Survivor Slimdown

Reflecting On 15 Years Cancer-Free

Every year, on May 5, also known as “Cinco de Mayo”, I celebrate my cancerversary. This year I am celebrating 15 years of being cancer-free. Wow! Let me take that in just a few more seconds – 15 years! – What a blessing. Fifteen years is a big milestone for me. It is a milestone that I thought I would never reach, but here we are.  

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IIB just 3 months after I retired from the New York City Police Department after being a police officer for 20 years. After I retired, my husband and I were ready to enjoy our lives. However, some plans do not happen when we want them to happen. 

My world went dark as soon as I heard “You have cancer”. I did not see the possibility of being here 15 years later. My journey was difficult, to say the least. After 7 treatments of chemotherapy, 35 treatments of external radiation, and 2 treatments of internal radiation (brachytherapy) I was lucky enough to come out on the other side.

I must be honest and say that even when my doctor said I was “cancer-free” I felt lost. Everything was still dark. I did not know what to do. Yes! I was grateful, but I did not recognize myself. I did not know the woman staring at me in front of the mirror. She was not the woman I was before. 

Cancer for sure changed my life forever. It took time to put the pieces back together. It is definitely a slow process. Most people think that when you are cancer-free you can pick up where you left off. This is further from the truth. You become a different person. 

It has been a journey of highs and lows while re-inventing myself. I can look at the negative side and say my body has changed, and even after 15 years, there is still the fear of cancer coming back. I live with the physical and mental scars this monster left me. I deal with the many secondary effects of my treatments, and I can go on with so many other things, but I will not. 

I focus on being positive and grateful for every single day. I choose to live every day like it will be my last, but if it is not – I drop to my knees and give thanks. I embrace the good, the bad, and the in-between. It is all part of my gift of life.

Today, I am grateful that I am also part of an extraordinary cervical cancer community. A community of women woven together. We lean on one another, learn from one another, celebrate together, and grieve together when we lose one of our own. I have met women who are courageous, strong, determined, and supportive. Women who have personally inspired and motivated me to make my survivorship count by becoming an advocate of this disease to help other women. 

Therefore, before I end this– I want to remind women to get their cervical cancer screenings and to vaccinate their children (both boys and girls) with the HPV vaccine to protect them from six different cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. Let us protect the next generation.  

Now, let us celebrate today – have a margarita in my name if you wish, but my true wish is for you to consider donating $15 to Cervivor. Please support our mission to educate, and support women with this disease, and end cervical cancer. This is within our reach. 

Patti Murillo-Casa is a Cervivor Ambassador and Cervivor’s Health and Wellness Coach who manages the Survivor Slimdown Facebook Group. She also co-leads Cervivor Español. Patti is a retired NYPD police officer and a 15-year cervical cancer survivor. She resides in NYC with her husband of 25 years where she is a Group Fitness Instructor, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Health Advocate. 

Remembering Our History-Making Cervivor Ambassadors

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we take a moment to honor the remarkable contributions and legacies of three inspiring Cervivor Ambassadors who left an undeniable mark on our community and our mission to end cervical cancer.

Laura Brennan: A Light in the Darkness
[September 30th, 1992 – March 20th, 2019]
In the vibrant landscape of Ireland, Laura Brennan illuminated a path of hope and action in bringing awareness to cervical cancer. A tireless advocate, Laura’s journey began with her own diagnosis of cervical cancer at a young age. Faced with this challenge, Laura turned her pain into purpose, becoming a leading voice in the campaign to increase HPV vaccination rates across Ireland.

Her dedication and heartfelt advocacy efforts sparked a surge of almost 20% in the number of young women choosing to receive the HPV vaccine. Laura’s impact rippled far beyond her native shores, inspiring countless individuals worldwide to take proactive steps toward cervical cancer prevention. Despite her untimely passing at the age of 26, Laura’s legacy continues to shine brightly, serving as a place of hope for future generations.

Holly Lawson: Advocating with Heart
[November 8, 1978 – March 13, 2020]
From the heart of Texas emerged Holly Lawson, a force of nature whose passion for advocacy knew no bounds. As a dedicated educator and lifelong learner, Holly’s journey with cervical cancer propelled her into the realm of patient advocacy, where she found her true calling. Embracing her role as a Cervivor Ambassador, Holly poured her heart and soul into supporting and uplifting others impacted by cervical cancer.

Through her leadership roles within the Cervivor community, including her invaluable contributions as the Community Engagement Liaison and Co-Administrator of Survivor Slimdown, Holly touched the lives of countless patients and survivors. Her infectious spirit, Southern charm, and determination inspired all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Holly’s legacy of resilience and compassion continues to remind us of the power of advocacy and community support.

Becky Wallace: Fierce Mama Bear
[March 21, 1983 – October 14, 2021]
In the golden state of California, Becky Wallace emerged as a survivor with a heart as vast as the Pacific Ocean. Faced with the challenge of cervical cancer, Becky approached her diagnosis with courage, grace, and determination to make a difference.

As a devoted mother and fierce advocate, Becky dedicated herself to raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention, supporting others on their cancer journeys, and making sure that her fellow mothers and community of Asian women to “Know Their Existence”. Her boundless kindness and infectious laughter touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Becky’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she inspired, a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and community.


Thank You for Your Enduring Legacy
As we reflect on the immeasurable contributions of Laura (26), Holly (41), and Becky (38), we are filled with profound gratitude for their dedication to ending cervical cancer for all. Their advocacy, boundless compassion, and courage have left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring countless individuals to take action and stand united in the mission to end this devastating disease. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to Laura, Holly, and Becky for their enduring legacy of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Their voices will forever echo in the hearts of those they touched, guiding us forward in our shared mission to create a future where cervical cancer is a thing of the past.