Last night Jen and I returned from LA with a fresh dose of inspiration thanks to the positive energy generated at the
National Cervical Cancer Coalition's 2nd Annual Conference with the theme "Patient-Cinician Listen and Learn." The NCCC is a grassroots non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and promote education about cervical cancer and HPV.
This year's event took place at the Hilton in Universal City. About 80 women attended. They came from all over: Vermont, Washington State and D.C., Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Oregon and of course, Florida... It was like a Miss HPV pageant.
Alan Kaye, Co-Founder of the NCCC, and Sarina Kaye, Executive Director, opened the conference turning the floor over to...
Powerhouse cancer survivor and Washington D.C.-based reporter
Tamika Felder (
left, pictured with
Dr. Hilda Hutcherson,
center, and survivor/advocate Michelle Whitlock,
right) gave the abbreviated version of her personal battle with the disease. Tamika spoke of how the disease brought our her best self, even though at first, she felt isolated and was the only guest at her "pity party." Through her treatment Tamika learned to fight for her life and to share her story with others. "Every time I share my story, I heal," she said. And then amidst lots of clapping and laughter she called us all "coochie saviors" and listed the 11th commandment as "Thou shall never miss a Pap!"
A select list of researchers and doctors presented the latest info on HPV, the efficacy on the HPV vaccine, treatment, and sex after cancer. I just kept thinking about how brilliant, eloquent, and personable these people are, and how dedicated these people are to women's reproductive health. Dr. Lois Ramondetta, Associate Professor Gynecologic Oncology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center said "All of your doctors want you to get well. Just some do it better than others."
Here are some things that stood out for me that I think you should know:
-We get HPV by being human - by doing what everyone does - having Sex!
-30% of girls entering high school have already had intercourse (gulp!)
-Cervical Cancer tends to occur at younger ages than other cancers, often striking women in the prime of their reproductive life.
-Smoking is never ever a good thing. It doubles risk of cervical cancer.
-If you are going through a health challenge, and are not satisfied with your doctor, switch.
-Cervical cancer rates are higher among lower socioeconomic groups.
-Enjoy your chemo -- if you are getting it, you are planning on living.
-Sex boosts the immune system, excercises the heart, relieves headaches, and decreases depression and stress.
-Condom use may help reduce the risk of HPV infection.
More pictures from the conference...
Me and my new friend Annie from New York. As soon as I spotted Annie and her husband Theo at the cocktail party kick-off I knew I'd like her.
Hope -- in all forms is a good thing. Janet Terrill
(left) from Indiana came to the conference with her two sisters
(pictured below)one of whom is a cervical cancer survivor. Bonnie Butler
(right) designed the conference graphics.
Sisters Support eachother:
(from left) Debra Lance, cancer survivor Jolene Hensley, and Janet Terrill.
Tamika Felder, Jen, and Rachel Beity, NCCC's Communication Manager
We got in groups and brainstormed ways in which we could create awareness about cervical cancer and HPV in our communities. Jen runs down her group's ideas and leaves Flash 4 a Cause for the grand finale. There was plenty of applause.
Quita Gibson, cervical cancer survivor, and I met last year. Quita roamed around during the conference and took lots of pix.
(from left)Shaundra Hall, 10-year survivor from Arizona, Cindy Renie of Renie Design who commandeers the NCCC visuals, and Lori Stone, a Seattle-based survivor and proprietor of Art Camp for Big Kids.
