Tamika Felder

Advocating For Health Equity: National Minority Cancer Awareness Week

In the landscape of healthcare, awareness, and action are essential to address disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. National Minority Cancer Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder of the health inequities faced by populations historically marginalized, discriminated against, and excluded in American society. It’s a time to not only acknowledge these disparities but also to highlight organizations dedicated to promoting health equity. Among them is Cervivor, Inc., providing education, empowerment, and walking in purpose through advocacy to end cervical cancer.

A Call to Action: Under-represented communities in the United States often experience higher rates of cancer incidence and mortality, coupled with lower survival rates compared to the general population. These disparities are multifaceted, stemming from various factors such as socioeconomic status, lack of access to healthcare, cultural barriers, and systemic discrimination. National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, observed annually in April, provides an opportunity to shed light on these issues and mobilize efforts toward change. During this week, conversations around cancer prevention, early detection, and access to quality care are amplified, with a specific focus on underserved and under-represented communities. It’s a time for education, outreach, and advocacy to address the root causes of health disparities and ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, have equitable access to healthcare resources.

Championing Health Equity: At the forefront of the mission to end cervical cancer and to close the gap in health disparities is Cervivor, Inc. Founded by 23-year cervical cancer survivor Tamika Felder, Cervivor is a non-profit organization dedicated to cervical cancer advocacy, support, and education. What sets Cervivor apart is its commitment to addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities, including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, rural residents, young adults, and those facing socioeconomic challenges.

Cervivor’s mission extends beyond raising awareness about cervical cancer; it’s about empowering individuals to become advocates for their own health and well-being. Through a combination of educational resources, support networks, and community outreach initiatives, Cervivor works tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind in the mission to end cervical cancer. One of the cornerstones of Cervivor’s approach is its emphasis on health equity. Recognizing that marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing healthcare, Cervivor strives to bridge these gaps through targeted outreach programs, culturally sensitive resources, and partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Embrace Inclusion: In addition to its focus on cervical cancer advocacy, Cervivor is also actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the healthcare sector.

Kimberly Williams

Through its DEI programming, Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, Kimberly Williams and Team Cervivor aim to create a more inclusive healthcare environment where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. This includes initiatives to address disparities in cancer care, such as advocating for culturally competent healthcare providers, promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in cancer support services, and raising awareness about the unique needs of minority communities. By spotlighting DEI issues within the healthcare sector, Cervivor is helping cultivate a more equitable and compassionate approach to cancer care. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, Cervivor is making strides toward a future where everyone has equal access to the resources and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Towards a Future of Health Equity: As we observe National Minority Cancer Awareness Week and shine a spotlight on organizations like Cervivor, Inc., it’s crucial to recognize that achieving health equity is a collective responsibility. It requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and action at all levels of society – from policymakers and healthcare providers to community organizations and individuals. By raising awareness about health disparities, advocating for marginalized communities, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Let’s honor the spirit of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week by redoubling our efforts to create a world where health equity is not just a goal, but a reality for all.

Cervical Cancer Survivors Turned Mothers Through Gestational Surrogacy

March is a month of significance for many, particularly within the Cervivor community. It marks Surrogacy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on an alternative path to parenthood that holds profound meaning for those whose fertility has been impacted by cervical cancer treatments like hysterectomy and radiation therapy. Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy that involves a surrogate carrying a fetus not genetically related to her. This method allows individuals or couples to have a child using their own genetic material or that of a donor, while the surrogate provides the nurturing environment for the pregnancy.

Cervical cancer survivors like Ginny, Tamika, Gina, Anna, and Kate all have something in common. They have each embarked on unique journeys of resilience, hope, and motherhood through the remarkable path of gestational surrogacy. Their inspiring stories shed light on the triumph over challenges and the profound joy of becoming a mother beyond cervical cancer.

