Tamika Felder

Caring for Cancer Caregivers: Stories and Support from Cervivor

By Sara Lyle-Ingersoll, Cervivor Communications Director

November is National Family Caregivers Month—a time to honor and support those tireless supporters who ensure their loved ones’ meals are prepared, appointments are kept, and hope stays alive. This year’s spotlight shines even brighter with Cancer Support Community’s CEO Sally Werner, RN, BSN, MSHA, declaring 2025 the “Year of the Caregiver.”

At Cervivor, we’re leaning into this moment with the launch of our new Cancer Caregiver Support Powered By Cervivor, Inc. Facebook group—a dedicated space for cancer caregiver connection, real talk about the hard days, and helpful resources to lighten the load. 

Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder started the organization 20 years ago so no one affected by cervical cancer feels or fights alone—and that includes caregivers. “Caregivers need caregivers,” says Tamika, who became her father’s caregiver as a teenager before surviving cervical cancer herself. “We have to put our oxygen masks on first.”

The numbers make it clear why this focus on caregivers is so critical:

  • In the U.S., about 6 million adults provide unpaid care to someone with cancer, often while also holding full-time jobs to maintain income and insurance, according to a 2023 study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

  • On average, cancer caregivers devote 33 hours each week to care, with about one-third providing 41 hours or more—the equivalent of another full-time job, reports Healthline.

  • For those supporting loved ones with cervical or gynecologic cancers, the role often includes intimate tasks like post-surgical wound care, fertility navigation, and body-image support—alongside immense emotional labor.

Ultimately, supporting caregivers means strengthening survivors, families, and the fight to end cervical cancer—Cervivor’s mission. Read on for powerful stories from our community, insights from trusted partners, and resources to help care for cancer caregivers—this National Family Caregivers Month and every month.

Why Caregivers Need Support Now More Than Ever

The demands of caregiving run deep, touching every corner of daily life in ways that can feel both overwhelming yet profoundly meaningful. Cancer Support Community (CSC)’s Cancer Experience Registry shows the scope of caregiving: 77% handle medical care, 79% provide emotional support, 82% manage transportation, and many juggle household chores and finances. Yet only 16% receive formal training, leaving 58% feeling unprepared for emotional needs and 68% for their own stress.

The emotional toll hits hard: Balancing work, family, and constant worry fuels burnout, guilt, and isolation. For cervical cancer caregivers, added layers like fertility loss and intimacy challenges can strain confidence and connection. “Caregiving for cervical and gynecologic cancers can be especially complex,” says Kelly Hendershot, LGSW, LMSW, Vice President of Network & Healthcare Partnerships at CSC. “Caregivers aren’t just managing logistics—they’re helping loved ones navigate emotional and physical changes that affect identity, relationships, and self-esteem.”

Financially, it’s also a strain. Recent research shows that lower-income and working caregivers face steeper challenges—lost wages, job risks, and barriers to paid leave. In 2024 alone, CSC’s helpline fielded 1,100 calls on financial stressors like bills and insurance, notes Kelly. 

But there’s hope: Support systems exist—and they work. The right help at the right time can turn isolation into empowerment and exhaustion into resilience. Guides from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Cancer Society (ACS) highlight practical strategies like skills training for day-to-day tasks, open communication with care teams, and planned breaks to head off overload before it takes hold.

At CancerCare, Danielle Saff, Director of Social Work Programs, puts it plainly: “Our message to caregivers is simple: You are not alone, and your well-being matters.”

Kelly Hendershot of Cancer Support Community
Danielle Saff of CancerCare

To bring this research to life, we’re sharing the stories of two Cervivor community caregivers: Richie Simpson, who cared for his wife, Cervivor Ambassador Arlene Simpson, and Cervivor’s Program Coordinator Lauren Lastauskas, who not only survived cervical cancer herself but also cared for her mother, Donna, through ovarian cancer until her passing in 2022. Their journeys reveal both the hardships and the resilience at the heart of caregiving.

Richie’s Story: “Laugh More than You’re Sad”

Richie’s path as a caregiver began long before Arlene’s diagnosis. He first witnessed cancer’s toll when his mother faced breast cancer in 2001. Later, he supported Arlene’s mother during her illness and cared for his own mother through pancreatic cancer until her passing in early 2018. These experiences, he says, taught him to “learn how to do old things in new ways” and to endure with love even in devastating moments.

