Cervical Cancer
A Chat with Tamika Felder: Happy 20th Anniversary, Cervivor!
Tamika Felder is a cervical cancer survivor and leading global patient advocate. In 2005, she founded Cervivor, Inc., the premier advocacy and support organization for those impacted by cervical cancer, empowering survivors to reclaim their health and combat the stigma surrounding this preventable disease. She has trained thousands of advocates through her signature patient advocacy framework, including the highly regarded Cervivor School. Beyond patient advocacy, Tamika supports research to eradicate cervical cancer. She has testified before the FDA, participated in White House Presidential Panels and currently serves as co-chair of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable and on the steering committee for the National Cervical Cancer Roundtable. Appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board in 2024 by President Biden, Tamika’s honors include the Women in Government’s “Presidential Leadership Award” and the Ulman Cancer Fund’s “Young Adult Fight” Award. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a graduate of Claflin University, Tamika is a published author, award-winning filmmaker and sought-after speaker who shares her insights at tamikafelder.com.
When I started Cervivor, I never dreamed it would become the global presence it is today. I was just a young woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer who wanted other people to have the support I couldn’t find for myself.
We began as a cervical cancer awareness and patient support organization. When we first started, people didn’t come flooding in like I thought they would. But that didn’t last long. People love to share their stories, and they consistently ask how they can get involved.
Twenty years later, Cervivor is still providing that support to people who are affected by cervical cancer, but we have evolved dramatically. This is due to the people willing to give so freely of their time and energy.
We are very much a volunteer-run organization. In fact, we didn’t have our first employee until just a few years ago. Many of our volunteers also have full- and part-time jobs. I think that really shows the dedication that people have to promoting our cause, and I’m proud of that.
Celebrating this anniversary is indeed a milestone, but there is also a downside to it. It means that people continue to be diagnosed when they shouldn’t, because we know that cervical cancer is preventable. So, really, this anniversary is about taking an opportunity in the spotlight to hone in on what we do best.
- Spreading awareness about the importance of screening.
- Educating people about the HPV vaccine.
- Making sure people know they are not alone, or as we like to say, Every Cervix Matters.
Throughout 2025, we will spread those messages in a variety of ways, including through our new “Tell 20, Give 20” awareness and fundraising campaign celebrating Cervivor’s 20th year. Our efforts will also be channeled into impactful events like the highly renowned Cervivor School advocacy training program, supportive Communities of Color Retreat and – during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – at the Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc., in Washington, D.C., where Cervivor was founded.
When we look to the future, our goal is unique. We don’t look forward to celebrating another 20 years. Instead, we strive to mentor the next generation so we can eliminate cervical cancer altogether. Our goal is that no one will ever need us again.
