Thank you for your support in 2024! Following is our 2024 Impact Report. I hope you enjoy reading this review of VAX 2 STOP CANCER's activities and accomplishments. TOGETHER we are succeeding at increasing HPV vaccination rates in Alabama.
We look forward to another strong year in 2025.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler, MPH
CEO & Founder
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Newsletter Q4 2024
A Note from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Happy Holidays! As I take in the beauty of the season and enjoy its many gifts, I am reminded of all the things for which I am thankful - loving family, close friends, good health, secure surroundings, and, most importantly, YOU, faithful friend and ally of VAX 2 STOP CANCER. I am deeply grateful for the many ways in which YOU enable us to realize success and keep marching towards our goal of an HPV cancer free Alabama.
Thanks to your support, 2024 was a year of accomplishment and progress for our HPV Vaccination Provider Education Program. We have seen steady and significant increases in HPV vaccination rates in the practices we have trained this year. We believe this is a direct result of the skills and strategies that we teach the providers and is also facilitated by the resources we leave with them and the coaching we provide throughout the year of their QI project. Your support allows us to do all of this.
And we ask for your continued support in the new year ahead! We believe it will be an exciting one in terms of our programming, but also a challenging one, in terms of the new administration in Washington, DC. Please continue to advocate for the HPV vaccine, including the scientific research underlying its development, as well as its remarkable 18-year safety record. Now, more than ever, we all need to stand by the powerful and undeniable potential of this vaccine to eliminate HPV cancers, in our lifetime.
I wish you and your loved ones a very blessed holiday season and a peaceful and healthy new year. Here's to increasing HPV vaccination rates even more in 2025!
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.
continue to train pediatric and family medicine providers on how to raise their practice HPV vaccination rates
develop and launch an HPV Vaccine Advocacy Program for OB/GYN practitioners
design an HPV Educational Program for college campuses
Spotlight
on Our Trainees
Pictured are some of the doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants and front desk staff from several of the wonderful practices that we trained in 2024.
The practices are at different points in the yearlong QI project that follows the HPV Vaccination Education. Arrows (↑) indicate HPV vaccination rate increases, as of November.
The way the QI project works: every three months, post-training, we assess a practice's progress by looking at the percentage of 9–13-year-old patients who are up to date on the HPV vaccine and comparing it to their baseline rate at the time they started in the program.
Tanner Medical Clinic
Tanner, AL
4 providers trained
↑ 5%
Kids First Pediatrics
Dr. Elliot Peters
Scottsboro, AL
5 providers trained
↑ 6%
Health Serices, Inc. (FQHC)
Montgomery, Autaugaville, Eclectic, Hayneville, Clanton, Montevallo and Ramer, AL
26 providers (at 11 clinics) trained
↑5% (avg.)
Heritage Pediatrics
Dr. Chante Ruffin
Alexander City, AL
4 providers trained
↑2%
Andalusia Pediatrics
Dr. Srividhya Sridharan
Andalusia, AL
4 providers trained
Over the Rainbow Pediatrics
Dr. JoAnn Johnson
Huntsville, AL
9 providers trained
Pediatric Clinic
Drs. Brooke Haynes, Lisa Young, Sara Smith T, Megan Willis
Opeleika, AL
13 providers trained
The Power of Partnership
Do you remember in the last Newsletter, when the CEO talked about the value of partnerships? About how important they are to the work we do to increase HPV vaccination rates and eliminate HPV cancers? The letter to the left is a perfect example of this!
⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐
After months of communication and collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and many partner organizations, Barbara created this commanding document, addressing the need to increase our state adolescent HPV vaccination rates, as well as showcasing 15 professional health organizations that support this cause.
Last week, Blue Cross Blue Shield sent an e-blast to every one of its Pediatric and Family Medicine providers, with the message:
"VAX 2 STOP CANCER encourages providers to recommend the HPV vaccine to patients."
And it included a link to this letter, on the VAX 2 STOP CANCER website.
Talk about having an impact!
Have you seen...
VAX 2 STOP CANCER's
Social Media?
There are 4.9 billion people who use social media platforms worldwide. So having a presence on social is one of the best and most economical ways to connect with both our current and potential supporters alike. Thanks to our new Communications Manager (read about her below), our posts are getting more views than ever. Which means that more people, in Alabama and beyond, are learning about the HPV vaccine and the work of VAX 2 STOP CANCER.
Mary Elizabeth Carlton
Welcome to VAX 2 STOP CANCER
Mary Elizabeth Carlton, B.S.
Communications Manager
We’re thrilled to welcome Mary Elizabeth to the team at VAX 2 STOP CANCER! She is a proud honors graduate of Auburn University, with a degree in Marketing with a minor in Personal Sales. Her journey into the nonprofit sector began with the United Way Loaned Executive Program. She is eager to apply her nonprofit skills of fostering community relationships and leading impactful campaigns to advancing VAX 2 STOP CANCER’s mission. V2SC's work resonates with Mary Elizabeth and aligns with her lifelong commitment to making a difference by helping others. Growing up with personal health challenges developed in her a profound empathy for those navigating the complexities of healthcare. This perspective fuels her dedication to empowering individuals and communities with education and access to preventative care like the HPV vaccine.
When she’s not working, Mary Elizabeth is preparing for her February wedding to her fiancé, Phoenix! She also enjoys nurturing her love of plants, caring for animals, and channeling her creativity into everything she does.
One thing that I want the public to know is that the HPV vaccine is not just a vaccine - it's cancer prevention and it is completely safe! I know this firsthand, as I was vaccinated as a child, and it was one of the best decisions my parents ever made for my health. This vaccine provides life-saving protection against cancers caused by HPV, offering peace of mind and a healthier future for all!
In the News
From the President of Medicine & Science,
City of Hope Cancer Centers (Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix)
Low HPV Vaccination in the United States is a Public Health 'Failure'
Dr. Maurie Markman, a nationally renowned cancer expert, discusses recent data on the disappointing proportion of HPV vaccination coverage in the United States. Read about these data in the manuscript published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
This is why the work of
VAX 2 STOP CANCER
is so IMPORTANT!
From Healio News
as reported by Dali, et al. in JAMA, published online November 27, 2024
"Cervical cancer mortality in ‘steep decline’ among young women"
"This is an important public health milestone that signifies the importance of HPV vaccination."
-- Ashish A. Deshmukh, PhD, MPH, associate professor of public health sciences and co-leader of the Cancer Control program at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center
I trust this finds you savoring these final days of summer, and I hope the season provided you with refreshing breaks from your routine and quality time with family and friends. Is it me, or does summer go by faster each year? It seems like yesterday (instead of three months ago) I wrote to you about my trip to Washington, DC and the people I met on Capitol Hill. I was quite grateful for that opportunity to engage with political leaders and with change-makers in the world of HPV vaccination and cancer prevention. It thrilled me to be forging new partnerships!
No doubt, that experience helped shape my summer work agenda. In addition to expanding the reach of our HPV Vaccine Provider Education Program to rural and medically underserved counties in Alabama, I wanted to spend time on 'partnership development' - to support existing partnerships and cultivate new ones. Although VAX 2 STOP CANCER has managed to accomplish A LOT on its own - as a small non-profit organization with three employees (at most - sometimes two, sometimes one!) - we could not spread our message and educate our community, without the organizations and individuals with whom we regularly collaborate, consult and converse. They are not only a source of great insight and information, but they encourage us and inspire us to strive toward our shared goal of eliminating HPV cancers. We all agree that wiping out cancer will "take a village."
Fortunately, I have a passion for building bridges with other non-profits in our field. I find it exhilarating to develop relationships with individuals who share similar visions around vaccinations and public health. I never regret the time and energy it takes to get to know a new colleague or to catch up with an old one. And I'm proud of the hundreds of connections I have made in four years. Each connection represents an opportunity for V2SC to improve its programming, or expand its reach throughout Alabama, or educate more healthcare providers, or discover new funding sources, or create new approaches to old problems.
I can honestly say that every one of these partners has opened doors for VAX 2 STOP CANCER, and I am extremely thankful for that:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, HPV Cancer Prevention Program
Alabama Department of Public Health, Immunization Division
ADPH, Oral Health Office
University of West Alabama
American Academy of Pediatrics, AL Chapter
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
AL Adolescent and Adult Vaccination Task Force
Healthy Women
Unity
HPV Cancers Alliance
Operation Wipe Out
Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition
Childrens of AL
HPV Roundtable of the Southeast
MA HPV Coalition
IN Immunization Coalition
ADPH, ImmPRINT
USA, Mitchell Cancer Institute
Mountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition, University of Utah
Cervivor
TogetHer for Health
International Papillomavirus Society
UAB School of Public Health
American Cancer Society and the HPV Vaccination Roundtable
O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB
Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer
HPV and Me
Team Maureen
Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL
Anal Cancer Foundation
Finally, I would be completely remiss if I didn't say that among our most valued and precious partnerships, are those which we hold with YOU - the health care providers, supporters, donors and friends of VAX 2 STOP CANCER. Thank you for the many ways you contribute to our mission and work. As our A Shot at Prevention guest speaker, Dr. Heather Brandt, said in her most eloquent and convincing way, "We can eliminate HPV cancers..." Emphasis on the WE.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.