Arlene and Richie Simpson

When Arlene was diagnosed in 2021, Richie entered what he calls “the eye of the storm.” Caregiving meant everything from navigating private challenges like bladder and bowel struggles, to managing emotional highs and lows, to late-night “doomscrolling” in search of answers. His greatest fear was losing her, but humor kept them afloat: “Whatever it took to find a giggle, I’d do it.”

To avoid burnout, Richie set boundaries. He learned not to rely on empty promises of help, instead identifying true allies and specifying what kind of support was needed. As a couple, Richie and Arlene worked hard to remain partners, not just patient and caregiver. Their roles were fluid: Sometimes she cooked, other times he stepped in, cherishing the reward of her smile. After treatment, intimacy and identity required rebuilding. Richie reminded her that the woman she was post-cancer was not “less,” but stronger—and encouraged her to share her voice to inspire others.

Richie’s advice to other caregivers: Laughter is vital. Share calendars, plan ahead for high-need days, jot down questions for doctors, sit in silence when words fail, and “laugh more than you’re sad—you’re the uplifting light in their life.”

Lauren’s Story: A Legacy That Keeps Giving

Lauren’s caregiving story spans generations. At 23, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, with her mother Donna by her side for every appointment, surgery, and recovery milestone. Donna had long been the family’s caregiver—caring for her own mother through breast cancer recurrences and her sister through late-stage lung cancer.

Lauren Lastauskas with her mother, Donna, at her first ACS Relay For Life as a cancer survivor in 2016.

Years later, Lauren found herself caregiving in turn: First for her sister-in-law during breast cancer treatment in 2019, and then for her mother, who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in late 2021. By Christmas that year, doctors gave her a prognosis of six to eight months.

Lauren became Donna’s healthcare power of attorney, managing treatments, coordinating hospice, and making painful decisions. She helped bathe her, administered medications, and even accompanied her to the funeral home to ensure her wishes were honored. Donna passed away at home on May 7, 2022, surrounded by family.

For Lauren, caregiving brought exhaustion, isolation, and moments of resentment—but also profound love. “Even after, I’m still her caregiver—just grieving, honoring her,” she shares.

Cervivor’s founder Tamika remembers Donna as one of the organization’s earliest champions: “She was passionate, opinionated, and determined to make things happen for this community. She fundraised in gymnasiums, made signs, and wasn’t afraid to tell me exactly what Cervivor needed. I think she would be so proud to see Lauren carrying the torch now.”

Today, Lauren sees caregiving as an extension of survivorship: “Strength isn’t pretending; it’s choosing love. You’re doing your best; that’s enough. Love is a daily choice.” 

How to Care for Caregivers—Starting Today

The research is clear, and so are the lived experiences of cancer caregivers of Richie and Lauren: This work takes an enormous toll. Many feel underprepared and undersupported. What they need most is not only recognition, but also practical, accessible tools to help them sustain both their loved ones and themselves.

Whether you’re caregiving, surviving, or supporting from afar, these trusted resources can help:

  • Cancer Support Community (CSC) offers free support groups, workshops, and the MyLifeLine app, which includes a Helping Calendar to simplify requests for rides, meals, childcare, pet care, and more. The app also provides a message forum for cancer caregivers and the option to create a private website to document your journey. CSC’s nationwide Helpline (888-793-9355) is always available. “Support groups were my lifeline,” says Kelly from CSC, who was a caregiver herself. She also reminds fellow caregivers: “Rest isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”

  • CancerCare provides free virtual and in-person counseling, workshops, toolkits, publications, and My Cancer Circle, an online platform that helps families and friends coordinate care. Its HOPEline (800-813-HOPE) is available Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. “Caregiving is an act of love, but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and isolating,” says CancerCare’s Danielle. “When you care for yourself, you’re better able to care for your loved one.”

  • American Cancer Society (ACS) offers practical tools for cancer caregivers like the Caregiver Resource Guide. Their 24-7 Helpline is 1-800-227-2345.

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a Support for Caregivers page and a downloadable Caring for the Caregiver booklet. NCI emphasizes practical skills for communication, stress management, and daily caregiving.

