In this special episode of the Cervivor Podcast, we sit down with cervical cancer survivors Gilma Pereda and Claudia Perez-Favela to explore their personal journeys within the Hispanic community. They share their experiences with cultural stigmas, misconceptions about cervical cancer, and the impact of their cultural heritage on their healing processes. Gilma and Claudia discuss the challenges of navigating cervical cancer care with language barriers, and the need for better representation and support within Hispanic communities. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, their stories offer invaluable insights and encouragement for those facing similar journeys or supporting loved ones through cervical cancer.

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More About The Guests:

GILMA PEREDA is a metastatic and recurrent cervical cancer patient residing in sunny California. As a Cervivor Ambassador, 2023 Cervivor School graduate, active Cervivor Español member, and 2024 Cervivor School Champion, Gilma is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others affected by cervical cancer. With her skills as a graphic designer and translator, she aims to educate women and men about HPV and its prevention, promote vaccines for children, and empower women living with cancer to take control of their journey. Gilma's passion and experience make her a compelling advocate for cervical cancer awareness and prevention.

CLAUDIA PÉREZ-FAVELA, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, immigrated to the United States in 2010. A proud mother of three, she lost her own mother to ovarian cancer in 2013. Now 44, at 38 years old, Claudia was diagnosed with precancerous cells on her cervix and was finally declared No Evidence of Disease (NED) on May 7th, 2018. A graduate of Cervivor School in Seattle and an active Cervivor Ambassador, Claudia shares her story as a patient advocate and volunteers as a community health worker for the Every Woman Counts program, with the American Cancer Society, and as a mentor for Imerman Angels. Claudia resides in Imperial, California.

Join us on this poignant episode of Cervivor, where Dulcely Tavarez bravely shares her journey through cervical cancer, shedding light on the profound impact it had on her fertility. Alongside Dulcely, Dr. Terri Lynn Woodard delves into the intricate link between cancer and infertility, offering insights into fertility preservation options and navigating post-treatment infertility challenges. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and support for those facing similar journeys.

Did you connect with this episode? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #CervivorPodcast or by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emailing us.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more Cervivor-related content, check out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cervivor.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Cervivor on all social media platforms. If you would like to be interviewed as a potential guest for an upcoming episode or would like to request a speaker or topic for a future podcast episode, email us at info@cervivor.org.

More About The Guests:

Dulcely Tavarez, 31, is a native New Yorker from a Hispanic Latino background, her parents having migrated from the Dominican Republic over 30 years ago. Growing up in a tight-knit family in upper Manhattan, she found solace and strength in their support when diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. Today, she proudly declares herself cancer-free. Motivated by her journey, Dulcely pursued a career in health services, holding a Bachelor's in Health Services Administration and a Master's in Organizational Leadership. Currently serving as an Intake Director at a Home Care Agency, she remains committed to helping others and embracing life's challenges with unwavering resilience.

Dr. Terri L. Woodard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She holds a joint appointment in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Baylor... College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital Pavilion for Women. As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, she has a specific interest in fertility preservation and family building for people diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Woodard established the MD Anderson Oncofertility Program in 2012. Provided through the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine, the program includes a clinical service that offers fertility counseling prior to cancer treatment, as well as comprehensive fertility preservation and family-building services for men, women and children whose reproductive potential may or may have been impacted by cancer or its treatment.

In this episode, we're joined by two incredible guests: Anna Ogo, a courageous cervical cancer survivor, and Rijon Charne, a renowned Fertility Attorney and Founder of Sunray Fertility Law. Together, they share their expertise and personal experiences, shedding light on the surrogacy process, timelines, and resources available to those who have faced cancer. This eye-opening discussion offers hope and invaluable insights to anyone considering surrogacy as a path to parenthood.

Tune in to discover:

• The emotional journey of surrogacy after cancer
• Legal considerations and timelines for surrogacy
• Resources and support for those navigating fertility options
• Inspiring stories of resilience and hope

Don't miss this empowering episode!

Did you connect with this episode? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #CervivorPodcast or by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emailing us.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more Cervivor-related content, check out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cervivor.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Cervivor on all social media platforms. If you would like to be interviewed as a potential guest for an upcoming episode or would like to request a speaker or topic for a future podcast episode, email us at info@cervivor.org.