#Screen4Me

Remembering Gina Yong Lee Gossett

Last week, we lost Gina Yong Lee-Gossett, a courageous cervical cancer patient and advocate whose Cervivor spirit inspired countless lives. As we come to terms with her passing, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact Gina had on our community and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. 

Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder shares in our collective grief:“Gina was a beacon of strength, charisma, and humor. Despite the challenges she faced – initially beating cervical cancer, enduring its return, and navigating all the emotions and struggles that come with it – she remained determined to move forward and stay positive. Her final Instagram post, where she shared her decision to enter hospice, was a stark reminder of the devastating effects of this disease. This loss underscores the fragility of life and the importance of our work to prevent cervical cancer. Gina leaves an indelible mark on our organization. Her contributions – from expressing her gratitude for caregivers in a Cervivor blog to her uplifting presence in every interaction will our community – will never be forgotten.”

Gina faced cervical cancer for over seven years, a testament to her extraordinary determination, positivity, and self-advocacy. Her selfless sharing of experiences, advice, and support has left a lasting mark on the Cervivor community.

Cervivor Ambassador and Podcast Host Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio shares cherished memories of Gina: “Over two years ago, I had the honor of meeting Gina, a woman whose smile and spirit could instantly brighten any room. We bonded quickly over our shared experiences with cervical cancer, and from that moment on, Gina became a source of inspiration in my life. Her optimism was contagious, and she faced her diagnosis with an unwavering grace that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Gina was passionate about ensuring that everyone, especially for those in the Asian community, had access to adequate healthcare. She was a fierce advocate, driven by her belief in the importance of equal treatment and care for all. Even in the face of her own challenges, Gina never wavered in her mission to make a difference. Though Gina has passed, her legacy lives on in the those she touched and the fight she championed. I promise, Gina, that we will continue this fight together, honoring the spirit and strength you showed us every day.”

Cervivor Ambassador and Community Engagement Liaison Morgan Newman expresses the depth of this loss: “I will forever cherish the memory of Gina’s presence at the 2021 Cervivor Brand Day, which was my first in-person event post-pandemic. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Gina’s bright humor and incredible smile were a breath of fresh air, making everyone feel welcome and at ease. Her positivity was infectious, and I was deeply moved by her kindness and compassion. In a room full of strangers, Gina had a way of making each person feel seen and valued. I will never forget her spark.”.

Gina was driven by a deep passion to inspire others to take control of their health. Her commitment to eradicating cervical cancer led her to engage in various initiatives, from participating in an informative Surrogacy Q&A session to attending the 2021 Cervivor Brand Day. Cervivor Ambassador and fellow surrogate mom Ginny Marable shares: “I think what stands out most is her grit and grace through it all – she showed us what truly living with cancer looks like and she never stopped cheering others on around her. She made a positive impact on my life and I will forever do my best to honor her legacy. She holds a special place in my heart.”

Gina’s journey resonated deeply with the Cervivor community, but her impact extended far beyond, as she shared her story with numerous media outlets, including news interviews and articles. Through these platforms, Gina amplified her message of empowerment, urging individuals to prioritize their health and take the crucial step of getting regular cancer screenings. By speaking openly about her experiences, Gina humanized the statistics and reminded everyone that cervical cancer affects real people, loved ones, and communities. 

Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer Kimberly Williams remembers how Gina made an immediate impression on her: “I only met Gina once, but her radiant smile and strength left an indelible mark on me. Despite the challenges she faced, she refused to give up, choosing instead to share her story and be a guiding light for others. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to meet her.”.

Long-time Cervivor Makeup Artist Jessica Winchell offers fond remembrances of Gina, “Sweet Gina, such a gentle soul. I remember meeting her for the first time at Cervivor’s Brand Day. She was so happy to be there that weekend. It was my greatest honor to do her hair and makeup that day – we laughed and shared stories like we had known each other forever. I remember her smiling big when she saw herself. From being nervous to sit in the chair, she left confident to share her story, she reminded me what bravery looked like one big smile at a time. Gina will be sorely missed and not easily forgotten.”.

To honor her legacy, let’s commit to sharing her story, reminding our friends and loved ones of the importance of regular screenings, and educating others about the importance of the HPV vaccine. By taking action and spreading awareness, we can keep her memory alive. Please #Screen4Gina and help protect others.

The Ladies in the White Shirts

Cervivor is committed to making a difference by working to close disparity gaps that continue to plague Communities of Color. This commitment led Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder, and Cervivor’s Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, Kimberly Williams to unite community members this past weekend from around the world—Honduras, St. Lucia, and U.S. states like Texas, Maryland, California, Alabama, New York, North Carolina, Iowa, and more—to Cleveland, Ohio, for the Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color. This retreat wasn’t just a local event; it was a global movement. We had community members participating via Zoom from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Africa, emphasizing our commitment to advocating for change worldwide.

