Cervivor Podcast

In this episode of the Cervivor Podcast, we welcome Erin Pellegrin from Unite for HER, who shares her expertise on the vital role nutrition plays in cancer care. Erin discusses how to approach nutrition before, during, and after treatment, emphasizing the importance of starting the conversation with your medical team and focusing on controllables like hydration and supportive resources. She offers practical tips for incorporating healthy habits into your family life, including easy snack ideas and ways to involve loved ones in your wellness journey. Erin also highlights essential nutrients for recovery and provides guidance on supplements, while addressing common dietary concerns for cancer patients. Tune in for valuable insights that can empower patients, survivors, and caregivers alike on their paths to healing and health.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 Guest: Erin Pellegrin RD, LDN is Unite for HER’s Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education. She joined as a full-time staff member in 2018 after working as a contributing dietitian for 5 years. As part of the Culinary Nutrition Team, she shares their nutrition mission and philosophy by educating and counseling breast and ovarian cancer patients through treatment and beyond as part of their Wellness Program. Erin also leads the digital education program, which brings relevant and important topics and experts to the Unite for HER community via their Virtual Hangout, Speaker Series and Ask the Experts platforms. Prior to joining Unite for HER, she worked as a clinical dietitian in Philadelphia where she focused primarily on the inpatient and outpatient oncology populations. She received her nutrition degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York.

In this episode of the Cervivor Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Kline, author of Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam, to explore the often-overlooked history of gynecology and its impact on women's health today. Wendy discusses the challenges women have faced in the healthcare system, the advocacy efforts that have shaped change, and the ongoing struggles to remove stigma around gynecological care. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the history, activism, and future of women’s health.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 Guest:Wendy Kline, Ph.D., Dema G. Seelye Chair in the History of Medicine at Purdue University, is internationally recognized for her scholarship in the history of medicine, history of women's health, and the history of childbirth. She is the author of four major books: Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam (Polity, 2024); Coming Home: How Midwives Changed Birth (Oxford University Press, 2019);  Bodies of Knowledge: Sexuality, Reproduction, and Women’s Health in the Second Wave (U. of Chicago Press 2010); and Building a Better Race: Gender, Sexuality, and Eugenics from the Turn of the Century to the Baby Boom (U. of California Press, 2001).  Kline is also a professional violinist and performs with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.

In this episode of the Cervivor Podcast, we explore the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose immortal HeLa cells revolutionized science but whose voice was silenced in life. Joined by Veronica Robinson, Henrietta’s great-granddaughter, and Dr. Lynn McDonald, Clinical Director at Johns Hopkins Medicine, the conversation delves into the lasting impact of Henrietta’s legacy on medical ethics, patient rights, and the ongoing struggles of marginalized patients to be heard in healthcare today. This episode highlights the importance of patient voice, transparency, and the need for systemic change to ensure every patient is respected and listened to. 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. Veronica Robinson is a patient rights advocate who speaks on The Lacks family's experience in biomedical research, its impact on participation, and ethics in this modern era of precision medicine. She also serves as Senior Advisor to the Lacks family-led HELA100: Henrietta Lacks Initiative and is honored to serve as a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Cervical Cancer Elimination. Dr. Lynn Richards McDonald is the clinical program director of cervical cancer screening at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds multiple honors diplomas and degrees from esteemed institutions, including the Health Sciences Centre of Nursing, Coppin State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Chatham University. Dr. McDonald specializes in cervical cancer screening, education, and vaccination related to human papillomavirus (HPV). She has developed an innovative inpatient program for cervical cancer screening specifically designed to assist at-risk populations. Her approach is grounded in the principles of equitable healthcare, emphasizing advocacy, education, collaboration with healthcare providers, extensive community outreach, and improved accessibility. Dr. McDonald’s contributions have significantly advanced the fight against cervical cancer. Her peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on women’s health are widely distributed nationally and internationally. In recognition of her work, she was honored as one of the preeminent nurses focusing on women’s health in the region by The Baltimore Magazine in 2015.