For over four years, VAX 2 STOP CANCER has championed its mission - to prevent cancer by expanding the use of the HPV vaccine through education and advocacy - by training Pediatric and Family Medicine practices in the art of using the Announcement Approach to increase HPV vaccination rates of their 9-13 year old patients.
And here's where we stand as of August 2024...
Board Member Spotlight
Mallie and her husband, Stewart Dansby
Mallie M. Ireland
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Board Member
Mallie has a true servant's heart for her native Birmingham, Alabama, and for years she has selflessly and generously shared her time, talent and treasure with organizations in her community. Currently she serves on the Executive Committee of the Glenwood Mental Health Board and the Executive Committee of the United Way of Central Alabama Board (over which she was Chair, from 2019 to 2021).
She has been honored with many awards and acknowledgements, not the least of which include:
The 1999 American Cancer Society’s Life Inspiration Award
The 2001 Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Civic Leader Award
The 2021 United Way Tocqueville Award
Why did you join the board? I was impressed with Barbara’s work and tenacity in promoting the vaccine and wiping out cancers caused by HPV. I was especially interested because I’ve personally seen the devastation of cancers caused by HPV exposure.
Role on the Board?
Being born and raised in Birmingham and actively involved in the greater Birmingham area as a community volunteer, I have an ability to network and assist in fundraising for V2SC.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you? I have 15 grandchildren, and it is important to know there is something available for them that is beneficial and can actually prevent cancer.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC? Seeing the increase in vaccine rates since V2SC has implemented trainings. And seeing those trainings increase. It’s also incredibly rewarding to be associated with such accomplished and brilliant doctors, dentists and researchers united for a common cause.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
The vaccine is safe and effective and should be administered beginning at 9 years of age. It’s disheartening to see so much vaccine hesitation caused by Covid; so it’s critical to get the word out about the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. I applaud Barbara and her team for doing such a great work!
Did you know...
August is National Immunization Awareness Month?
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services, the American Association of Immunologists, and other health organizations support this annual observance, to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages and to encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations. GETTINIG ALL RECOMMENDED VACCINES PROTECTS AGAINST SERIOUS ILLNESS! NIAM is strategically timed to coincide with the start of school and the approach of flu season.
Years of research and hundreds of longitudinal studies confirm the SUCCESS of vaccines...
Impact of Routine Childhood Immunization in Reducing Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in the United States (Pediatrics August 2022; 150 (3): e2021056013. 10.1542/peds.2021-056013)
In the United States in 2009, amongst an annual birth cohort vaccinated against 13 diseases, it was estimated that nearly 20 million cases of disease and ∼42,000 deaths were prevented, and $13.5 billion saved in direct costs (Zhou et al., 2009).
A landmark study to be published by The Lancet reveals that global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives – or the equivalent of 6 lives every minute of every year – over the past 50 years. The vast majority of lives saved – 101 million – were those of infants. The study shows that immunization is the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood.
The WHO led this analysis of the impact of the Expanded Program on Immunization from 1974 to 2024. It covers the global and regional health impact of vaccination against fourteen diseases: polio, rotavirus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, tetanus, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, yellow fever, meningitis A.
The amazing power of vaccines to positively impact our lives is exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic --
Safe, effective vaccines against COVID-19 saved an estimated 14.4 million lives globally during just one year of this pandemic and will continue to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death for millions more.
Of course, V2SC's work focuses on the HPV cancer prevention vaccine, but ALL vaccines are important! We want our readers to know what vaccines they, as well as their children, should have (YES, adults need vaccines too). Take a look at this quick assessment tool, to see if you're up to date.
“The impact of vaccination on the health of the world’s peoples is hard to exaggerate. With the exception of safe water, no other modality has had such a major effect on mortality reduction and population growth” (Plotkin and Mortimer, 1988).
Anne Lynn Langloh
Welcome to VAX 2 STOP CANCER
Anne Lynn Langloh, PhD
V2SC, Program Manager
In April we welcomed a new Program Manager to our great organization. Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, Anne Lynn graduated from Duke University with a degree in Zoology. After college, she landed in Birmingham for a job in a research laboratory at UAB. Inspired by the scientific fundamentals and processes of medical research, she became a graduate student in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at UAB. For her doctoral work, she utilized techniques of biochemistry, cell biology, immunology and molecular biology to study the structure and function of the amiloride sensitive sodium channel. After pursuing post graduate research at Johns Hopkins Medical School and at the Carnegie Institute of Washington (Dept. of Embryology), Anne Lynn decided to stay home and raise her three children.
Twenty years later, she met Barabara Schuler, andwas amazed by her passion for the HPV cancer prevention vaccine and very intrigued by the work and mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER.
Because of my background in research, I thoroughly understand the science behind cancer, viral infection, and vaccine development. What this means is that I know vaccines are effective and safe and absolutely fundamental to public health and wellness. The science and the data have proven that vaccines can eliminate disease, reduce the impact of illness, and prevent cancer - end of story!
In the News
from the National Cancer Institute
"FDA Approves HPV Tests That Allow for Self-Collection in a Health Care Setting"
A heart-breaking, yet hopeful, book that takes you through the world of cervical cancer with evidence-based information, personal stories and actionable outcomes
"Intimate, and informative, Enough reminds us that the choice to end cervical cancer belongs to each of us. Now is the time to act"
--Heather White, TogetHER for Health, and VAX 2 STOP CANCER partner
Dr. Linda Eckert is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and an internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention. She has worked as a consultant with the World Health Organization on global cancer prevention for the last fifteen years, facilitating policy development for the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening. She is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at University of Washington’s Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Global Health.
As I write this, I am sitting outside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next door to the White House. I came to Washington DC, to collaborate with my dear friend, fellow HPV-cancer-survivor, and Executive Director of the HPV Cancers Alliance, Lillian Kreppel. We had the honor of meeting with Catharine Young, Ph.D., from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Dr. Young is Assistant Director for Cancer Moonshot Policy and International Engagement. I also spoke with Alabama representatives and their staff about HPV and the critical roles that vaccination and screening play in reducing HPV cancer rates. Why should our congressmen and women care about this? Because in the past two years, the House of Representatives introduced the ‘‘Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for HPV Cancers Act of 2023’’ (the "PREVENT HPV Cancers Act"), President Biden kickstarted the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, and the White House convened a Cancer Cabinet, which brings together agencies from across the federal government—including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - to drive progress against cancer. I think this is the perfect time to lobby for funding and research for the prevention (vaccination!) and treatment of all HPV cancers. More about this to come! In the meantime, scroll down to see photos from "the hill."
Since I last wrote, we have been hard at work, with our Provider Education and Quality Improvement program. We are actively coaching and reviewing vaccination data with 29 pediatric and family practices, and last week we trained 11 practices in the Health Services, Inc. healthcare organization (a federally qualified health center serving central Alabama). This was all happening despite V2SC being without a Program Manager. Fortunately, we had a UAB School of Public Health intern join our team for a few months; Riley Blum did a commendable job of collecting data from ADPH and inputting it into our system of spreadsheets, report cards and run charts. Read more about this ambitious MPH graduate below.
Progress with our Dental Health Provider Program has been slow; spreading the word about it has proven to be challenging, as is getting dental practices interested in the online training and the CE credit. We've taken to the street, so to speak, and are delivering, door to door, the program information and our message about the role dentists can play in RECOMMENDING the HPV vaccine.
There's always so much to do, to fulfill our mission to increase HPV vaccination rates in Alabama. With a new Program Manager on board since April and a new Digital Media specialist joining our team this week, I believe we are well-positioned to recruit and train more pediatric and family medicine practices, make significant inroads with the dental professionals, and expand our education and advocacy projects to OB/GYN practices and college campuses.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.
On Thursday, April 25th, we had our 3rd annual fundraising luncheon at The Club in Birmingham. Heather Brandt, PhD (Director, HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) delivered an impressive presentation entitled, "We can eliminate HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer. Here is how." And Reeves Crabtree (oropharyngeal cancer survivor) gave a moving account of his cancer journey. Reeves and Heather both applauded the work of Vax 2 Stop Cancer and emphasized how important this work is for preventing HPV cancers in Alabama.
The event was a huge success, drawing a crowd of over 100 guests and raising almost $28,000.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO...
...our
SPONSORS
...our
SPEAKERS
...our
GUESTS
Board Member Spotlight
Check out Jennifer's podcast, The Cancering Show, where she seeks to demystify cancer with knowledge, hope and humor.
Jennifer Young Pierce
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Board Member
A native of Sumter, South Carolina, Jennifer went to medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating valedictorian. She completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital Integrated Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard Medical School and completed her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Virginia (UVA). She completed her Master’s in Public Health while at UVA.
Today, Dr. Pierce is a Senior Staff Physician and Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI). She joined USA Health MCI in 2017 with national expertise in Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and cancer disparities and currently serves as the Division Director of Cancer Prevention and Control as well as an Abraham A. Mitchell Clinical Cancer Research Scholar. She is deeply committed to the care of women with gynecologic cancers and spends the majority of her time seeing patients and performing radical surgeries for cancer treatment. Dr. Pierce lives with her husband and 2 daughters in Mobile, Alabama.
Why did you join the board? I feel passionately about prevention of HPV related cancers, and I feel that the work being done by VAX 2 STOP CANCER is some of the most impactful in our state. I wanted to be part of it!
