A Note from the CEO

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025! I hope you’ve been enjoying the longer days, warmer weather, and a bit of spring sunshine wherever you are. Here at VAX 2 STOP CANCER, this season has brought not only brighter skies—but also a renewed sense of purpose and momentum in our mission to prevent HPV-related cancers.

This quarter we attended the inaugural National HPV Conference in Indianapolis, where we had the opportunity to learn from and connect with 400 individuals and public health leaders from across the country. It was energizing to see how much momentum exists around HPV prevention—and we left even more committed to the work ahead.

Not long after, we hosted our Fourth Annual “A Shot at Prevention” Luncheon, and it was truly one of our best yet! Our guest speakers, Dr. Robert Bednarczyk and Lillian Kreppel, did an absolutely phenomenal job! The room was full of passionate, dedicated people working toward the same goal: protecting communities from HPV-related cancers. Days like these serve as a reminder of the power of this network.

We’re also gearing up for our Annual Board Meeting in August, where we’ll reflect on the year so far and look ahead to what’s next. I’m excited for the conversations and planning to come—we’ve got big things on the horizon like our OB/GYN Educational Provider plans for rural providers.

At the same time, we’re facing tough realities. In today’s challenging funding climate, sustaining and expanding our mission requires both creativity and strategy. That is why we brought on Susan Wilson, a development consultant who has extensive experience and was previously the Vice President of Development at the YWCA of Central Alabama. Susan will help us strengthen our fundraising efforts and build new opportunities for growth. With her guidance, we’re working to ensure that VAX 2 STOP CANCER remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet the needs of the communities we serve. 

We can’t give up on this important cause…not when we already have the vaccine that prevents these cancers! Our hope is that more parents will realize just how crucial the HPV vaccine is for safeguarding their children’s future. It can take decades for the HPV-related cancers to develop, which is why vaccinating now is so important.

We’re looking forward to the months ahead and all the opportunities they’ll bring to connect, educate, and protect more families across our state. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful and healthy summer—and thank you, for being part of this mission. Whether you share a post, attend an event, or simply talk to a friend about the HPV vaccine—you’re helping us move one step closer to a world without HPV-related cancers. 

With Gratitude,

Barbara S. Schuler

CEO and Founder

Your gift to VAX 2 STOP CANCER will prevent HPV cancers in Alabama.

Our 4th Annual

“A Shot At Prevention”

Luncheon 2025

On Tuesday, April 29th, we held our 4th annual A Shot at Prevention fundraising luncheon at The Club in Birmingham. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Bednarczyk (Associate Professor of Global Health and Epidemiology at Emory University), delivered a powerful presentation on vaccine hesitancy and the critical role of the HPV vaccine in cancer prevention. Lillian Kreppel, an HPV anal cancer survivor and national advocate, shared her deeply personal survivorship story, inspiring the audience with her resilience and dedication. Closing remarks were graciously given by Reaves Crabtree, a survivor and supporter of V2SC.

The event was a tremendous success, drawing about 100 guests and raising more than $26,700 to support our mission of eliminating HPV-related cancers in Alabama. We are so grateful for your support as we continue our work to make an HPV Free Alabama—one shot at a time!

A Huge Thank You to…

Our Sponsors

Our Speakers

Dr. Robert Bednarczyk, PhD, is an esteemed epidemiologist and public health researcher specializing in vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization policy. As an Associate Professor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Dr. Bednarczyk focuses on improving vaccine confidence, understanding vaccine hesitancy, and advancing strategies to increase vaccine uptake—especially among underserved populations.

He is also affiliated with the Vaccine Center at Emory and collaborates on national initiatives aimed at improving HPV vaccination rates. Through his research and public engagement, Dr. Bednarczyk continues to be a leading voice in protecting public health through education, science, and advocacy.

Watch Dr. Bob’s speech below!

Lillian Kreppel is a nationally recognized advocate for HPV-related cancer prevention and education. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit, HPV Cancers Alliance (HPVCA), Lillian plays a critical role in uniting voices from across the country to raise awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the cancers it causes.

Lillian’s dedication to public health stems from her personal experience with HPV-related cancer, which she has transformed into passionate advocacy. Her work focuses on increasing HPV vaccination rates, improving public understanding of HPV-associated diseases, and supporting survivors. Through strategic collaboration and tireless outreach, Lillian continues to be a powerful force in the mission to eliminate HPV-related cancers for future generations.

Watch Lillian’s Survivor Story below!

Our Guests

An Exciting Month of May!

For organizations like VAX 2 STOP CANCER, this month is a powerful reminder of the vital role that research plays in HPV-related cancer prevention. From developing effective vaccines to refining early detection methods, cancer research is the foundation of progress—and hope. We remain committed to supporting and sharing evidence-based practices that save lives and build a cancer-free future.