  • Family Caregiver Alliance and the Administration for Community Living (ACL)’s National Family Caregiver Support Program provide respite programs, caregiver training, and navigation for financial assistance.

Tamika emphasizes why National Family Caregivers Month truly matters: “When we support caregivers, we strengthen survivors, families, and outcomes. Behind every Cervivor is someone who shows up with love and strength.”

Richie adds that finding a community is essential: “Connecting makes all the difference. You realize you’re part of something bigger.”

Interested in joining Cervivor’s new cancer caregivers Facebook group? Fill out this form to connect with peers, share your story, and find resources that lighten the load.

About the Author

SARA LYLE-INGERSOLL is a seasoned content and communications expert dedicated to transforming lived experiences into impactful stories. Her award-winning magazine feature about a close friend who passed from cervical cancer in their twenties led her to connect with Cervivor’s founder, Tamika Felder, and solidified her commitment to cervical cancer awareness and prevention. Now, as Cervivor’s Communications Director, Sara brings this mission full circle.

Cervivor Founder: A Voice for Cervical Cancer Survivors and Health Equity This Black Philanthropy Month

When Tamika Felder founded Cervivor, Inc., in 2005, she wasn’t trying to build a national nonprofit with global reach. She was simply navigating her own cervical cancer diagnosis and determined that no woman should feel as alone as she once did.

Today, as Founder and Chief Visionary of Cervivor, Tamika leads an international movement to eliminate cervical cancer and confront health disparities—especially those affecting women of color.

During Black Philanthropy Month—and on Give 8/28, a national day dedicated to uplifting Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits—Tamika’s story is a powerful reminder of how Black leaders are driving change in health equity and advocacy. For her, the day is rooted in pride and visibility. “I’ve always been a part of community service,” she says, reflecting on the example set by her parents. “There are so many Black organizations doing incredible work, but they don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Give 8/28 is a day to say we’re proud to lead these organizations.”

Here, Tamika shares her wisdom and advice for others—whether you’re launching a nonprofit or fighting for access to quality healthcare for all.

Finding Her ‘Why’ and Reclaiming Her Voice

One of Tamika’s guiding messages as a leader and survivor is the importance of finding your “why”—the driving force behind your advocacy work and passion. For her, that “why” was born during cancer treatment and its aftermath, as she grieved the sudden end of her career as an up-and-coming broadcast journalist in Washington, D.C., and the loss of her fertility. “Little by little, the trauma had less of a hold on my life, and I began to embrace the possibilities that life beyond cancer could hold,” she says.

A pivotal moment came when she was asked to testify in support of a Maryland law to safeguard parenthood for young adult cancer patients. “Through tears and shaky hands, I shared my story with legislators, and it made a difference,” she recalls. The Protect Parenthood law was ultimately passed in 2018. Since then, Tamika has continued to use her powerful voice—speaking on Presidential Panels and global stages, serving on national roundtables, and appearing in award-winning documentaries and major publications.

“Black Philanthropy Month is about increasing visibility for Black-led nonprofits,” she says. “Some people might look at Cervivor and think, ‘Well, it already has great visibility.’ But until cervical cancer is eliminated, it will always need more.”

Centering Health Equity

Tamika has always been clear: While the mission of Cervivor is universal—cervical cancer prevention and elimination—the path forward must address inequities that disproportionately affect Black and brown women. And she doesn’t mince words about why health equity is central to her work. “We know that there are disparity gaps in this space, and that people of color, especially Black and brown women, are falling through those gaps at a higher incidence,” she explains.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. With the HPV vaccine, Pap tests, HPV testing, and now self-collection options, the prevention tools exist to save lives. Yet Black women continue to face higher rates of diagnosis and death. Tamika believes part of the solution lies in representation: survivors telling their own stories and trusted messengers bringing information to their communities.