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you? I remain committed to a world where all HPV related cancer is functionally eliminated in the same way that we have eliminated other vaccine preventable illnesses. This should be no different. I started my career doing this and I will continue this work until my last breath. But hopefully I can retire because we will get there!
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC? Being a part of a truly statewide collaborative effort that has the opportunity to make a national impact!
What do you want the public to know about V2SC? I wish more people knew that V2SC was started because of a patient turning their cancer into their passion and their microphone. These patients are all hiding in plain sight and need an organization to fight for them, to fight with them.
Partnerships
VAX 2 STOP CANCER is constantly conversing and collaborating with allies in the HPV world. Eliminating cancer is not a goal to be achieved by just one group! We have been very successful at building relationships with organizations who, like V2SC, are working to make the elimination of HPV cancers a reality. A few of our partners are highlighted here.
Launched by The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital HPV Cancer Prevention Program, Path to a Bright Future is a campaign that mobilizes partners to promote sound, relevant, and appropriate policies that encourage on-time HPV vaccination for 9–12-year-olds and support equitable administration of HPV vaccination for all people.
Operation Wipe Out aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in Alabama by raising awareness about HPV and cervical cancer prevention and facilitating access to vaccination, screening, follow-up, and treatment. OWO is bringing together champions from across Alabama’s public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors to save women’s lives.
The IPVS mission is to contribute to the elimination of papillomavirus-related diseases. Since its formation, its purpose has been to promote worldwide exchange of ideas, knowledge, and research materials among basic, clinical and public health professionals concerned with human and animal papillomaviruses and their associated diseases.
Thank You Riley
We are grateful for your hard work!
Riley Blum, MPH
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Intern
VAX 2 STOP CANCER was fortunate to have Riley Blum work with us for a few months. The Ohio native has a BS in Biology from the University of Alabama and an MPH, with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health, from UAB. She is passionate about women’s health and getting women who belong to marginalized communities the resources and services they need to live healthy lives. Riley's now working as a program manager at the UAB School of Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice.
Riley worked closely with our CEO to record data and observe data trends in practices that were participating in the program. She feels that working with Vax 2 Stop Cancer brought light to the impact that vaccine hesitancy and messaging about vaccines has on the health of individuals and communities. It also taught her that we need to discern why individuals and communities are making the choices they are regarding their health. She says, "I like to think of it as 'taking a walk in someone’s shoes,' really trying to understand who they are and their experiences that then allows us to provide resources and services that truly serve our community."
"Through this opportunity I was able to see first-hand how important it is for us working in public health to understand the data and trends, while remembering to dig a little deeper and look into why individuals and communities are making the choices they are regarding their health."
In the News
Research presented recently at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference shows
"The HPV Vaccine Prevents Head and Neck Cancers in Men"
In March, The White House issued an official presidential proclamation declaring April 2024 as the inaugural National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. This designation is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Prevent Cancer Foundation and supported by 84 organizations (of which VAX 2 STOP CANCER is one!).
Thank you for your continued support! Our first quarter has been packed with exciting events and chances to increase awareness and further our mission to prevent cancer by raising HPV vaccination rates in Alabama as we collaborate with our partners throughout the U.S. and abroad.
VAX 2 STOP CANCER has been thrilled to participate in the Cancer Moonshot Initiative championed by the White House! The goal of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative is to reduce the cancer death rate in the US by 50%, preventing more than 4 million cancer deaths by 2047.
The VAX 2 STOP CANCER team attended the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast meeting hosted by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The meeting brought together 100 participants working in 12 Southeastern states to improve HPV vaccination coverage, and provided an opportunity for sharing successes and challenges, generating ideas, and promoting action to improve HPV vaccination in the Southeastern U.S.
VAX 2 STOP CANCER also had a fantastic opportunity to showcase our Dental Provider Education Program at UAB's Annual Dental School Alumni Weekend! We are thankful for the opportunity to be an exhibitor at the event and get a chance to speak to so many providers face-to-face!
With so much focus and forward movement on preventable cancers, I remain convinced that VAX 2 STOP CANCER will continue to significantly impact the health of our state, and our nation!
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, our Board member, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce of USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, and one of our Scientific Advisors, Dr. Heather Brandt of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital attended the WHITE HOUSE CERVICAL CANCER FORUM which released this statement:
In support of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative's commitment to reduce the impact of preventable cancers and improve support and outcomes for people and families facing a cancer diagnosis, this forum convened leaders to:
Align on the greatest challengesdomestically and globally that, if addressed, will increase access to cervical cancer prevention and control services.
Share progress on work being undertaken to learn from one another about ongoing efforts and explore ways to accelerate these efforts.
Generate actions that can be announced publicly and strategies that will spur action to reduce the global impact of cervical cancer.
Shout out to our HPVRT colleagues who participated in the White House Cervical Cancer Forum. Their thought-provoking dialogue encouraged viewers to join the fight to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue. Shout out to featured members: Debbie Saslow, PhD (American Cancer Society) and Tamika Felder (Cervivor, Inc.).
"I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board, it's a personal issue obviously, and I can assure any and all that if given the choice between a vaccine or radiation and chemo - I'd choose a vaccine every time!"
Philip Bryan
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Board Member
A graduate of Auburn University, I currently live in Montgomery, Al. My wife, Brittany, and I have two children - John Philip (6) and Cece (4). I am a partner in a lobbying firm, Swatek, Vaughn & Bryan.
Why did you join the board? In 2022, I was diagnosed with oral cancer, caused by HPV. Now, almost two years post-treatment, and cancer free, I felt it was an opportunity to help others prevent having to go through what we did.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you? It means helping others - and hopefully moving a parent or guardian to protect their children from a possible cancer diagnosis one day.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC? The most rewarding part is being able to use our story and cancer journey with others.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC? The biggest thing for me is knowing that "vaccines" have been in the headlines a lot over the past few years, and regardless of what you think about vaccines, take the time to actually study beyond the term and understand that there is a successful history here with the HPV vaccine. I'd also add that donating is vital to continuing to spread the word, and the organization's effort is worth contributing to!
Leadership Spotlight
STUART A. LOCKWOOD, DMD, MPH
Alabama Department Public Health - Retired
We are proud to announce that Dr. Stuart A. Lockwood is now serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Vax 2 Stop Cancer.
As 2023 comes to a close I can say with near certainty that it has been VAX 2 STOP CANCER's most exciting year yet. Because of your tremendous support we have now trained 330 provides and staff at 80 practices in 27 Alabama counties through our pediatric program and reached over a million people through our online public awareness campaigns. Not only that, we have launched our dental provider training and expanded our staff. Emily Gardner joined us in August as our first Program Assistant and in October, after Veronica Wehby-Upchurch took a position with another organization, Betsy Fetner joined us as our new Program and Communications Manager. You can get to know more about Betsy below.
In October, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable Annual Meeting. This gathering of 172 attendees from 110 partner organizations was a wonderful chance to learn new strategies and share our own successes with organizations across the country that are also dedicated to positively impacting HPV vaccination rates in the United States and around the world. I was inspired by what I learned and proud to share the work that we are doing at V2SC.
I am so excited for all that lies ahead for our staff and board of directors and I am so very thankful for supporters like you. Your contributions are necessary for our goal of creating an HPV cancer free future for the children of Alabama. This is a critical time for vaccines, especially the HPV vaccine. As vaccination hesitancy continues to rise, we need your support more than ever. Please consider making an end of year gift to to arm providers with the best strategies for recommending the vaccine and counseling hesitant parents about the HPV cancer vaccine.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.
Leigh Anne is a Partner at Bradley, where she serves as the firm's Litigation Practice Group Leader. Leigh Anne previously had a career in nursing, working in the Labor and Delivery unit at St. Vincent's Hospital
Why did you join the board?
I joined the Board to promote women's health issues. I have two daughters and two granddaughters. We have the ability through HPV vaccines to eradicate cervical and other HPV-associated cancers. I wanted to be part of a team that promotes that message and that goal.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Most types of cancer cannot be eradicated. Lifestyle and diet changes can reduce, but not eliminate the risks. HPV-associated cancers can be entirely prevented and eradicated through the use of vaccines that have been available for years. We need to get HPV shots into more arms and improve the lives of the next generation of young women and men. I'm excited to be a part of the mission to expand vaccination rates.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
The most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC is working the Board and team of individuals dedicated to eradicating HPV-associated cancers.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
Discuss HPV-related cancers with your friends and family. Please speak with your pediatrician about vaccines for your children. If you could prevent your child from developing cancer in the future, wouldn't you do it? You can prevent HPV-related cancers.
Leadership Update
Warner K. Huh, MD
We are so grateful to Dr. Huh for his contributions to VAX 2 STOP CANCER as a board member since 2020 and as the featured speaker at our inaugural A Shot at Prevention luncheon. He is ending his tenure on the Board of Directors, but we are so pleased that he is transitioning to a new role as a Scientific Advisor.
Staff Spotlight
Betsy Fetner
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Program and Communications Manager
After graduating from the University of Alabama, Betsy spent many years in professional lay ministry in the Episcopal church before entering the nonprofit world. Most recently, she served as the Program Director for The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.
Why did you want to work for VAX 2 STOP CANCER?
