Today marks 24 years since the hysterectomy that saved my life from cervical cancer—though the procedure also took away my ability to carry children. 

Each year, this day is deeply personal. But right now, it feels political, too.

We’re living in a time when science is being challenged, when access to care is being threatened, and when lifesaving tools—like the HPV vaccine—are being questioned. That’s why I’m using this day to speak up. Because we’ve come too far to turn back.

I also want to use today to offer hope to anyone who’s been recently diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness, facing recurrence, or feeling isolated. If that’s you, please know: You are not alone.

Life beyond cancer

I’m living proof that cancer isn’t a death sentence. But it can feel like one.

And in some ways, it is—the death of life as you once knew it.  

After surviving cancer, there are usually two ways people go about things:

1. You live your life in a bubble because you’re scared that the cancer is going to come back.

2. You live life so daringly that you jump out of planes and chase everything on your bucket list. 

I used to live somewhere in the middle. 

Now? I’m proud to say that I’ve found a way to live life without cancer dominating my thoughts, even though I work in the cancer space every day. Sure, when I feel a lump, bump, or swollen gland, my mind still goes there: “Oh, my God—is it back?” But those fears no longer consume me. 

That peace didn’t come overnight. This is how I got there. 

From survivor to C-E-R-V-I-V-O-R

Later this month, I’m looking forward to another milestone: my 50th birthday. Every birthday is a big deal when you’ve had cancer, but this one isn’t just about turning 50. It’s about asking: “What have I done with this time? What mark have I left?”

For me, that answer is Cervivor.

Twenty years ago, I founded the organization to create the kind of support I didn’t have: a community where cervical cancer patients and survivors can find their voice, share their stories, and educate others. I’m proud of what we’ve built. We’ve turned pain into power. We’ve built a movement.

Still, there’s so much stigma surrounding cervical cancer because of its connection to HPV. That stigma keeps too many people silent. We cannot let it.

We must keep telling our stories, raising awareness, and fighting for what’s right: that everyone deserves access to life-saving healthcare—and no one should have to face this disease alone. 

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can eliminate for good. We know how. We just need the will to do it—loudly and boldly.

Living life with purpose

Sometimes, survivorship isn’t just about enduring the hospital bracelets and beating an illness or recovering from an accident. It’s about overcoming other kinds of pain—abuse, trauma, or the loss of a loved one—like when I lost my sister last year. It’s about waking up every day, saying, “I’m still here,” and finding joy in both the small and big moments—especially in raising my young son, Chayton, an unexpected blessing born two years ago through embryo donation and surrogacy. 

This year, the Cervivor community showered me with love on my cancer-versary—April 12, 2001, the day I was cleared of cancer: sending flowers, leaving lovely messages on social media, making a special video. (Scroll to the end to give it a watch.) It meant the world to me. 

Back on my 16th cancer-versary, I was inspired to write a book, Seriously, What Are You Waiting For? 13 Actions to IGNITE Your Life & Achieve The Ultimate Comeback. Eight years later, I still live by those tips, from “Cherish the people who really matter” to “Take time to reflect.” (Which I’m doing right now!)

And here’s one I’d add now: Don’t give up hope.

Watching the headlines and talking to experts in the field, I know this is a critical time. Respected scientists are being dismissed. Research is being defunded. “Vaccine” has become an even more loaded word. And decades of hard-earned progress are at risk.

Let me be clear:

The HPV vaccine saves lives.

Regular cervical screenings save lives.

Medical research saves lives.

We need to protect them all.

One simple action you can take right now: Fill out this short form from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN) to urge your senators to vote “no” on attacks affordable healthcare. Do it for yourself. Do it for your loved ones. Do it for all of us.

The ‘privilege’ of aging 

Ultimately, my life is good. And I am grateful. 

My dear friend and fellow Cervivor, Carol Lacey, said it best in a Facebook post about celebrating her 59th birthday (she just turned 60!):

“I get to grow old. For several years, I thought I’d never see another tomorrow—that my time with those I love would be cut short by my reoccurring dick of a cancer. More birthdays are a privilege I will never again take for granted.”

That word—privilege—sticks with me. Because aging is a privilege. And it’s one I don’t take for granted either. 

It reminds me of something Dr. Don Dizon, a brilliant oncologist and someone I deeply admire, once said: “Survivorship is not just about living longer—it’s about living well.” That’s exactly what I intend to do today and every day forward. Just don’t expect to see me jumping out of any planes!

So here’s to the milestones. Here’s to the messiness. Here’s to surviving—and still believing in the power of science, community, and the strength of our voices.

Don’t give up hope. Don’t stay silent. Together, we make change happen.

xo,