“My great grandmother died of cervical cancer when I was 14 years old. Growing up, I remember having conversations with my mom, my aunties, and my grandmother about the importance of women’s health and that we should get examined.

After I was diagnosed with HPV, I learned that black women are the second most likely demographic to develop cervical cancer. My health is very important to me and I do all of my gynecological exams. Women in their 20’s must get their Pap tests because cervical cancer affects young women too.

The 25 and alive campaign is very important to me because of my personal experiences with cervical cancer in my family, and I want to motivate and help other young women, especially Afro Latinas, to get their Pap test.”