While at LCBF, I learned so much about gynecologic cancers and became very involved with survivors. The stories and struggles of women who had fought so hard to live were truly inspiring, but it was heartbreaking to see young women whose lives could have been saved if they had only been vaccinated against HPV. When I attended the very first Shot at Prevention luncheon, I knew that Vax 2 Stop Cancer was definitely an organization I wanted to be more involved in.
What does the mission of V2SC mean to you?
Having a daughter means that I am constantly concerned about her health and the health of her friends and future family. I see the mission of V2SC, raising HPV vaccination rates in our state, as our responsibility to prevent future cancer for our own children and all the children in the state of Alabama.
What is the most rewarding part of working at V2SC?
Knowing that the work that you are doing has the potential to save lives is truly the most rewarding part!
In the News
Ireland on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040
Describing HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccination for girls and boys as a “game-changer”, Ireland’s Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has revealed that Dublin is on target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and is now in “a strong position to exceed the World Health Organisation [cervical cancer] global targets”. READ MORE
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Newsletter Q3 2023
June 2, 2023
A Note from the CEO
Dear Friends,
What can I say except thank you? Your support has brought our program, Preventing HPV Cancers Through Effective Provider Education, to 295 pediatric and family medicine providers at 77 practices in 27 Alabama counties since 2020. Although seeing such progress in these 3.5 years is remarkable, now isn't the time to get too comfortable with our achievements. American showman and businessman, P.T. Barnum once said, "Comfort is the enemy of progress." With that in mind, we are incredibly excited to launch our new Dental Provider Education Program: Preventing HPV Cancers Through Effective Dental Provider Education. This free, online, on-demand training is available NOW for dentists, pediatric dentists, and hygienists. Utilizing methods endorsed by the National Cancer Institute and materials from the University of North Carolina and the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, the training presents the best method for recommending the HPV vaccine to patients ages 9-26. Oropharyngeal cancer is now the most frequently diagnosed HPV-associated cancer, surpassing cervical cancer diagnoses. HPV causes 14,800 cases of oropharyngeal cancer each year in the US. The HPV vaccine recommendation is critical to reducing the devastating effects of oropharyngeal cancer, and dental providers have a vital role in protecting their patients from these and other HPV cancers. Research shows that parents feel comfortable discussing HPV and the vaccine in the dental setting, especially with dentists. Hence, we are confident that including Alabama dentists in our efforts will move us closer to the Healthy People 2023 target HPV vaccine percentage of 80%. More information, including a link to register, is below. Please share this with your networks, including your dentist! With your help, we can protect the next generation from HPV cancers with vaccination.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
Program Update
Preventing HPV Cancers Through Effective
Dental Provider Education
Dental providers, learn how you can protect your patients from 6 different kinds of cancer in this FREE online on-demand training available now!
Training includes:
education about HPV and the vaccine
best practices for giving an effective HPV vaccine recommendation to patients ages 9-26
research-tested messages to answer the most common questions asked by hesitant parents
resources for getting patients vaccinated
printed materials for distribution to patients
1 CE credit hour through the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama
Dr. Hulgan is board certified in Periodontics and Implant Surgery. He is a native of Albertville, Alabama and a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. He completed a Master’s in Public Health and dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Following dental school, Dr. Hulgan finished a three-year program to receive specialty training in Periodontics with certificates from both UAB and the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Dr. Hulgan has opened two private practices and maintains an adjunct faculty position at the UAB School of Dentistry.
Why did you join the board?
Being on the board has allowed me to make a direct impact to my local community through the program. Given the significant rise in HPV related cancers in Alabama, this impact feels immediately responsive to the work we're putting in.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
The mission for our board fills a current void in knowledge and action for the public related to the HPV vaccine.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
My private practice is often referred lesions for biopsy and involvement in V2SC makes it feel like I'm truly impacting this cycle from both start to finish.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 9-26 and is approved for use up to age 45 for those who might benefit from late vaccination.
Survivor Story
Thank you to the Oral Health Office of ADPH for allowing us to share this story.
If you are a survivor of an HPV associated cancer and you would like to share your story,* please emailinfo@vax2stopcancer.org
What a whirlwind the past few months have been. Our 2nd annual fundraiser, A Shot at Prevention, took place on April 26th at The Club and I could not have asked for a better result. From our wonderful sponsors to the exceptional lecture by Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce and the heartfelt survivor perspective from Kerry McInerney, the day was nothing short of excellent. If you were in attendance, I hope you enjoyed it, if you missed it, don't fret! Included below is a highlight reel of the day as well as a video of Kerry's survivor story. Keep an eye on our social media for more clips from the day including excerpts from Dr. Pierce's remarkable presentation.
It is now already June and that means that in addition to pool parties, beach trips, and festive celebrations, it is also National Cancer Survivors Month and this Sunday is National Cancer Survivors Day. From the NCSD website:
"National Cancer Survivors Day® is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. On National Cancer Survivors Day®, thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding, and even inspiring. NCSD offers an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 18.1 million cancer survivors – to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life."
This year marks 14 years since my initiation into, what some call, the worst club with the best members. In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago, in others, as fellow survivors know, it feels as though it is always with me in the present. I have friends and acquaintances who have experienced all types of cancer- HPV related and otherwise- but one thing that we all have in common is the desire to prevent cancer from ever occurring in the first place. The HPV vaccine gives us the opportunity to prevent 6 different cancers for the next generation. As survivors, we all cope with our diagnoses and treatment in different ways; turning to prayer, cancer advocacy, major lifestyle changes, or turning away from thinking about cancer all together. I started VAX 2 STOP CANCER because I wanted to take back some control over cancer and prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional hardship of diagnosis and treatment. I'm thankful that I have the privilege of doing this work each day. If you are a survivor, I hope that you spend this Sunday, National Cancer Survivors Day, doing whatever it is that brings you the most joy in your survivorship.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder
A Shot at Prevention
Thank you, once again, to our wonderful sponsors:
Board Member Spotlight
Tamera Coyne-Beasley, MD, MPH, FAAP, FSAHM
VAX 2 STOP CANCER Board Member
Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley is the Derrol Dawkins Endowed Chair in Adolescent Medicine, Division Director for Adolescent Medicine, Vice Chair of Pediatrics for Community Engagement, and Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama. Her areas of expertise and training include adolescent medicine, preventive medicine, health services research, medical management, epidemiology and public health. Her research, academic, community engagement, and policy and program development focus on adolescent health and well-being, sexual and reproductive health, risk behaviors and resiliency, global health, immunizations, health disparities and equity. She is a former voting member and workgroup chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and currently also serves on the board of directors for the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases. She is a Past President of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.
Why did you join the board?
I joined the board because of the opportunity to impact HPV education and vaccination locally in the state of Alabama.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Our opportunity to prevent cancer by expanding the use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through education, public awareness, and advocacy is critically important. Optimal uptake of HPV vaccine (>80%) has the opportunity to reduce health disparities, inequities and deaths related to all HPV attributable cancers such as cervical, oropharyngeal and anal cancer.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
One of the most rewarding parts of being involved with V2SC is being able to work with a multidisciplinary and diverse group of board members, and to be able to include the voices of survivors.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
Working to significantly improve HPV vaccination can save lives.
National Cancer Survivors Day
“Cancer survivors face ongoing, often long-lasting, hardships because of their disease. These include long-term physical and emotional side effects, increased risk for second primary cancers and other health problems, and potentially devastating financial setbacks. On National Cancer Survivors Day®, we want to raise awareness of these challenges of cancer survivorship. NCSD is a celebration, but it’s more than that. It is also a call to action for further research, more resources, and increased public awareness to improve the lives of cancer survivors.”Read more
Survivor Story
If you are a survivor of an HPV associated cancer and you would like to share your story*, please emailinfo@vax2stopcancer.org
Adjei Boakye: Despite consistent evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, the number of parents who still cite safety/side effects concerns as a reason for not vaccinating their children has increased from 2010 to 2020. It would have been acceptable around 2006 when the vaccine was new but now, it is shocking that people still think the vaccine may not be safe. Over 100 million doses of the vaccine have been administered and there have been only a few serious adverse effects. Overall, the vaccine is safe and very effective — it is estimated that over 90% of HPV-associated cancers could be prevented with the HPV vaccination.
Thank you for taking a few moments to read our quarterly newsletter. As we assemble these, the goal is always to provide you with updates about VAX 2 STOP CANCER, and information that tells the stories of those impacted by these cancers either as patients, health professionals, researchers, or advocates. I've included a link to our 2022 Impact Report, which details your impact on our mission to prevent HPV cancers. We could not have done this work without the cooperation of our partners, the financial contributions of our grantors, sponsors, and donors, or the leadership of our board and advisors. 2022 was an incredible year for us and, as I look forward to the year ahead, I am excited for what is on the horizon.
Oropharyngeal cancer is now the most frequently diagnosed HPV-associated cancer with diagnoses -- just among men -- surpassing diagnoses of cervical cancer. We must act to increase awareness and prevention of this cancer. To that end, we have partnered with the UAB School of Dentistry to provide an online training about HPV, the vaccine, and the importance of provider recommendations for their dental students. I am also thrilled to announce that we are launching a new program focusing on the vital role that dentists and hygienists play in promoting the HPV vaccine. Their strong vaccine recommendation is important not only to prevent the devastating effects of oropharyngeal cancer that they see among their patients, but also the 5 other HPV-associated cancers the vaccine prevents. While we will continue our program to educate pediatricians and family physicians, we will also offer an online training for dental providers.
