
In June 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when I started experiencing irregular bleeding. I knew this wasn’t normal and immediately went to the emergency room. To my surprise, I was told everything was fine. But when it happened again, I went back, determined to get answers. After seeing 5 doctors, being misdiagnosed, and taking pictures of the excessive bleeding, I was finally diagnosed with cervical cancer in November 2022. By then, my condition had worsened to the point where I required a 10-day hospital stay, emergency radiation, numerous blood transfusions, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. By April 2023, I was declared “NED” (No Evidence of Disease).
Before my diagnosis, I knew nothing about cervical cancer or its connection to human papillomavirus (HPV). The first time I heard about an HPV vaccine was when my daughter’s pediatrician mentioned it as an “optional” vaccine she might need when she became sexually active. The way it was presented made me decide against it, and I did not think about it again—until my diagnosis.
Looking back, I realize how uninformed I was and how different things could have been if I had known more. HPV vaccination isn’t “just optional”—it’s a powerful tool for preventing several cancers, including cervical cancer.
My experience was heartbreaking and eye-opening. Nobody should have to endure what I did to be heard, diagnosed, and treated. That’s why I founded Get In Good With Your Health, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, and resources available in communities. Through health fairs and events across the country, we are working to ensure no one feels as lost or unheard as I once did. I am also an ambassador for Cervivor, where I found a sense of community because everyone understood all that I have been through. Helping to mentor others and encouraging others in my situation has been life-changing for me.
To parents hesitant about HPV vaccination, I urge you to listen to my story. I know vaccination can seem optional or unnecessary, but it’s a form of prevention that could save your child’s life. If you have doubts, ask a trusted healthcare professional to explain it thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to seek clarity—it’s your right to be informed.
If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that you have to advocate for yourself. It’s your body, and no one knows it better than you. Trust your instincts, seek second opinions, and speak up. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
Cervical cancer is devastating, but it’s also preventable. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive healthcare decisions, we can change lives and end cervical cancer.
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