The Virginia "Ginny" Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund

Leaving Our Mark: National Infertility Awareness Week and the Cervical Cancer Community

This National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), we at Cervivor, Inc. are embracing the theme “Leave Your Mark” with a focus that is close to our hearts: the intersection of infertility and cervical cancer. From April 21-27, we unite under this banner, not only to raise awareness about infertility issues across the board but also to shed light on the specific challenges faced by those in the cervical cancer community.

The Intersection of Cervical Cancer and Infertility
Cervical cancer and its treatments often pose significant challenges to fertility, a fact that many of our community members know all too well. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can impact fertility, sometimes temporarily, and in many cases, permanently. This adds an additional layer of emotional and physical complexity to the cancer journey.

For many, the dream of motherhood remains strong, and the grief that accompanies the loss of fertility can be profound. This week, we want to acknowledge that grief, offer our support, and highlight the resources available for those navigating this difficult intersection.

How You Can “Leave Your Mark”
1. Wear Orange on April 24 – This year, wear orange on April 24 to stand in solidarity with those facing infertility. Orange represents a symbol of community hope and support, lighting the way forward amidst the challenges. Tag us and use hashtags #Cervivor, #CervicalCancer, and #LeaveYourMark.

2. Educate Yourself and Others – Take this week to learn more about the fertility challenges associated with cervical cancer treatments. Understanding these challenges can help you support friends, family members, or community members who are dealing with these issues.

3. Share Your Story – If you feel comfortable, share your story. Whether it’s on social media, our blog, our website, or within your circle of friends, talking about your experiences can help to destigmatize infertility issues and provide support to others going through similar struggles.

Use our hashtags #Cervivor, #CervicalCancer, and #LeaveYourMark to join the conversation.

4. Advocate for Fertility Preservation – One way to leave your mark is to advocate for better access to fertility preservation techniques and insurance coverage. These services are crucial for those undergoing treatments that may affect their reproductive health. Check out our amazing community partners over at the Alliance For Fertility Preservation to learn more.

5. Support Research and Charities – Support organizations that are working towards better treatments for cervical cancer and those addressing infertility. Cervivor has a newly established gift fund called the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund to help those impacted by cervical cancer in their family planning. Your support can make a huge difference in advancing these services even further.

In Solidarity
During National Infertility Awareness Week, let’s come together to leave a lasting mark on the fight against infertility and the mission to end cervical cancer. By wearing orange, sharing our stories, and advocating for change, we can build a community that supports everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. 

Join us to #LeaveYourMark. Remember, your voice, your story, and your support matter now more than ever.

Thank you for standing with us,

The Team at Cervivor, Inc.

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]!