NYC Pap Rally & Run 5K Run/Walk

The Faces of Cervical Cancer/HPV

Five years ago I heard four words from my doctor that I never in a million years thought I would hear-- "You Have Cervical Cancer".

I was clueless about the whole thing. I was facing my own mortality, I did not what to do, and I had to fight hard for my life.  It was a tough journey, but I came out on the other side.

Even though I won the battle, I was left numb and scared.  Will this monster come back again?? You don't know the answer to that question, but you hold on to hope and positive vibes.

Three months after treatments, my brother in attempt to help me get back into "normalcy," and while searching the internet found the NYC Walk to Beat the Clock - A Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention Walk. 

Cervical Cancer Survivor Sisters

He insisted  that we participate.  At first I did not want to.  I wanted to stay in my shell, in my own cocoon, but he insisted so much that I eventually gave in.  It was here that I met Tamika Felder, a cervical cancer survivor and CEO/Founder of Tamika and Friends, Inc. along with many other cervical cancer survivors.
These women embraced me as their “survivor sister” without even knowing me. I immediately felt that I was not alone", and I felt  inspired. They were sharing their own stories similar to mine and I wanted to join the movement.   I was not keeping quiet anymore. I did not have to feel ashamed. I wanted to be empowered.  I wanted to share my story too. I wanted to educate other women that my journey did not have to be theirs.

I became a cervical cancer advocate and an educator on this disease, and have walked ever since.  I have walked for ME, for those who cannot walk and for those that have lost the battle.  I have walked because I am committed to help with the eradication of Cervical Cancer.  This disease takes away your identity and it affects you and the people around you and unfortunately, in many cases, it even takes your life. No woman should feel alone in the fight.  No woman should die or lose their fertility to cervical cancer!!

This year NYC Walk to Beat the Clock has evolved and has become NYC Pap Rally & Run 5K Run/Walk  powered by Cervivor.

Cervivor is a new project launched by Tamika and Friends for the cervical cancer community.  A learning tool, an advocacy resource, and an online retreat for healing, connecting and thriving. 

This year's event is extra special to me because it marks my fifth year cancerversary.  This is a milestone that at one point seemed so far away, yet it is here.  Today I can say that I'm healthier and stronger than before my diagnosis, and to commemorate this awesome milestone I'm not walking - I will be RUNNING!!!

The run/walk this year will take place on September 27, 2014 at Carl Schurz Park, E. 86th Street and East End Avenue- from 8am - 12pm.  Please join us and rally for cervical cancer awareness and/or your own cause. Run/Walk for yourself or for the loved one in your life that has been affected by cancer.

You can join an existing team, walk individual, create your own  team or volunteer. All proceeds are tax deductible and they go back into Tamika and Friends/Cervivor to support the various programs we have in place to help those living with cervical cancer and cervical cancer survivors.

If you cannot make the event, then please consider making a donation or helping spread the word.  You can register or donate by visiting www.paprallyrunny.org

Please Help Us Spread The Word:

"My cancer changed my life.  I'm grateful for every new, healthy day I have.  It has helped me prioritize my  life.: ~ Olivia Newton-John

Editor's Note:  We want to thank Columbia University Medical Center for being our sponsor this year and believing on our cause.