The image is a graphic featuring a quote and a photograph. The quote, displayed on the left side of the image, reads: "MY LEGACY WOULDN'T BE THE LIVES I BROUGHT INTO THE WORLD. IT WAS GOING TO BE THE LIVES THAT I SAVED." The text is presented in a large, bold font, with the words "MY LEGACY," "WAS GOING TO BE THE," and "LIVES THAT I SAVED" in teal, and "WOULDN'T BE THE," "LIVES I BROUGHT," and "IT" in red and orange. To the right of the quote is a photograph of a group of eight women, all wearing white or light-colored shirts with the word "cervivor" printed on them. They are seated on two white couches, arranged in a conversational manner. The background of the photograph features a wood-paneled wall adorned with a large piece of artwork. At the bottom-right corner of the image, three logos are visible. The first logo, situated closest to the photograph, reads "cervivor" in teal text, accompanied by the tagline "informed. empowered. alive." in smaller text below. The second logo, positioned to the right of the first, displays the name "Tamika Felder" in orange text. The overall design of the image suggests that it may be related to a campaign or organization focused on cervical cancer awareness or support.
Cervivor Noir community members at last year’s Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat For Communities of Color in Cleveland, OH.

“When I first started sharing my story, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me,” she says. “Every time I see a Black woman sharing their story and sharing the correct scientific information behind cervical cancer, it makes me feel really, really proud.”

The Power of Patient Stories

Tamika has built Cervivor around the conviction that data alone is not enough. “We gave the data, but we didn’t tell the story,” a researcher once told her. That insight reshaped her advocacy.

“You hear all the time that patient stories are important, but I uniquely got it,” Tamika reflects. “My story makes a difference. The hard parts of my story that I may not want to talk about can make a difference. ”From Cleveland to Rwanda, Cervivor has seen an impact by uplifting patient voices. At a Cleveland Clinic event, Cervivor ensured that “no one was left out of the screening” by providing culturally specific support through Cervivor Español and Cervivor Noir.

The image shows four people standing together in a restaurant or cafe. The man on the left is wearing a light blue shirt and jeans, with a black cap. The man next to him is wearing a light blue button-down shirt and jeans, holding a brown leather bag. The woman beside him has curly hair and is wearing a colorful patterned top with black pants and red sneakers. The woman on the right is wearing a light blue t-shirt with a black cardigan and khaki pants. The background features a brick wall adorned with various paintings and decorations, including a large abstract piece behind the group. The atmosphere appears to be casual and friendly, suggesting that the individuals are friends or acquaintances gathered for a social occasion.
Tamika Felder and group in Rwanda (2017)
The image depicts a group of women gathered behind a table, with a prominent blue tablecloth featuring the word "cervivor" and the tagline "informed. empowered. alive." The women are all wearing white t-shirts with the same logo, and they appear to be standing outside a building. The table is adorned with various items, including brochures, cups, and other promotional materials. One woman is holding a baby, adding a personal touch to the scene. The overall atmosphere suggests that the group is participating in an event or campaign related to cervical cancer awareness, as indicated by the "cervivor" branding. The image conveys a sense of community and solidarity among the women, who are likely survivors or advocates for cervical cancer research and support.
The full group known as the “Ladies in White” in Cleveland

These stories matter because they reveal the lived reality of surviving cervical cancer—the hysterectomies, infertility, ostomies, and lifelong side effects often invisible to the public. “If we just let the general population tell it, well, you survived it, you’re doing fine. But I don’t look like what I’ve been through,” Tamika says.

Building Trust and Representation

Trust is everything in underserved communities, and Tamika insists on meeting people where they are. “I go to those communities. If I don’t go myself, someone from my organization goes. We talk to them. We build trust,” she says.

The image is a collage of photographs and text, with the title "OUR STORIES MATTER" in large blue letters at the top. The collage is divided into 13 sections, each containing a different image or graphic. The images depict various individuals and groups, some of whom are wearing matching white shirts with the logo "cervivor" on them. Some of the images appear to be from events or gatherings, while others show people posing for photos or holding signs. In addition to the images, there are several text elements throughout the collage. Some of these include quotes, headlines, and article snippets. One notable text element is a newspaper clipping with the headline "Cancer survivor advocates for others fighting for life." Another section features a quote from a woman who says, "I am proud every year that I celebrate a birthday, because of what I've gone through." The background of the image is white, with orange dots scattered around the edges of the collage. In the bottom-right corner, there is a logo that reads "Tamika Felder" in orange and blue text, accompanied by a stylized graphic of a person. Overall, the image appears to be promoting a message of resilience and advocacy, particularly in the context of cancer survivorship. The use of bright colors and uplifting imagery suggests a positive and empowering tone.
A small glimpse of the Cervivor community’s global advocacy footprint

Representation plays a central role in Cervivor’s impact. Tamika works to ensure that photos, videos, and programs reflect diverse survivors. “I never want anyone not to see themselves,” she explains. “There’s something special to be said by connecting with people who’ve gone through what you’ve gone through.”