Empowering Knowledge
Renowned experts from the Cleveland Clinic and Langston Hughes shared their insights on cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and advocacy. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the importance of:

  • Routine screenings and HPV vaccination.
  • The need for cultural competency in healthcare.
  • Ways for them to engage in community outreach and education.

After an expert-led panel, Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, Kimberly Williams recapped the powerful message, “An educated patient takes action.”

(From Left to Right: Dr. Goje, Dr. Beffa, Dr. Amarnath, Dr. Sutherland of the Cleveland Clinic, and Kimberly Williams, Chief DEI Officer, Cervivor, Inc.).
(Ms. Chantel Wilcox of Langston Hughes shared the mission-driven work in the community).

Participants also had the opportunity to discuss self-collection cervical cancer screening and participated in discussions that answered questions about self-collection and its importance in eliminating cervical cancer. This discussion aided the advocates in understanding and promoting self-collection as a viable option for early detection when they return to their communities.

A special session with Dr. Leeya Pinder, who practices both in the United States and Africa, provided a global perspective on the issue of access (not just screening and treatment, but also clinical trials). Dr. Pinder explained the dire need for advocacy to end the disease, highlighting that many individuals with a cervix in these countries lack access to essential screening materials, leading to detrimental results. Her insights allowed participants to see the full circle of need in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

(Cassie Ricci, Roche Diagnostics, discusses the latest for self-collection).
(Dr. Leeya Pinder pays acknowledgment to Mrs. Henrietta Lacks during an impactful session).

Turning Knowledge into Action
On Saturday, Cervivor launched Cervivor Cares, which is our initiative to raise awareness about cervical cancer in communities through education, volunteering, and active presence. We engaged in community outreach, raised funds, and supported the mission to eliminate cervical cancer by providing essential resources and promoting access to necessary screening and treatment for all. 

What better way to launch Cervivor Cares, than a Cervivor in Action day after a full day of classroom training? That’s right, our retreat participants increased their advocacy footprint by putting their knowledge into action. They volunteered their time at a clinic hosted by Medworks and the Cleveland Clinic that provided preventative screenings to the underserved community of Cleveland, Ohio. 

(Cervivor Español and Latinx Attendees).
(Dr. Mary Sia Uy-Kroh, MedWorks Board Member, sharing how Cervivor was making a world of impact).

It was not only an opportunity for preventive screenings, it was an opportunity for our participants to bring education and empowerment to all those who attended and were touched by our volunteers. Without hesitation, our retreat participants assisted by sharing their stories and expressing the importance of our mission. Our Cervivor Español, attendees translated to and for patients in every facet including the exam room so patients understood the physician’s questions and requests. This group put the information they learned into action immediately. Our participants met people where they were, in their daily routines —urging them to schedule their cervical cancer screenings, attend follow-ups, and the importance of HPV vaccination. 

As they shared their stories and stressed the importance of cervical cancer screenings and HPV Vaccination, the clinic was buzzing with excitement. Patients and staff alike began referring to them as “The Ladies in the White Shirts,” urging others, “You need to go talk to the ladies in the white shirts.”  These Cervivors were educating patients before they even walked through the door, helping them understand that regardless of their past, getting screened and following up on any abnormalities now is crucial. The retreat participants’ presence underscored the importance of the Cervivor mission and served as a reminder that their story mattered, and was already making a difference.

Embracing the Spirit of the Ladies in the White Shirts
As we reflect on this transformative event, we celebrate the spirit of “The Ladies in the White Shirts”—the Cervivor community. Each of you embodies this spirit by wearing your shirt, sharing your story, and advocating for screening. Your dedication makes you a vital part of the movement to end cervical cancer. In the words of Gwendolyn Jackson, “You have prepared me to go out into my community.” If you don’t feel prepared, we have programs available for you!

Lindsay Gullatte-Lee (Mentor) and Gwendolyn Jackson (Attendee) in their white Cervivor Cares tees.
(A snapshot of programming Cervivor offers).

We encourage everyone to grab your Cervivor Spark, use the hashtags #Screen4Me and #Cervivor, and continue advocating for cervical cancer screenings. By sharing your story and spreading awareness, you become a powerful advocate, helping others access the screenings they need and contributing to a future free from cervical cancer. Together, as a community working to eradicate cervical cancer, let’s continue to make our voices heard, drive change, and support each other in this crucial mission.

Cervivor would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to our sponsors, including Pfizer, Genmab, Roche, and The Marchetta Family (Vince, Amanda, & William in honor of their late wife and mother, Betsy), as well as our in-kind donors, La Roche-Posay, Kafela, Lepley & Co., and Kesh the Creative, for their generous support and contributions to our mission.