National Cancer Research Month

May is National Cancer Research Month, recognized each May, which honors the incredible progress made through cancer research while emphasizing the continued need for scientific innovation. Spearheaded by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), this observance shines a light on the lifesaving impact of cancer research in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

National Women’s Health Week

Observed each year beginning on Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week (May 11–17, 2025) is a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to encourage women and girls to prioritize their health. It’s a reminder to schedule important screenings, stay up to date on vaccinations like the HPV vaccine, and take proactive steps toward physical and mental wellness. By focusing on prevention and early detection, we can empower women to lead healthier, longer lives.

Catch up on March & April …

Anal Cancer Awareness Day (3/21)

March 21st is dedicated to shining a light on anal cancer—a preventable disease that’s often left out of the conversation. Although considered rare, rates have been steadily increasing, especially among women, with cases more than doubling in recent decades. Since most anal cancers are caused by HPV, this day is an important opportunity to talk about risk factors, the importance of routine screening, and the protective power of the HPV vaccine. Don’t let this day go unnoticed—jot it down for next year and help us bring this often-overlooked cancer into the spotlight.

Adolescent Immunization Week (Second Week of April)

This annual week-long initiative focuses on making sure teens and preteens are caught up on the vaccines that keep them healthy—especially before the summer and back-to-school season begins. From HPV to meningitis and Tdap, these vaccines are essential tools in preventing serious illness during a critical stage of development. Adolescent Immunization Action Week encourages parents, providers, and schools to start conversations early and make preventive care a priority. If you missed it this year, don’t worry—there’s always next April to help spotlight this important reminder.

Oropharyngeal Cancer Awareness Month 

Throughout April, attention turns to oropharyngeal cancer—a cancer of the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue that’s on the rise, especially among men. Most cases are linked to HPV, yet awareness remains low. This month encouraged early detection, regular checkups, and conversations with both medical providers and loved ones about risk and prevention. It’s a powerful reminder that protecting yourself isn’t just about what you eat or how often you exercise—it’s also about getting vaccinated and staying informed.

We attended the

National HPV Conference 2025!

For 3 days in April, VAX 2 STOP CANCER traveled to Indianapolis to attend the inaugural National HPV Conference. Hosted by the Indiana Immunization Coalition, the goal of this meeting is to invite all U.S. professionals working in the HPV space to come together in an effort to learn and share. At the conference, we presented data and results from the past 5 years of our HPV Provider Education QI project. We also heard deeply moving stories from survivors of cervical, anal, oropharyngeal cancers, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare condition that develops in the larynx. Their voices not only reminded us why this work matters—they also helped raise powerful awareness about the devastating impact of these preventable cancers.

Spotlight on Research: Improving HPV Vaccination Rates in Alabama

At the 2025 National HPV Conference in Indianapolis, our Program Manager, Anne Lynn Langloh, PhD, proudly presented a research poster highlighting the success of VAX 2 STOP CANCER’s Announcement Approach Training and Quality Improvement (QI) Project. The study focused on increasing HPV vaccination rates among 9–13-year-olds in Alabama medical clinics using evidence-based provider training and QI strategies.

The poster showcased data from 2020–2024, demonstrating significant improvements in up-to-date HPV vaccination rates across participating clinics. By equipping providers with effective communication techniques and actionable tools, the program empowered pediatric and family practices to confidently recommend the HPV vaccine during routine visits.

This work underscores our commitment to cancer prevention and community impact, and we are proud of Dr. Langloh’s leadership in advancing health equity through data-driven innovation.

Provider Spotlight

Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Over the Rainbow Pediatrics is more than just a provider—they’re a true community champion in the fight against HPV-related cancers. Thanks to their proactive participation in our Provider Education and QI program, they’ve achieved a 32% increase in up-to-date HPV vaccination rates among eligible patients over the last year alone.

Their entire team—seen here proudly representing their clinic—is known for going the extra mile, from starting conversations early to making vaccine education a normal part of every visit. Their compassionate approach, commitment to prevention, and dedication to public health make them a standout partner in our shared mission to create an HPV Free Alabama.

Here are a couple things they had to say about our Pediatric Provider training!

Have you seen any changes in how parents respond to the HPV vaccine since completing the training?

“Yes, we have had more and more parents become open to having these "tough" conversations when their children are approaching the eligible age of nine to receive it by discussing their future vaccines at a younger age. It's a great way to put the "bug in their ear" that they will be getting their HPV vaccine to prevent cancer at their 9 year check up. Prior to the training, we were stating 11 years of age, but after the training, we've begun administering Gardasil at nine years of age.”