Resilience and Self-Care in Leadership

Running a nonprofit rooted in lived trauma is deeply personal work, and Tamika is candid about the toll. “There are points where it’s going to be really hard, but when you’re really committed to this work, you’ll find a way to keep going,” she says.

The image is a collage of 84 headshots of women, arranged in six rows, with a light blue background that gradually darkens towards the top. The headshots are presented in white-bordered boxes, each containing a photo of a woman and her name, along with her birth and death years. The women depicted are diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, and attire. At the bottom of the image, the text "WITH CERVIVOR, THEY LIVE ON #ENDCERVICALCANCER" is displayed in white, accompanied by the Cervivor logo in the bottom-right corner. The overall tone of the image is somber, as it appears to be a tribute to women who have passed away from cervical cancer.

Tamika with Lisa Simms Booth, Executive Director of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

As a survivor herself, every death in the community is another wound. “It’s another person who’s died from a preventable disease, and so I have to really practice self-care around that,” she shares. Surrounding herself with other Black women nonprofit leaders helps her carry the weight. “It’s a very hard time, not only for nonprofits, but nonprofits run by Black women. Knowing that you’re not alone helps it be manageable.”

Standing Firm on Equity

Even as some organizations shy away from terms like “DEI” or “health equity” in response to political pressures, Tamika refuses to dilute Cervivor’s mission. “Just because we change and don’t call a thing a thing doesn’t mean that we don’t experience it,” she says. “We’ve already had a funder not fund us because of our Communities of Color retreat. And I’m not going to change the name of it. No one is going to die from cervical cancer on my watch.”

Her vision is clear: to leave behind a legacy of courage, visibility, and unrelenting advocacy.

A Legacy of Hope and Action

What began as one woman’s way to not feel alone has become a global movement of survivors, advocates, and educators. Tamika is proud of how Cervivor has connected patients, clinicians, community workers, and researchers. “We’ve inspired patients, educated clinicians, and shifted the narrative around cervical cancer,” she says.

A group of 15 women stand together, smiling and holding certificates in front of a wall with a pattern of large gray circles on a white background. The women are dressed in casual attire, with some wearing jeans and others wearing dresses or skirts. They are all facing the camera, with some looking directly at it and others gazing slightly off to the side. The certificates they hold feature a blue silhouette of a woman, although the text on the certificates is not legible. The overall atmosphere of the image is one of celebration and achievement, as the women proudly display their certificates.
The inaugural Cervivor School class (2014)
The image depicts a large group of people gathered in a conference room, posing for a photograph. The majority of the individuals are women, with a few men present. They are all dressed in business casual attire and wear blue lanyards around their necks. The group is arranged in rows, with some seated on chairs in the front and others standing behind them. In the background, a large screen displays a video conference with several people visible on it. The room's decor features wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, complemented by white curtains on either side of the screen. A cluster of balloons in shades of yellow, orange, and teal is visible to the left of the image. At the bottom right corner, a logo reads "Cervical Cancer Summit" accompanied by the tagline "informed. empowered. alive." alongside the word "cervivor."
Attendees at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered By Cervivor, Inc.

On Black Philanthropy Day, her journey reminds us that philanthropy is not just about giving money—it’s about giving voice, visibility, and leadership. Tamika embodies all three, leading with resilience and purpose to ensure that no one falls through the gaps in the fight against cervical cancer.

Support the Mission

This Black Philanthropy Month, we invite you to support Tamika’s vision and Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer through advocacy, education, and community. Here’s how you can take action:  

  • Give $20 on 8/28: As part of Cervivor’s year-long Tell 20, Give 20 campaign, your $20 donation will directly support a Black-led nonprofit committed to health equity for all. 
  • Engage with Cervivor: Follow us on social media, share our posts, and help amplify the voices of cervical cancer survivors and advocates. Your engagement builds awareness, strengthens our community, and inspires action.
  • Attend Cervivor Events: From Cervivor School and monthly virtual meetups to the next Cervical Cancer Summit—your presence makes a difference. Show up, speak out, and stand with us.