

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. I started out blogging for very selfish reasons: I wanted to be able to update my family and friends without having to call each person individually. I wanted a way to document what was happening to me, and it was honestly therapeutic to get all my feelings out in writing.

I didn’t set out to make a difference, be an inspiration to others, or even to create cervical cancer awareness. As my cancer journey evolved, I was contacted by a variety of individuals and there was one common connection: they had all seen and were touched by my blog. It was after these individuals started contacting me that I realized my blogging wasn’t just for me, or even just for people who knew me. It was a platform to inspire others and spread awareness about cervical cancer and HPV.

Today, advocacy is an important part of my life. I have been fortunate enough to work with Roche to develop a video chronicling my story which has been used to reach out to doctors across the state of Indiana to express the importance of screening for HPV. Through Cervivor, I have had the opportunity to join a group of women who share my passion for advocacy. I had the fabulous experience of attending Cervivor School San Diego to learn more about how to effectively advocate for awareness and how to share my story in the most impactful way.

Cervivor School ignited a flame for advocacy. Working along with these passionate women, there are several great things in the works. We are working to do outreach at a variety of colleges to help educate students and professionals about HPV and cervical cancer, organizing more opportunities for Cervivor schools, and developing a fabulous campaign for January, which is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. So, why is advocacy important? Well, for starters, did you know that it is possible to completely eradicate cervical cancer? Let that sink in for a minute.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 12,900 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in 2015 and about 4,100 women will die from cervical cancer in 2015 alone! That is more than 11 women per day dying from a cancer that is preventable! I cannot imagine a better reason to advocate.

We could end this cancer! We could end these deaths! Advocacy is important, no matter how big or small. I have embraced my passion for advocacy. Afterall, if everyone just waited for someone else to do it, it would never get done.

— Cervivor Erica

Tell your story: Talking about HPV matters

Whether you know it or not, every single thing we do matters. I can’t tell you how many times I have encouraged one of our Cervivor sisters to share her story. I’ve been working with women for years and I am so proud when I see them share their story and the impact that single story makes. I was recently invited to share my story at an event for the NHMA DC-Metro Region Medical Forum: Screening and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Hispanic Women. While, I never have a problem sharing my story, I knew that this speaking opportunity would be better suited for their target audience – a Latina. I knew the perfect person and I knew she would be terrified but she said yes and she showed up!  Watch as Vanessa shares her story publicly for the first time, and while doing so, she realized the importance of her voice in the cervical cancer space. -Tamika


When Patti asked me to write my story years ago I hesitated at first. But then, I figure, it would be ok because I could hide behind my computer. When Tamika asked me to tell my story in person surrounded by a group of professionals, I have to admit, I wanted to call out sick.

Around one year ago we did a video for Cervivor. Tamika was able to see first-hand how nervous I get when I’m in the spotlight. She didn’t give me much time to prepare last week for the NHMA DC-Metro Region Medical Forum: Screening and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Hispanic Women. Knowing I would get nervous, I think she withheld that little detail that I would be a guest speaker. Well played, Tamika. Well played.

Before arriving at the event, I felt I was a cheater. Why I should I share my story? I never had cancer or went through chemotherapy. I didn’t loose my hair or the ability to have children. Why should I be there telling my story? And that’s when it dawned on me: I’m what they are fighting for.

For HPV to be caught on time and treated BEFORE becoming a cancer diagnosis. For my women to have a chance to live their lives after having HPV, and being able to have children. I was there to show those doctors they are fighting for us. They fought for ME. I was there to show them that their work is not in vain. I was one of those they saved.

While I sat there in the front row, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Ruchi Garg M.D. and Dr. Larry Maxwell, M.D. before my speech. Sitting there listening to them and the statistics of Cervical Cancer, I couldn’t help to think, “I’m what they are fighting for.”

Even tough I went through a four-year fight with HPV, I was able to have a child. My husband has a wife, my parents didn’t have to lose their child, and my child didn’t have to grow up without a mother because my HPV was caught on time and treated.

Afterward my speech I felt empowered, proud and extremely honored to be able to share my story. I learned that one story, my story, can truly make a difference.

– Vanessa