What strategies or tips from the training have you found most effective in encouraging vaccination—especially at age 9?

“We've learned to change our verbiage in how to have these tough conversations and help steer patients and their families in the right direction. In recent years, we've had parents that have been resistant to getting the HPV vaccine because it is "optional"; however, we've been successful with getting parents and children to convert to receiving their HPV at a young age. Dr. Johnson and our team are passionate about patients receiving any vaccine whether it is optional or not and our team has put in extensive time into educating all of our patients on vaccines from the moment they join our practice.”

What advice would you give to other pediatric practices who are considering participating in this training?

“We would hope that any pediatric practice would be open to continuing education no matter what the training pertains to. As a medical professional, you've got to be open to evolving and learning about preventing disease. We hope that by participating in this training that all offices can come together to rally behind HPV, protect our children and eliminate the spread of HPV. Attending a training is never harmful and can make a huge difference if you can be open to learning and spreading the word.”

Summer Vaccine Push:

“9 & On Time” Campaign

This summer, VAX 2 STOP CANCER is ramping up our efforts to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated against HPV—starting at age 9. Our “9 and On Time” campaign emphasizes the importance of vaccinating early, before exposure, to ensure maximum protection against HPV-related cancers. Summer is the perfect time to schedule well visits and get ahead of the school-year rush. By starting the series at age 9, families can stay on track, avoid delays, and give their children the strongest defense possible. Grandparents, check with your children to make sure your grandchildren at getting the HPV vaccine!

Check out HPV Roundtable’s Fact Sheet on getting vaccinated at age 9

Keep this handy to combat misinformation spreaders!

HPV vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why it’s routinely recommended starting at ages 11–12. However, national completion rates remain suboptimal. According to the 2021 National Immunization Survey-Teen, only 61.7% of adolescents aged 13–17 had completed the HPV vaccine series. Delayed initiation contributes to these low rates, as missed well-child visits and changing care patterns in adolescence reduce opportunities for timely vaccination.

Recent data and expert consensus now support initiating the HPV vaccine series as early as age 9, a strategy associated with significantly improved completion rates and stronger preventive outcomes.

A 2022 study by Bednarczyk et al. analyzed national survey data and found that adolescents who initiated HPV vaccination at ages 9–10 were:

*22 times more likely to complete the series by age 13 compared to those who began at age 11 or older.

*93% of early initiators completed the series on time, versus 66% of those who started at age 11–12.

These findings highlight that earlier initiation, not only improves series completion but also enhances provider-family communication, reduces missed opportunities, and aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the President’s Cancer Panel.

Increasing adolescent HPV vaccination completion rates to 80% may be possible with increasing vaccination initiation among individuals aged 9 years.

*Long-term modeling evidence demonstrated that with a proactive initiation rate (3% per year) starting in 2023, time to 80% vaccination completion in 13–15-year-olds would be reached by 2034. *If the status quo was maintained, 80% completion would be reached in 2042.

A parting thought: 

By initiating the HPV vaccine at age 9, we not only improve on-time series completion but also take a proactive step toward eliminating HPV-related cancers. Early initiation enhances immune response, increases adherence, and allows for meaningful provider-family dialogue before adolescence begins. As the evidence continues to grow, so does the urgency—let’s act on what we know and ensure that timely vaccination becomes the norm, not the exception.

Sources: American Cancer Society & National HPV Roundtable

Expanding our Network:

V2SC meets HPV researchers at Cornell and Tuskegee Universities 

In March we were approached by a group of biomedical engineering students in a scholars program at Cornell University. The program is a collaborative effort between students and professors at Cornell and Tuskegee University’s Center for Biomedical Research/Research Centers in Minority Institutions, with a focus on developing innovative solutions addressing health disparities in Tuskegee and the Black Belt counties of Alabama. To that end, these Cornell students are designing an HPV at-home self-test for men (called HPV ClearCheck) and developing an educational campaign to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. They reached out to VAX 2 STOP CANCER to learn about our work and programs, and to partner on community outreach efforts to distribute informational materials, promote awareness, and encourage participation in HPV screening. In April, we had the pleasure of meeting them in person as we attended the launch of Tuskegee’s Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Campaign. This was a fantastic community-wide event that included presentations by Tuskegee professors, local medical providers, Alabama Department of Public Health officials, and representatives of the Operation Wipe Out Alabama project. Plus, two of the Cornell scholars presented the research and development behind their HPV ClearCheck test.

This new and favorable relationship with Cornell and Tuskegee HPV advocates expands the VAX 2 STOP CANCER partner network and opens doors for potential training and educational opportunities!