During this journey I am using social media as a way to meet new people, find places to stay, things to do, etc… To date it has resulted in some pretty amazing opportunities and led to some really good introductions. This post is about 1 of those introductions. Patti Murillo-Casa is the friend of a friend of a lady who I met just prior to leaving Charlottesville. That lady posted my story on her Facebook page, which was seen by her friend, who e-mailed me. That started a conversation that led to an email from Patti.
Since the goal of 29 Days Until 29 is to replace the negative connections that we all share because of cancer with positive ones, I want to post Patti’s email. If you’re near the New York area on September 25th, please consider participating!!!
In October 2008, I was diagnosed with stage IIB Cervical Cancer, a couple of months after I retired from the NYPD. After a long and tough journey of treatments of radiation and chemotherapy, I was cleared by my doctor in May of 2009. May 5th, 2010, marked my first year of remission and I’m hoping for many more. Cancer changed my life; I thank God for my second shot at life as my priorities have changed and I am proud to call myself a Cervical Cancer Survivor.
In September 2009, I did a cervical cancer walk (Walk to Beat the Clock!) At the walk, I found inspiration in seeing many cervical cancer survivors telling their stories to help other women understand that through awareness and prevention this disease can be entirely eliminated. So, I joined their movement and now I am the President of Tamika and Friends, Inc. -New York City Chapter. Tamika and Friends, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and its link to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It was founded in 2005 by Cervical Cancer survivor and advocate Tamika Felder.
On September 25, Tamika & Friends is having their 3rd annual NYC Walk to Beat the Clock to help beat the clock on cervical cancer. We want to publicly celebrate women who have survived, remember those who have lost their battle, support those who fight cervical cancer today and educate women on how to prevent a cervical cancer diagnosis all together!
Cervical Cancer is almost 100% preventable, yet 11 women die each day from this disease. I do not want any other woman to go through what I did and become another statistic. I am committed to the eradication of cervical cancer along with Tamika & Friends.
Patti Murillo-Casa
Cervical Cancer Survivor
President, NYC Chapter, Tamika & Friends