infertility

Celebrating Cervivor’s Pathway To Parenthood Week: Embracing the Beauty of Modern Families

As we observe Cervivor’s Pathway To Parenthood Week, we honor the diverse and often non-traditional journeys to building a family. Survivorship encompasses not only survivors of cervical cancer but also those who have faced infertility, adoption, surrogacy, foster care, and other paths to parenthood.

In today’s world, family structures have evolved, and traditional norms no longer define the only way to build a family. Whether through adoption, surrogacy, foster parenting, or blended families, every journey is unique and valuable. Cervivor Aunties, Godparents, and “Bonus Kids” all play vital roles in the landscape of modern families.

Many in the Cervivor community know that life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change very suddenly. However, within the chaos, it’s essential to find peace, support, and necessary resources. The Cervivor community is a testament to each one of these pillars. Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder expresses, “I had always dreamed of being a mother. Over the next 20 years, I never lost the desire to be a mom. But I buried it deep, deep inside. I founded a community, Cervivor, to advocate for other cervical cancer patients. I helped change laws around fertility preservation. My legacy wasn’t going to be the lives that I brought into this world but the lives I would save.”

But on April Fools Day 2021, everything changed for Tamika. Fast forward now to 2024, The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund was established after Tamika received the most exceptional gift – from one Cervivor to another. This fund brings hope for those navigating the challenges of building a family. By donating to this fund, you can provide crucial assistance and support to Cervivors on their journey to parenthood. Every contribution brings us closer to making their dreams a reality.

As we navigate the complexities of modern family building, it’s essential to connect with others who understand our journeys. The Cervivor Podcast offers a safe space for intimate conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories of hope and resilience. Join us as we dive into the experiences of Cervivors and their allies, exploring topics from fertility and surrogacy to emotional healing and advocacy. Our upcoming episodes in season 4 feature:

Episode 7: Anna Ogo and Fertility Lawyer, Rijon Charne share their experiences and insights on navigating the legal aspects of family building. This episode airs on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Episode 8: Dulcely Tavarez and Dr. Terri L. Woodard discuss the intricate link between cancer and infertility, offering valuable insights and hope for those facing similar challenges. Tune in on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity of modern families and support those on their journey to parenthood. Donate to the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund. As a community, we can make a difference and empower others to build their families with hope, love, and support.

If you’re a cervical cancer patient or survivor who has navigated fertility preservation, surrogacy, foster care, or become a godparent after cancer, we want to hear from you! Your story has the power to inspire, educate, and empower others who are walking a similar path. By sharing your experiences, challenges, and triumphs, you can help create a ripple effect of hope and resilience within the Cervivor community. Take a moment to share your story today and be part of a movement that celebrates the strength and diversity of modern families.

Leaving Our Mark: National Infertility Awareness Week and the Cervical Cancer Community

This National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), we at Cervivor, Inc. are embracing the theme “Leave Your Mark” with a focus that is close to our hearts: the intersection of infertility and cervical cancer. From April 21-27, we unite under this banner, not only to raise awareness about infertility issues across the board but also to shed light on the specific challenges faced by those in the cervical cancer community.

The Intersection of Cervical Cancer and Infertility
Cervical cancer and its treatments often pose significant challenges to fertility, a fact that many of our community members know all too well. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can impact fertility, sometimes temporarily, and in many cases, permanently. This adds an additional layer of emotional and physical complexity to the cancer journey.

For many, the dream of motherhood remains strong, and the grief that accompanies the loss of fertility can be profound. This week, we want to acknowledge that grief, offer our support, and highlight the resources available for those navigating this difficult intersection.

How You Can “Leave Your Mark”
1. Wear Orange on April 24 – This year, wear orange on April 24 to stand in solidarity with those facing infertility. Orange represents a symbol of community hope and support, lighting the way forward amidst the challenges. Tag us and use hashtags #Cervivor, #CervicalCancer, and #LeaveYourMark.

2. Educate Yourself and Others – Take this week to learn more about the fertility challenges associated with cervical cancer treatments. Understanding these challenges can help you support friends, family members, or community members who are dealing with these issues.

3. Share Your Story – If you feel comfortable, share your story. Whether it’s on social media, our blog, our website, or within your circle of friends, talking about your experiences can help to destigmatize infertility issues and provide support to others going through similar struggles.

Use our hashtags #Cervivor, #CervicalCancer, and #LeaveYourMark to join the conversation.

4. Advocate for Fertility Preservation – One way to leave your mark is to advocate for better access to fertility preservation techniques and insurance coverage. These services are crucial for those undergoing treatments that may affect their reproductive health. Check out our amazing community partners over at the Alliance For Fertility Preservation to learn more.

5. Support Research and Charities – Support organizations that are working towards better treatments for cervical cancer and those addressing infertility. Cervivor has a newly established gift fund called the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund to help those impacted by cervical cancer in their family planning. Your support can make a huge difference in advancing these services even further.

In Solidarity
During National Infertility Awareness Week, let’s come together to leave a lasting mark on the fight against infertility and the mission to end cervical cancer. By wearing orange, sharing our stories, and advocating for change, we can build a community that supports everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. 

Join us to #LeaveYourMark. Remember, your voice, your story, and your support matter now more than ever.

Thank you for standing with us,

The Team at Cervivor, Inc.