Patti Murillo Casa

Reflecting on the Cervical Cancer Summit: A Step Forward in Cervical Cancer

Last week, the global cervical cancer community came together for a momentous occasion for the Biden Cancer Moonshot Cervical Cancer Forum with a crucial discussion being led nonother by our Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder.

Tamika Felder Moderates the Cervical Cancer Forum on January 25, 2024
Tamika Felder Gives Welcoming Remarks at the Cervical Cancer Summit

Then over the weekend, the Cervical Cancer Summit powered by Cervivor was held at NeueHouse in New York City. This event brought experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, family members, and patient advocate voices together under one roof to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and strategies in the cervical cancer space. Check out the key takeaways from the summit, highlighting the crucial discussions and initiatives that can potentially shape the future of cervical cancer.

The State of Cervical Cancer: The summit kicked off with a sobering overview of the current domestic and global burden of cervical cancer. Dr. Catharine Young or the Biden Cancer Moonshot, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address this preventable disease. The discussions underscored the importance of raising awareness and implementing widespread screening programs to detect and treat cervical cancer at an early, more manageable stage. Followed by the basics of cervical cancer and treatment by world-renowned Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Onyinye Balogun.

Collaboration and Communication: Local Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Jason Wright teamed up with long-time patient advocate and Cervivor Ambassador, Patti Murillo Casa to share how effective communication and partnership have benefited in raising awareness in New York. 

Dr. Catharine Young, Biden Cancer Moonshot, Patti Murillo Casa, and Dr. Jason Wright enjoying the Summit.
Jonny Imerman, Imerman Angels & ClozTalk

Dynamic Keynote Addresses: By Jonny Imerman, Co-Founder of Imerman Angels and Cloz Talk, and Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen and the Promise Fund.

Addressing Disparities: One of the summit’s overarching goals was to address health disparities in cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Expert and patient-led panels discussed the challenges faced by marginalized communities, both in terms of access to healthcare and cultural barriers. The summit called for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to ensure that cervical cancer prevention strategies are equitable and accessible to all.

Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce Presenting on Stigma and Vaccination
Dr. Nany Pena Presenting on Cultural Stigma and Health Equity

Vaccination and Stigma: Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, emerged as a central theme. Presenters shared updates on vaccination and strategies to improve HPV vaccine coverage globally. The summit emphasized the importance of education and outreach efforts to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding HPV vaccination, ensuring that more individuals receive the protection they need and eliminating the stigma surrounding it.

The Cervical Cancer Summit is a milestone in the ongoing mission to end cervical cancer. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for change, the summit has set the stage for a future where cervical cancer is not just treatable but preventable. As we reflect on the discussions and initiatives sparked by this event, it is evident that the path forward involves a collective commitment to prioritize women’s health globally.

Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder announced on Saturday the establishment of The Virginia “Ginny” Marable “Cervivor Baby” Grant: Supporting Your Path to Parenthood.

Congratulations to the 2024 Cervivor Champion recipients: Jonny Imerman, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Dr. Linda Eckert, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce, Michelle Whitlock, Lorie Wallace, Karen North, and Gilma Pereda! Your dedication and contributions to Cervivor’s mission are truly commendable. Your efforts make a significant impact in raising awareness, supporting those impacted, and advancing research in the mission to end cervical cancer. Cervivor applauds your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals affected by this disease.

We appreciate the generous support from our dedicated sponsors: Hologic, Seagen, Genmab, BD, and Roche. 

35 Hospital Bracelets: Symbols Of My Journey With Cervical Cancer

“35 Bracelets”? I am not referring to beautiful gold bracelets that one wears to symbolize something special, or gifts that people give to one another as a symbol of their relationship.


I am referring to 35 hospital bracelets. I was given one each time I had an external radiation treatment. It has been 11 years and 2 months since I was declared cancer FREE, and I still have them.  


Why? As a reminder of where I’ve been, and every step I have taken since then. As a reminder of every single treatment that I had to go through to fight cervical cancer. As a reminder that at one time I was identified by a bar code with numbers. As a reminder of coming face to face with my own mortality. As a reminder of the person I’ve become today. As a reminder to share my story to prevent other women from going through what I did.  

Many cancer patients document their journeys either by writing on their journals, blogs or by taking pictures while going through treatments. Well, I have to say, I didn’t do any of those things. I didn’t write about it, talk about it,  nor did I take pictures of myself while in treatment. Yet, I know it did happen. I have the memories and the scars.


I guess these 35 hospital bracelets tell part of the story, but the memories of my journey are embedded in my mind. I remember what it took for me to get out of bed every single day to go for treatment, I remember every machine used on me and I remember every needle that went through my skin. I don’t put away these hospital bracelets in a closet where I don’t see them. I have them in plain sight. They hang on the side of my refrigerator in a simple Rite Aid® plastic bag. 


Perhaps I can be more sensitive and put them in a nicer bag, but I wont.  That Rite Aid® bag is what I chose back then when I started collecting them one by one. They have been there all 11+ years, and will remain there as a reminder of the work I need to do as an advocate of this disease. I sometimes regret that I did not take any pictures, but at that time, it wasn’t even a thought. Pictures, journals, blogs even these 35 hospital bracelets can be destroyed or lost, but my memories will live with me for a lifetime. 

Patti is a Cervivor Ambassador and Cervivor’s Wellness Instructor. She is a retired NYPD police officer and an 11 year cervical cancer survivor. She resides in NYC with her husband of 21 years where she’s a Group Fitness Instructor and a Health Advocate.