In this episode, Cervivor Podcast host and cervical cancer survivor Joslyn Paguio welcomes Dr. Trisha L. Amboree from the Medical University of South Carolina to discuss the “Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action,” a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing communities. They explore health disparities in cervical cancer prevention and the importance of community engagement. A special thanks to the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for their partnership in this vital conversation. Join us for an inspiring discussion on creating a future free of cervical cancer! 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 Guest: Dr. Trisha Amboree is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Hollings Cancer Center with research training in epidemiology, health disparities, and access to and utilization of preventive healthcare services among minoritized and medically underserved populations. Much of Dr. Amboree’s current research focuses on elucidating and addressing disparities in cervical cancer prevention and treatment, as well as mitigating disparate cervical cancer outcomes.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Dr. Kathy MacLaughlin, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss the transformative potential of self-collection for cervical cancer screening. Dr. MacLaughlin explains how this innovative method differs from traditional screening processes and shares the latest FDA-approved options available to patients. We review the current research, examining the accuracy and effectiveness of self-collection through large-scale studies and its successful implementation in other countries. The conversation also highlights the public health implications, including how self-collection can empower individuals, enhance access to screening in underserved areas, and ultimately reduce cervical cancer rates. Join us as we explore the future of cervical cancer screening and the critical role of community engagement in promoting this life-saving approach. 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 Guest: Dr. Kathy MacLaughlin is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic with a passion for cervical cancer elimination. She co-chairs the HPV Self-Collection work group for the American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer and previously co-chaired the IT/EHR group for their Primary HPV Screening Initiative. She has served as a subject matter expert for NORC in their work with the Federal Cervical Cancer Collaborative on the Cervical Cancer Moonshot℠ Roundtable Series and with HRSA’s Office of Women’s Health Cervical Cancer ECHO Learning Series for Safety-Net Settings.

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. 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: 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.

Join us in our latest episode as we delve into the powerful book "Enough" by Dr. Linda Eckert, confronting the harsh realities of cervical cancer, a preventable and curable disease. Dr. Eckert explores the economic impact of prevention, the three pillars of cervical cancer science, and the personal stories that illuminate the glaring inequalities in access to care. Discover the urgency behind the global shortage of HPV vaccines and be inspired by the resilience of cervical cancer survivors. Tune in to Cervivor Podcast for a searing call to arms in the fight against cervical cancer.   Book Information:  Discount code: "ENGH20" for 20% off only available on Enough (cambridge.org) 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.

Embark on a poignant journey through the experiences of Black women confronting cervical cancer on this episode of Cervivor Podcast. Join Lindsay Gullatte-Lee, a stage 3c survivor from North Carolina, and Samina Cepal, a resilient survivor originally from St. Lucia, as they courageously share their stories of strength and resilience. Delve into the vital discussion on health disparities faced by Black women in cervical cancer care, gaining insights, solidarity, and hope along the way. 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: Lindsay Gullatte-Lee, a resilient Stage 3C Cervical Cancer Survivor, fulfills the role of Director at Get In Good With Your Health. Beyond being a published author, devoted wife, mother, and dynamic motivational speaker, Lindsay stands out as an advocate for cervical cancer prevention and awareness. Her journey from cervical cancer survivor to advocate is characterized by a dedicated commitment to dispelling myths and confronting stigmas associated with cervical cancer. Lindsay's impactful work is driven by a mission to expand her Get Good with Your Health Pop-Up Shop nationwide, to educate and empower individuals on the importance of cervical health. Freshly graduated from Cervivor School, Lindsay has acquired additional knowledge and skills, poised to make a significant impact in the ongoing fight against cervical cancer. Her dedication to raising awareness and providing support to those affected by cervical cancer serves as hope in the collective journey toward eradicating this disease. Samina Melanie Cepal, a resilient soul hailing from Agard, who embarked on her educational journey at Bocage Combined before finding her calling at St. Joseph's Convent. Unsure of her career path after graduation, she delved into the world of nursing, solidifying her passion with a degree from SALCC in 1998. Despite life's twists and turns, including marriage, motherhood to sons Chaz and Josh, and academic achievements with a bachelor's and master's degree, Samina faced her demons of thyroid disease, depression, and the devastation of Hurricane Tomas in 2010. Battling through dark moments, she faced her toughest opponent yet in 2018: cervical cancer. With unwavering determination fueled by her love for her sons, she fought fiercely, even amidst the tragic loss of her forever love, Chaz, in 2019. Samina's journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and the unyielding power of love.