It is clear that this multi-dimensional approach is necessary to eliminate the nearly 1,000 preventable HPV cancers diagnosed in Alabama each year. The stakes are high. Lives are on the line. Oropharyngeal cancer is diagnosed more often, but our fellow Alabamians are still dying of other HPV cancers at alarming rates. This op-ed written to the Montgomery Advertiser by Stacey Bennison says it all: "In rural west Alabama, Black women are dying of cervical cancer -- one of the most preventable and treatable cancers -- at disproportionate rates. Yet, this shouldn’t be the case." It shouldn't be the case, and we're working to ensure that it won't be much longer. Thank you for joining us in this critical mission.
International HPV Awareness Day is celebrated every year on March 4th. You can participate in this important initiative on the day itself and the week leading up to it with some events presented by our partners.
Join our interactive expert panel event on Friday March 3rd as we cut the ribbon on this year’s commemoration of International HPV Awareness Day. Hosted by the International Papillomavirus Society and moderated by broadcaster, survivor and NGO founder Tamika Felder, our panel brings together knowledge leaders from the world of clinical practice, policy and patient advocacy to explore strategies and priorities to advance access to screening as part of a global strategy to prevent HPV-related cancer.
Access to cervical screening has been identified, alongside HPV vaccination, a key pillar in the WHO cervical cancer elimination strategies, yet access to cervical screening around the world is far from where it needs to be. This panel will explore the gaps and discuss strategies to address barriers to access, with a focus on improving community awareness and supporting collective advocacy to drive action. Our panelists will discuss opportunities around the development and implementation of new technologies to improve screening and prevention for cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
Register today and share this invitation with your networks to help us to deliver a world with #onelessworry
Event Start Time
Event start: 4:00PM on 03.03.2023 Event finish: 5:00PM on 03.03.2023
Registration is open for the St. Jude International HPV Awareness Day 2023 Seminar Series leading up to International HPV Awareness Day on March 4.
“Join us February 27-March 3 for discussions about HPV vaccination gaps in the southeastern U.S., and HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors and within LGBTQIA+ and rural communities,” says Heather Brandt, PhD, HPV Cancer Prevention Program director.
Thought leaders in the HPV vaccination space will serve as moderators and presenters.
The American Dental Association (ADA) passed a resolution in 2018 underscoring not only, the importance of HPV vaccination in the prevention of oropharyngeal cancers, but also the important role of dentists in HPV vaccine recommendation and administration.
Black History Month
The Mothers of Gynecology Monument in Montgomery Alabama recognizes and honors the sacrifices of 3 enslaved women-- Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey.
From the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: "Every year on February 28 and March 1, the dates that bridge Black History Month and Women’s History Month, ACOG formally acknowledges Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha, the three enslaved Black women whose exploitation led to foundational advances in the field of obstetrics and gynecology that benefit millions of patients today.
In the 1840s, Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha, three enslaved Black women in Montgomery County, Alabama, were subjected to inhumane and painful experimentation at the hands of Dr. J. Marion Sims. While they are often forgotten, Sims is fondly remembered as the “father of modern gynecology” because of the surgical advancements he developed through the many abuses he perpetrated.
Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha’s harrowing experiences have helped raise awareness about racism in medicine and the mistreatment of people of color in the medical system, which has often been overlooked throughout history. By recognizing Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha each year, we uplift the contributions they were forced to make; learn from the history of racism in obstetrics and gynecology; and remember why it’s critical that we continue to work toward providing more inclusive, respectful, and culturally informed care."
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Newsletter Q4 2022
November 22, 2022
A Note from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Once again, it is the time for us to gather around the table with family and friends to celebrate all that makes us grateful. For me, that list is long, and it includes all of you. Without your support, VAX 2 STOP CANCER wouldn't be. I cannot imagine how things would have been had we started at any other time besides January 2020. Still, I can confidently say that I could not have felt more supported or humbled by the generosity of all of our supporters. COVID changed the face of so many things, including the way we were able to implement our programs, but thanks to you, nothing stalled. Because of COVID, this might be the first year some of us are gathering as we used to. For many of us, the table will look different. As I grieve for the losses so many of us have experienced, many entirely out of our control, I am even more steadfast in my determination to prevent the losses we can control.
The HPV vaccine prevents at least 90% of the six known cancers caused by the human papillomavirus. We can prevent cancer with two doses of a vaccine. But vaccines don't prevent cancer sitting on shelves, those doses have to go in arms. So, this Thanksgiving, while I am immensely grateful for the progress we have made, I can't help but look to what is left to be done and I have two more things to ask of you:
Please use the information in this newsletter-- particularly the Did You Know?-- section to encourage your hesitant family members to get themselves, their children and their grandchildren vaccinated against HPV. The science is settled. The vaccine is safe, effective, and long-lasting. Please let them know they can always find more information on our website www.VAX2STOPCANCER.org
Your end-of-year donation will be greatly appreciated and will support our important programs and the new ones we are developing for next year! Help us reach our $10,000 goal by donating at the link below by December 31st.
Your continued support of VAX 2 STOP CANCER is vital to preventing HPV-associated cancers in the state of Alabama and your generosity is always appreciated.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
Founder/CEO
P.S. Please update your contacts to include my new email address: barbara@vax2stopcancer.org
Your gift will prevent HPV cancers for the next generation.
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama has been a VAX 2 STOP CANCER supporter since 2020. This year they offered us a challenge: raise $20,000 and we'll match it. Thanks to some very special donors, we were able to meet the challenge and the Daniel Foundation awarded us $20,000 for our programs!
Board Member Spotlight
Stuart Lockwood, Board Vice-Chair
Stuart is a board-certified public health dentist. He is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama -Birmingham School of Dentistry. Following dental school and a General Practice Residency at Huntsville Hospital, Stuart practiced general dentistry in Union Springs, AL before embarking on a career in public health, earning a Master of Public Health degree in Health Care Policy and Organization from UAB. He then completed a 3-year National Institute of Health Fellowship in Oral Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He was a dental officer/oral epidemiologist in the Division of Oral Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and retired as the State Dental Director in the Alabama Department of Public Health. He is an Adjunct Professor in the UAB School of Dentistry and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Rural Health Association. He recently served as a member of the Alabama State Committee for Public Health (State Board of Health).
Why did you join the board?
I had worked with V2SC Board Chair, Casey Daniel, on HPV-related activities, including Oral Cancer Awareness month. She recommended me to Barbara Schuler to be a board member and I was glad to accept.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Our mission, to prevent cancer by expanding the use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through education and public awareness-- is so unique. How often does one have the opportunity to prevent cancer. Through our provider education program -- Preventing HPV Associated Cancers Through Effective Provider Education -- there is a unique opportunity to educate healthcare providers and parents about HPV cancers and eradicate them.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
To be associated with passionate people, particularly our founder Barbara Schuler, in trying to bring awareness of HPV cancers -- and as a dentist those cancers of the oropharynx (back of tongue, beginning of the throat and tonsils).
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
We are making a difference! V2SC has been in 18 counties, 44 practices and trained 185 health care professionals to date, and increased by 11% the number of adolescents receiving the HPV vaccine. We are making a difference and need everyone's help in preventing HPV associated cancers.
While most people are aware of HPV associated cervical cancers, many are not aware of cancers of the oropharynx (base of tongue, tonsils, and beginning of the throat). Since 2020, these oropharyngeal cancers now exceed the number of cases of cervical cancers each year. With the vast majority of the oral cancers in males, it is important that adolescent boys receive the vaccine as well as girls. And the HPV vaccine is well tested, having been given since 2006 around the world. It makes a difference!
Practice Spotlight
Ross Bridge Pediatrics
Ross Bridge Pediatrics provides primary care services for children of all ages in Hoover. The clinic has two providers, pediatrician Nicolette R. Marak, MD and Marjorie Eiland, CRNP along with a Registered Nurse-Destinee Wade, BSN, RN. The team provides care right from the prenatal stage, through birth and caring for your infant, and on to the school years and the health needs of young teens.
Destinee Wade, BSN, RN
How are you involved with the VAX 2 STOP CANCER program?
As the vaccine coordinator and immunization champion I am passionate about protecting the health of children and adolescents encouraging appropriate and timely vaccinations. I take the lead on vaccine promotion in our clinic which includes implementing strategies to increase vaccination coverage.
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program?
Being able to protect children against diseases is an advantage that no parent should pass up. The Team at Ross Bridge Pediatrics knows how valuable it is to provide children with the assurance of better health using modern immunization programs.
What have you learned from the program? This program helped our clinic develop and implement strategies to increase HPV vaccination completion rates.
What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
We have loved seeing an increase in HPV vaccination completion rates within our clinic.
What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine is safe and is one of only two vaccines available that actually helps prevent cancer.
The "anti-vaccine" content on social media platforms about kids and vaccines originates from a tiny group of just 12 people. In a 2021 analysis, the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that this tiny group—it nicknamed the "disinformation dozen"—was the original source of about two-thirds of the anti-vaccine posts and messages. These 12 individuals wanted to draw more traffic to their own websites.