Ginny’s Journey
Ginny’s journey with cervical cancer was daunting, but her determination to become a mother never disappeared. Gestational surrogacy offered her a double dose of hope. With the support of her husband Sean, they embraced the path to parenthood, navigating the emotional ups and downs with grace. Today, Ginny cherishes every moment with her twin boys who celebrated their 3rd birthday. [Click here to watch Ginny’s Cervivor Story].

Tamika’s Path
At the young age of 25, Tamika received devastating news from her doctor: she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and faced the prospect of a life-saving radical hysterectomy, rendering childbirth extremely challenging. She never imagined that the option to have children would be taken away from her and for years she believed becoming a mother would never come true. Until one day, the most exceptional gift came from a woman she barely knew. [Read the Featured Article Here]

The surrogacy process is intricate, involving careful matching of surrogates with intended parents based on preferences and health criteria. Surrogacy agencies or programs often facilitate this matchmaking process, ensuring compatibility and support throughout the journey. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities is essential in surrogacy arrangements. Surrogates have the autonomy to make health decisions during pregnancy and receive compensation for their invaluable contribution. Intended parents, on the other hand, assume the financial, legal, and medical obligations associated with the surrogacy journey.

Gina’s Grace
In 2016, Gina and her spouse, Dan, received the joyous news of expecting a baby, only to be met with the harsh reality of Gina’s cervical cancer diagnosis. Amidst this challenging time, the medical team at the University of Washington Medical Center played pivotal roles in saving her life not once, but twice. However, the treatments rendered Gina unable to conceive naturally. With hope and determination, Gina turned to social media, where her friend generously volunteered to become their gestational carrier. [Read More of Gina’s Story].

Anna’s Adventure
Anna, a resilient cervical cancer survivor, made a courageous decision with her husband, Soto in 2021 to undergo fertility preservation before embarking on her cancer treatments. Determined to preserve her dream of motherhood, she opted to freeze her embryos. Despite the uncertainties ahead, Anna held onto hope. In November 2023, her son entered the world through a gestational surrogate. Anna’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the love of becoming a mother. [Read more of Anna’s Cervivor Story].

Kate’s North Star
In the same appointment where she received the sobering diagnosis of cervical cancer at 30, Kate was also informed that carrying children would be an impossibility. Her oncologist presented her with a glimmer of hope, outlining options for biological children through surrogacy in the future. Without hesitation, she embarked on the journey of invitro fertilization, resulting in the preservation of nine healthy embryos. Later, she and her husband Matt dove into the intricate world of surrogacy, navigating through the complexities with the guidance of an agency. The process proved to be arduous, lengthy, and financially daunting. [Read Kate’s Blog].

As we read in Kate’s story above, one of the significant barriers to surrogacy is its cost, which can range from $60,000 to $150,000, covering legal fees, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, and other miscellaneous costs. This financial burden can be overwhelming for many individuals and couples aspiring to parenthood. In January of this year, Cervivor, Inc. established The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund: Supporting Your Path to Parenthood. Initiatives like the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund aim to alleviate these financial barriers and make surrogacy accessible to all. By supporting this fund, donors contribute to removing obstacles and providing hope to those navigating the journey to parenthood.

The stories of Ginny, Tamika, Gina, Anna, and Kate serve as powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of gestational surrogacy. Through adversity, they found hope. Through uncertainty, they found courage. And through it all, they discovered their pathway to parenthood. Their journeys inspire us all to embrace life’s challenges with grace and to celebrate its blessings with gratitude. This Surrogacy Awareness Month, let’s come together to celebrate the gift of surrogacy and support initiatives like the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Gift Fund. Through awareness, understanding, and collective action, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of financial means, has the opportunity to build the family they’ve always dreamed of. Let’s break down barriers and cultivate inclusivity to ensure that parenthood remains within reach for everyone.

Are you a cervical cancer patient or survivor and would like to share your surrogacy or pathway to parenthood story with us? Email us at [email protected]!