January 14 2025
Written by Kimberly Williams, an NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee Member
In November 2017, my life took an unexpected and challenging turn. At 42 years old, while balancing my roles as a mother, wife, and full-time director for an organization serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, I began experiencing unusual bleeding after sex. Initially dismissing it as irregularities in my menstrual cycle, I scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist, hoping it was nothing serious. However, a Pap test revealed abnormal cells, leading to a biopsy three months later. In February 2018, the biopsy confirmed that I had cervical cancer, setting me on a path that would profoundly reshape my life.
Before my diagnosis, I lived a fulfilling life dedicated to my family and career. As a seasoned social services worker based in the greater Houston area, I was deeply committed to advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. My roles allowed me to champion fairness and uphold high ethical standards, values that would later become integral to my cancer journey. Little did I know, my commitment to helping others would soon become a cornerstone of my own battle against cervical cancer.
Receiving the news of my cervical cancer diagnosis was a moment of immense fear and uncertainty. I was devastated, feeling betrayed by my own body and overwhelmed by the thought of an immediate death sentence. Panic set in as I grappled with how long I had to live and how long the cancer had been present in my body. The emotional weight was crushing, and I desperately wanted to hide from the reality of my situation. However, it was during these darkest moments that I found the strength to seek support and begin my journey towards advocacy.
I initially delayed telling my family about my diagnosis, sharing the news only with my closest friends. It wasn’t until after my oncologist outlined my treatment plan that I felt ready to inform my family. Their support was unwavering, although my husband struggled to understand HPV and the implications of my diagnosis. Determined to provide him with accurate information, I took it upon myself to educate him, ensuring he could support me effectively.
In March 2018, I underwent a radical hysterectomy, a procedure aimed at removing all cancerous cells from my body. The surgery revealed cancerous cells on the outside of one of my lymph nodes, necessitating chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Unfortunately, due to issues with my insurance carrier, I was unable to receive these treatments immediately. This gap in care left me uncertain about my next steps until my first set of scans in May 2019 confirmed a recurrence of cervical cancer in a small pelvic lymph node. Determined to fight back, I began radiation and chemotherapy in August 2019, completing treatment by October of the same year. By December 2019, I received my first No Evidence of Disease (NED) status, a moment of profound relief.
While the completion of treatment brought relief, it also left me feeling an unexpected emptiness. Emotionally, I was navigating challenges within my marriage and attempting to return to work too soon. Despite the support from my mother, I often felt alone and frustrated with the direction of my life. To cope, I immersed myself in books, educating myself about cervical cancer and HPV. This knowledge empowered me to transform my fear into action.
From Survivor to Advocate: Building a Supportive Community
My journey through cervical cancer ignited a passion for advocacy. I decided to become an advocate for “below the belt” cancers, encouraging women to stay vigilant with their annual exams. In 2022, I graduated from Cervivor School, equipping myself with the tools to support and inspire others. Today, I proudly identify as a Cervivor Change Agent, actively sharing my story within my community to promote regular cervical cancer screenings, follow ups as recommended and the importance of the HPV vaccine.
Cervical cancer is often an isolating experience, but Cervivor has built a supportive community where thousands of individuals impacted by cervical cancer find strength and hope. When Cervivor was founded, many survivors felt unable to share their stories or express their status openly. Today, our community stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences, providing a message of hope and solidarity for all who hear the words, “You have cervical cancer.”
If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer or test positive for HPV, you are not alone. Cervical cancer is more common than you might think, and taking immediate action is crucial. If you have not been diagnosed or tested positive for HPV, continue with your regular exams, get co-tested for HPV, and research the HPV vaccine. These simple measures could change your life and save you from a potentially devastating diagnosis.
Knowledge is power, and I am committed to sharing information about HPV and cervical cancer through my social media platforms and within my community. By educating those around me and staying active with Cervivor and other organizations focused on cervical cancer prevention and the HPV vaccine, I strive to reduce the current trajectory of cervical cancer and promote a future where no one has to face this battle alone.
About the Author
Kimberly Williams, based in the greater Houston area, is a seasoned social services worker with over 20 years of experience advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Holding a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and Master’s degrees in Management and Healthcare Management, Kimberly’s background underscores her commitment to fairness and high ethical standards. As a recurrent cervical cancer survivor, she channels her personal journey into her role as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) Officer at Cervivor, Inc., where she promotes inclusivity and equitable access to care.
Kimberly’s advocacy is recognized through her leadership as on the National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer, her Lived Experience Expert award from the American Cancer Society, and roles with NRG Oncology and Genmab. Her work focuses on reducing health disparities, improving patient outcomes, and advancing comprehensive cancer care.
Final Thoughts
My journey with cervical cancer has been one of fear, resilience, and transformation. By sharing my story and advocating for others, I hope to inspire women to take proactive steps in their health journeys and contribute to a community where cervical cancer is no longer a solitary battle. Together, we can make a difference and create a future filled with hope and empowerment.