I am a senior at the University of Alabama, majoring in public health. After graduation I plan on attending graduate school to work on receiving both my masters of public health and juris doctorate.
Why did you choose to do your Internship with V2SC? I chose VAX 2 STOP CANCER for my internship is because I think that the purpose behind the organization is so meaningful and more people should know about it. Which is why I wanted to help build a presence on tiktok so that the target age range of children the organization is trying to reach would be able to make opinions about the vaccine on their own.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Coming from a family where six people have died from cancer, I think that promoting vaccination that could potentially prevent an individual from getting cancer and prevent their family from going through that pain is an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
Knowing that I'm helping people make an informed decision that could potentially save their life one day.
Know someone who would like to intern with us? Email info@vax2stopcancer.org for more information.
Don't forget on BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY
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at no additional cost to you, your purchases can support VAX 2 STOP CANCER!
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Newsletter Q3 2022
August 17, 2022
A Note from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Happy National Nonprofit Day! Summer has flown by, and it is already time for school to start. Consequently, many children have been visiting their doctors for back-to-school vaccinations. I am optimistic that children being seen in the sites we have trained to give a strong recommendation for the HPV vaccine, will be much more likely to receive the vaccine than they would have been before. I look forward to seeing the data from our participating practices in the next few months to see how many of those 9-13 year-olds returning to school have started or completed the HPV vaccine series.
Even if they have already gone back to school, it's not too late to encourage the 9-13 year-olds in your life to start or catch up on their HPV vaccination series to prevent cancer! The FDA has approved co-administration of the HPV vaccine with the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and everyone aged 9-26 should receive the HPV vaccine. See our HPV Vaccination Resource Guide at the very bottom of the page for links to information to help you talk about the vaccine.
I have included our latest program update below so that you can see the progress made with your help. As always, thank you for your continued support, it is a true privilege to work alongside you to prevent cancer in the future for Alabama's children.
With Gratitude,
Barbara S. Schuler
Founder/CEO
P.S. Last month we sent out a supporter engagement survey to gain some insights into how we can best communicate with you. If you didn't have a chance to complete it then, please take a few minutes now to let us know your thoughts.
Alabama Giving defines community foundations as "public endowments that administer a number of endowed funds contributed by a variety of donors primarily for local purposes, to solve community or regional problems, and improve the lives of people in a geographic area."
For VAX 2 STOP CANCER, two of Alabama's community foundations are more than that, they are our partners in our mission to prevent cancer in Alabama. The board and staff of V2SC are exceedingly grateful to have the support of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham for our quality improvement program.
Support for “Preventing HPV-associated Cancers through Effective Provider Education” was provided by a grant from Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
Funding for "Preventing HPV-associated Cancers through Effective Provider Education" is made possible by a grant from the Stringfellow Heath Fund of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama.
Board Member Spotlight
Terrance Moultrie, Member-at-Large
Lighting Sales Manager for Lighting Services at Alabama Power. Terrance manages a sales team for the company's Birmingham, Eastern and Western Divisions. He is responsible for business development of new and current municipal, commercial and industrial customers. His team work closely with government entities including City Mayors, Council offices, ALDOT, Housing Authorities, Park Boards & etc.
Why did you join the board?
I have been personally impacted by cancer involving a family member.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Being the voice in the fight against preventative cancer and leading the way for a cure.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
Growth personally from making a difference for a worthy cause. Also, working with the V2SC staff and other board members.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
It plays a vital role in the community and we need their support. The work by V2SC staff has been amazing. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to training medical staff in the field.
Practice Spotlight
Pediatrics West- Bessemer
Pediatrics West- McAdory
Children's of Alabama Pediatrics West
Pediatrics West was originally part of the Pediatrics Department at Lloyd Noland Hospital and then HealthSouth Metro West. When the decision was made in 2001 for that hospital to no longer employ physicians, the practice was purchased by Children’s of Alabama. Today Pediatrics West operates two offices in Bessemer serving patients ranging from newborns to 18 years. We recognize the ongoing development in this community, and we look forward to continuing to expand our practice to serve the growing number of children in this area.
Charles Schlappi, MD Pediatrician & V2SC Program Liaisonfor Bessemer
Margaret Wester, MD Pediatrician & V2SC Program Liaisonfor McAdory
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program?
Dr. Schlappi: Improve vaccine administration, get more informational handouts on the vaccines, and complete QI requirements.
Dr. Wester: To increase HPV vaccination rates.
What have you learned from the program?
Dr. Schlappi: Improved ways to talk to patients regarding the vaccine.
Dr. Wester: New ways to counsel families on the safety of the vaccine.
What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
Dr. Schlappi: Actually seeing numbers increase for vaccine recipients.
Dr. Wester: Anticipatory guidance. (Proactive counseling that addresses the significant physical, emotional, psychological, and developmental changes that will occur in children during the interval between health supervision visits.)
What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine?
Dr. Schlappi: It is the only cancer prevention vaccine available.
Dr. Wester: It's safety profile and the benefits of long-term cancer protection
VAX 2 STOP CANCER is a proud member of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, a coalition of public, private, and voluntary organizations with expertise relevant to increasing HPV vaccination rates in the United States as a way to reduce illness and death from HPV cancers, through coordinated leadership and strategic planning.
Vax Like A Champion at the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable 2022 National Meeting. Make plans to attend on Wednesday, Sept 28, and Thursday, Sept 29.
Join us virtually from anywhere in the world.
It’s free to attend.
DAY 1: September 28, 2022, 1-5 PM ET – for the general public
DAY 2: September 29, 2022, 1-5 PM ET- for HPVRT Member Organizations
HPV Fact
In addition to genital warts and the 6 known cancers it causes, HPV also causes recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare disorder characterized by the development of small, wart-like growths (papillomas) in the respiratory tract.
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The great author, Herman Melville, once said, “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” After staying to ourselves for much of the last two years, it was such a pleasure to see some of you last month IN PERSON at our first annual A Shot at Prevention luncheon. It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to see those of you who have supported this organization from the start and to meet those of you who are just getting to know us. The event would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our sponsors: O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, EBSCO Industries, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Children's of Alabama.
Special thanks also to our board members, Dr. Warner K. Huh and Tracie Richter for speaking at the event. Dr. Huh's presentation underscored the importance and efficacy of vaccinations in general and highlighted the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and refusal from a public health perspective. His words were an important reminder to us all of the challenges that lie ahead as we work to increase HPV vaccine uptake and ultimately prevent HPV cancers. Tracie's openness about her experience as a two-time cervical cancer survivor brought a face to the statistics we so often share about HPV-associated cancers. Her vulnerability in sharing her story reminds us all that these cancers can affect anyone. Our friends, our neighbors, and our families including our children and grandchildren.
As we head into June, which is National Cancer Survivors Month, I'm extra thankful for Tracie and others like her who help tell the story of HPV cancers. If you are a survivor who would like to help us spread the word about the impact a cancer prevention vaccine can make, please contact me at barbara.schuler5@gmail.com.
Now that school is letting out for the summer, please encourage the parents of 9-12 year olds in your life to get their children to their well visits with their pediatrician and ask for the HPV vaccine. You never know whose life you can save by just mentioning the vaccine and its safety and effectiveness.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
With Gratitude,
Barbara Schuler
Founder/Executive Director
P.S. If you're new to our mailing list and have missed prior editions of our newsletter you can now find them on our website.
Your gift will prevent HPV cancers for the next generation.
Ginna White received her Bachelor of Science degree from Huntingdon College. She immediately began her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama serving in various roles across multiple departments for almost 30 years. In her current position as Department Manager of Healthcare Networks, Ginna is responsible for Program Development, eSolutions Electronic Data and Clinical Information Exchange, Provider Communications, and the Provider Solutions Center.
Why did you join the board?
I was asked to join the board by one of our Medical Directors at Blue Cross in order to represent this initiative from a health insurance standpoint. With my involvement in Provider Communications I can help ensure that this message is clear, accurate, and represents appropriate clinical guidelines.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
I believe the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER is to save lives. Barbara really put it in perspective for me when I heard her say, “If there were a vaccine for breast cancer, there would be a long line of people trying to get it.” It would be great if our community had this same reaction to the HPV vaccine.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
It has been amazing to me to see the accomplishments from the work of this team.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
My hope is that the public can hear that HPV infections lead to 35,000 cases of cancer annually. The HPV vaccine could prevent over 90% of these cancers. It has been safely administered to over 100 million people. The vaccine’s safety record is backed up by over 12 years of intense research and monitoring. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine after it met stringent safety guidelines. Since approval, the FDA and public health officials have done many large-scale tests to check safety, effectiveness and monitor for long-term harm. This research has found no serious safety concerns.
Practice Spotlight
All About Kids, Montgomery
Nicole Sheffield, MD Pediatric Medical Director
We are located in Montgomery. We provide care for kids up to 18 years old from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We staff one Pediatrician and 3 Nurse Practitioners
How are you involved with the VAX 2 STOP CANCER program?
I coordinate instruction for staff on how to successfully recommend HPV vaccines
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program?
To help improve our vaccination numbers.
What have you learned from the program?
How to use motivated recommendations to get patients and their parents to accept the HPV vaccine.
