Tracy Jimenez is a cervical cancer survivor and advocate.

Since her battle with cervical cancer in 2016, Jimenez has become an advocate, spreading awareness about the disease and encouraging women to get regular gynecological exams and a Pap smear, which can detect abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer.

Just four days after her 46th birthday, on Nov. 1, 2016, Jimenez learned that she had stage II cervical cancer and HPV. Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus.

The Longmont City Council created a proclamation, at Jimenez’s request, for January to be Cervical Cancer Awareness month. The disease, the proclamation reads, is the fourth-most common cancer in women worldwide. As the one-year anniversary of the proclamation approaches, Jimenez hopes to continue her awareness about the disease. Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley said he supported this mission.

Jimenez works as an administrator and security guard in Westminster. She had three children, who are now grown and have children of their own. As a single mom, Jimenez said finding time to get to the doctor was difficult and she said she didn’t have insurance.

For those who have survived the disease or are currently battling it, Jimenez wants them to know there is support out there, starting with the American Cancer Society.

Jimenez is a strong advocate for Cervivor - a global community of patient advocates who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices for creating awareness to end stigma, influence decision and change, and end cervical cancer.

Motivational, Health, Cancer, Cancer Survivor, Education