What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
Watching our numbers improve with the skills we've learned.
What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine?
The program gives very helpful recommendations to improve vaccination numbers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the HPV for all children beginning at age 9. They make this recommendation for several reasons:
1. The vaccine is more effective if given sooner. This is partly because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older adolescents do. The vaccine just works better with their immune system.
2. Kids are protected from cancer before they are exposed to the virus. Giving the vaccine earlier also means they can be protected well before they are exposed to the virus. That's what you want—because this is a vaccine that can actually prevent cancer.
3. There is no known downside to earlier initiation. The immune response is robust at younger ages, and there is no evidence of significant waning protection after antibody levels plateau approximately 18 to 24 months after series completion.
4. There is some evidence supporting earlier initiation. A retrospective study showed that adolescents who started the HPV vaccine series at age 9 or 10 were 22 times more likely to complete the two-dose series by age 15 than those who initiated the series at age 11 or 12 (St. Sauver JL, et al. Prev Med. 2016;89:327-333).
Read more about the rationale behind the recommendations here and here.
This year on March 4th, International HPV Awareness Day, two of our wonderful mission partners launched their HPV Awareness Campaigns. While HPV Awareness Day has come and gone, these campaigns, the work of these organizations, and our own work last all year.
We are pleased to partner with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on their "Path to a Bright Future" campaign, which unites medical and public health experts, along with HPV cancer survivors and parents—all committed to raising awareness in their communities. You can learn more at the link above.
We are also proud to support International Papillomavirus Society, IPVS, on their "Ask About HPV" campaign. This year's theme is One Less Worry. Click the link above to learn more.
HPV Fact
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed in the United States since they were licensed. Data continue to show the vaccines are safe and effective.
Be sure to select VAX 2 STOP CANCER as your charity of choice when shopping on Amazon Smile. A portion of your purchase will come back to the organization. Click below to get it set up!
Newsletter Q1 2022
February 23, 2022
A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that we are almost through February. In recognition of Black History Month we have been focusing a lot of our awareness campaign on health disparities. While recent surveys show that HPV vaccination completion among Black adolescents is higher than their white counterparts, Black men and women still have higher mortality rates for HPV-associated cancers. These disparities exist every month and while February is also National Cancer Prevention Month, we are reminded just how important it is to get the message out that the safe, long-lasting, and effective HPV vaccine works to prevent 6 different cancers year after year.
The newest group of practices participating in our training program is off to a good start. We have expanded to six new counties and are still recruiting new practices to join this round. As we have called on practices to participate, it has been evident that COVID-19 has taken its toll on pediatric providers throughout the last surge. Many groups have not had the capacity to participate so we are extra appreciative of those practices who have joined this round.
The reality is that focusing on HPV vaccination is even more important now given what we have seen about missed doses of routine vaccines and the increases in vaccine hesitancy due in no small part to online disinformation campaigns. For that reason, we are looking forward to International HPV Awareness Day on March 4th. As an official partner organization of the IHAD campaign spearheaded by the International Papillomavirus Society, we will be promoting the 2022 campaign- One Less Worry- as part of our efforts to combat misinformation online. Get a sneak peek of the campaign here. Be sure you are following our social media accounts so that you can help spread the word.
Please make plans to join us for our re-scheduled first annual "A Shot at Prevention" luncheon on April 7, 2022. You can find more details, including sponsorship opportunities below.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We cannot do it without you!
With Gratitude,
Barbara Schuler
Founder/Executive Director
P.S. If you're new to our mailing list and have missed prior editions of our newsletter you can now find them on our website.
Warner K. Huh, MD is Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds the Margaret Cameron Spain Endowed Chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is also Professor in the Department of Surgery and Professor in the Department of Epidemiology in the UAB School of Public Health. His research interests include screening and prevention of HPV related diseases as well as novel immunotherapeutic approaches for pre-invasive disease of the cervix as well as cervical cancer. He has authored or co-authored over 265 articles in journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Lancet Oncology, Journal of the National Cancer Institute Cancer, Clinical Cancer Research, Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (h-index: 55). He serves as co-PI of the Johns Hopkins-UAB-University of Colorado Cervical Cancer Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) program (2P50CA098252-06A1). Dr. Huh serves on the editorial boards of Gynecologic Oncology and The Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease (Associate Editor). He recently served as President of the ASCCP. He is on the steering committee for the ASCCP treatment guidelines and was co-chair of the ASCCP colposcopy standards effort. Dr. Huh has also served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and is Past President of the SGO.
Why did you join the board?
To further increase awareness and education on the public on the importance of HPV vaccination.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Taking active steps to education and increase awareness.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
The people.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
For my children and grandchildren, cervical cancer can be a thing of the past. What we have to do is educate physicians, providers, and parents on how the vaccine is truly a genuine cancer prevention strategy. This is why the work and mission of V2SC is so critically important: to fill the gaps with much needed, accurate, and timely education and awareness.
Spotlight Event
You can hear Dr. Huh speak about HPV-associated cancer research on April 7th at the VAX 2 STOP CANCER Spotlight Event Luncheon "A Shot at Prevention" at The Club. In addition hear from Tracie Richter, a cervical cancer survivor, and get an update from Barbara Schuler about the progress being made in Alabama. Tickets go on sale March 1st on our website. If you are interested in sponsoring the event you can view the sponsorship brochure and contact Barbara Schuler.
Did You Know?
In recognition of Black History Month, we are highlighting the way that the cervical cells of one woman, Henrietta Lacks, changed the face of medicine forever. The WHO posthumously awarded her the Director-General's award in October of 2021, the 70th anniversary of her death from cervical cancer. Learn more about her "He La cells" and their profound impact, not only on the development of the HPV vaccine, but on the entire field of medicine here and in the video below.
According to the American Cancer Society, the HPV vaccine currently used in the US protects against 9 HPV types and has the potential to prevent 90% of HPV cancers.
Be sure to select VAX 2 STOP CANCER as your charity of choice when shopping on Amazon Smile. A portion of your purchase will come back to the organization. Click below to get it set up!
2021 Impact Report
January 26, 2022
Dear Friends,
I must begin by expressing my sincerest gratitude for the impact you have made on me personally and on the organization’s mission. Without your support, encouragement, and participation, VAX 2 STOP CANCER could not have built upon the momentum from our first year to flourish the way we have in our second. Like the pandemic babies born in 2020, V2SC emerged into the world at a time when the future was filled with so many questions. But just as those infants have crawled, walked, and climbed, we have dashed forward adapting to every obstacle along the way. In the blink of an eye, we are 24 months old with no signs of slowing down and plenty of milestones to celebrate from our second year:
> Expanded our flagship program, “Preventing HPV-associated Cancers through Effective Provider Education” with trainings scheduled in five new counties: Montgomery, Pike, Tuscaloosa, Lowndes, Autauga, and Calhoun where we are educating providers at pediatric and family medicine practices, county health departments, and federally qualified health centers to give an effective HPV vaccine recommendation to parents.
> Transitioned Executive Director position from part-time to full-time, hired a full-time Program and Communications Manager, renewed contracts with digital media specialist and fundraising/grant writing consultant, and continued internship program with our third intern from the UAB School of Public Health.
> Increased board membership with 3 new board members. Read about them all here.
> Created a survivor card for oncologists to distribute to their patients to encourage them to share their stories. If you know a survivor of HPV-related cancers who would like to share their story, please have them email veronica@vax2stopcancer.org
> Strengthened our social media presence by launching Twitter and LinkedIn profiles and increasing followers across all platforms, thereby amplifying the reach of our public awareness campaign. Make sure you are following us these as well as Facebook and Instagram.
> Established the publication and distribution of a quarterly e-newsletter to supporters, donors, and institutional funders.
> Collaborated with UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Presented a webinar on V2SC at one of O'Neal CCC's Community and Outreach Engagement sessions.
> Published an op/ed in The Anniston Star and secured a feature article in the Over the Mountain Journal.
> Accepted the invitation to become a member organization of the HPV Vaccination Roundtable, a group of non-profits across the US all working together to bring awareness to the HPV vaccine and HPV-associated cancers.
> Met our goals for donations from individuals and for grant funding.
As we begin our third year, just as our toddler cohorts do, we look forward to new relationships, expanded opportunities, and increased uptake of vaccines that make the future brighter for us all. I'd love for you to share our work with your networks. Please forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested in the work you are supporting and encourage them sign up to receive updates on our website here.
With appreciation,
Barbara S. Schuler
Founder/Executive Director
P.S. We originally planned our first luncheon for October of 2021 but had to reschedule due to COVID. Please mark your calendars to join us April 7, 2022 at The Club. Warner K. Huh, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and V2SC board member will be the keynote speaker. If you or your company would like to be a sponsor for the event, please email me at Barbara.Schuler5@gmail.com
Newsletter Q4 2021
November 23, 2021
A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
In this season of Thanksgiving I want to begin by offering my heartfelt gratitude to you. Without your support, VAX 2 STOP CANCER could not exist. When we began in 2020 amidst a global pandemic, we had no idea what would lie ahead for a fledgling organization. COVID presented many challenges for non-profits and for health care organizations. Because of you and others like you who gave your time, money, and talents, we have so much for which to be thankful this year.
Thanks to you, V2SC's flagship program, Preventing HPV Associated Cancers Through Effective Provider Education, has wrapped up for some of our first-round practices and the data through 12 months speaks for itself. The goal for the program is to increase HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates by 10%. I'm thrilled to share with you that the first nine practices have shown an average increase of 14%! We are currently recruiting practices for our second round and are very excited to be including health departments and federally qualified health centers in our training.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our health care workers who have done the heavy-lifting. To those of you who are reading, the success of this program lies with you. Your dedication to your patients and to the field of medicine throughout this difficult time has been truly inspiring for those of us at V2SC. We honor and appreciate you every day.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We cannot do it without you!
With Warm Wishes and Immense Gratitude,
Barbara Schuler
Founder/Executive Director
P.S. We have rescheduled our luncheon for April 7, 2022 so be sure to save the date on your calendar!
Please remember VAX 2 STOP CANCER in your end of year giving. Every dollar we raise supports our mission to prevent cancer by expanding the use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through education and public awareness, and increasing research of HPV-associated cancers. A donation to V2SC makes a great holiday gift for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members on your list!
A pediatrician who practiced at St.Vincents for 42 years, now doing clinical research there. Married, with 2 adult children. Will 37 has Down Syndrome, and Lucy 34 is an OB-Gyn at St. Vincents.
Undergraduate at Auburn where I was president of my social fraternity and president of AED pre-medical society. Attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine and did Pediatric Residency at the Children's Hospital of Alabama. Some nice honors include:
1. Multiple years on Top Doctor and Best Doctors lists. 2. Immunobiology research at Cal Tech with a Noble Laureate.
3. Selected as a medical student to serve on the National Institute of Health Research Resources Committee.
4. Long time member of St. Vincents Foundation serving as president in 2010. 5. Involved in the past on the Boards of BellCenter, Exceptional Foundation, and currently VAX 2 STOP CANCER.
Fun Fact: Dr. Bill was V2SC staff member, Veronica Wehby-Upchurch's pediatrician when she was a child. She remembers him very fondly and thinks he hasn't aged a bit!
Why did you join the board?
I was asked by a friend whom I respected.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
As a pediatrician increasing the vaccination rate of this very important preventive vaccine is critical.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
Working with great people and seeing the efforts show results.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
Its goal of preventing cancer by increasing vaccination rates.
Practice Spotlight
Over the Mountain Pediatrics- Children's of Alabama
Suzann Smith, Clinical Coordinator
A pediatric primary care practice in Birmingham with seven physicians.
How are you involved with the VAX 2 STOP CANCER program?
Attempting to improve our vaccination rate.
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program?
To protect our vulnerable patients.
What have you learned from the program?
Continue to encourage vaccination.
What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
Seeing the vaccination rate increase.
What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is approved for use up to age 45. While the primary goal is to have all children complete their vaccination series by age 13, shared clinical decision-making regarding HPV vaccination is recommended for some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated. V2SC Program and Communications Manager, Veronica L. Wehby-Upchurch is 39 and received her first dose last week. When asked why she decided to get the vaccine she said, "When the vaccine was first available I was eligible but was not in the age group that was targeted. It wasn't until I came to work for V2SC that I was even aware that it is approved up to age 45. I spoke with my provider and we decided that I would get it. I want to do everything within my power to prevent cancer in my future." To learn more about the recommendations for the HPV vaccine for adults visit the CDC website here.
In the News
U.K. study: HPV vaccine reduced cervical cancer rates by 87% in women who were vaccinated at 12 and 13. A study published in the medical journal The Lancet found the rate of cervical cancer was 87% lower in women who received an HPV vaccine between the ages of 12 and 13, compared to an unvaccinated group. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook joins "CBS Mornings'' to discuss the historic findings.
HPV Fact
There are around 200 strains of HPV. Of those strains, around 13 carry the ability to cause cancer. The strains which are most associated with HPV-related cancers are HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Be sure to select VAX 2 STOP CANCER as your charity of choice when shopping on Amazon Smile. A portion of your purchase will come back to the organization. Click below to get it set up!
Newsletter Q3 2021
August 17, 2021
A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to present you with the first edition of the VAX 2 STOP CANCER (V2SC) Quarterly Newsletter. I am excited to open this line of communication with you to keep you updated on all that you are helping to accomplish. I also hope that you will use this as an opportunity to share your feedback with me and that you will forward this along to those in your circle who might be interested in the work of V2SC.
I am thrilled to announce the hire of a full-time Program Coordinator to handle the logistics of the our quality improvement project with our pediatric and family practice partners. Veronica Wehby-Upchurch previously served as the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama. After taking a year to stay home with her new baby, she is excited to be working once again to reduce cancer risk in the state of Alabama.
We are quickly approaching the 12-month mark with the first group of practices in our quality improvement project, Preventing HPV Associated Cancers Through Effective Provider Education. The data we have in hand through 9-months is encouraging. The goal for the entire 12 months is an increase of 10% and the average across practices has already reached 11%.
Unfortunately, as you may know that the pandemic has caused interruptions in healthcare delivery for children and adolescents, including reduced uptake of routine vaccinations like the HPV vaccine. Since March 2020, an estimated one million doses of HPV vaccine have been missed by adolescents with public insurance—a decline of 21% over pre-pandemic levels. As a result, all 71 NCI-designated cancer centers are calling for healthcare centers, physicians, parents and children, and young adults to take action to get HPV vaccination back on track. Read more here.
Recently the Tennessee Department of Health announced that it is ceasing all vaccine outreach efforts, including the HPV vaccine, to adolescents because of pressure by state lawmakers. You can read the details here. To my knowledge, there has not been talk of this in Alabama. Hopefully, it will not come to that.
We had hoped to host you for the first annual VAX 2 STOP CANCER luncheon in October, but due to the current COVID-19 surge we have decided to postpone the event until circumstances are better. Please plan to join us for this event when the time comes.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We cannot do it without you!
Dr. Daniel is the Director of Epidemiology and Public Health and an assistant professor at the University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine and USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed postdoctoral training in cancer prevention and control at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute before being recruited as the first faculty of the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Prevention.
Why did you join the board?
I am a childhood cancer survivor and have dedicated my personal and professional lives to preventing cancer in others. As a public health professional, prevention is my ultimate goal. The HPV vaccine is so incredible because it can actually prevent multiple types of cancer. Increasing HPV vaccination improves and saves lives every single day. This is the first organization of its kind. As soon as I heard about V2SC, I knew I had to be a part of it.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
The mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER is closely aligned with my beliefs and passion for cancer prevention. Educating others and promoting cancer prevention to ultimately help save lives is the best work I could ask for.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
The most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC is knowing that our work is contributing to a real difference. Our work is helping more adolescents get vaccinated against HPV and preventing unnecessary cancers. Also, working with a group of people who are as passionate about a mission as you are is incredibly rewarding; it is difficult to describe how great it is to share that kind of experience with others.
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
I want the public to know how passionate and dedicated we are to saving lives through this organization's work. Modern medicine is amazing and we are thankful for amazing cancer treatments, but through V2SC we are striving to save lives through cancer prevention. Future generations may never have to endure the tragedy of these vaccine-preventable cancers. This vaccine is paving the way to the possible elimination of some cancers--something we may see in my lifetime. Our work is a testament to the importance and indescribable value of this cancer prevention vaccine.
Practice Spotlight
Primary Care Services, Blount
Mina Kahn, MD Attending Physician, Managing Partner
Is a primary care practice in Oneonta, which is in rural Alabama. We serve patients in Blount County and surrounding counties. We have two physicians and 2 nurse practitioners, also 2 registered nurses, 3 medical assistants and 4 non clinical staff involved in front office duties and billing.
How are you involved with the VAX 2 STOP CANCER program?
I make recommendations which patients need to be vaccinated against HPV, and the vaccines are administered by the medical assistants. One of our RNs runs monthly reports to determine how many shots were given in any given month.
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program?
I have a large adolescent population that are eligible for the vaccine based on their age. To my knowledge rates of completed immunization against HPV are low in Alabama, and we needed to focus on this, while reducing the stigma that some have associated with the HPV-9 vaccine.
What have you learned from the program?
It has given me a perspective of how effective we have been in vaccinating our eligible population against HPV. The tools and information provided by Barbara have also helped introduce the concept of vaccinating as young as 9 years of age, which I was not doing previously. I feel that this will help with vaccine coverage in the long term.
What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
Seeing our vaccine coverage numbers improve with each assessment has been rewarding.
What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine?
There is a lot of misinformation widely propagated by a small number of individuals and groups. The vaccine is safe and is the only vaccine that can prevent a variety of cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, including cervical and anal, and those of the head and neck. The vaccine can be effectively and safely offered to children as young as 9, and if given before the age of 15, one less dose is required to complete the series
anal and oropharynx (back of the throat including base of the tongue and tonsils) in both men and women
Survivor Story
Meredith Carpenter, a dual-cancer survivor, shares the TRUTH about the HPV vaccine's effectiveness!
If you are a survivor of an HPV associated cancer and you would like to share your story*, please email barbara.schuler5@gmail.com
*Stories can be shared in writing or on camera
HPV Fact
Nearly 80 million people living in the U.S. are currently infected with some type of HPV with 14 million new cases each year - half of those being teenagers and young adults.
