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Please consider donating. We can’t do this life-saving work without your financial support!
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Dear Friends,
As we turn the corner into cooler days and a new season, I find myself reflecting on the importance of family, health, and time spent with loved ones. These small but meaningful moments remind us why the work of VAX 2 STOP CANCER matters so deeply — because health is the foundation that allows us to enjoy life fully.
While national vaccine rates continue to face challenges, Alabama has shown us what’s possible. This year, our state achieved one of the highest kindergarten vaccine coverage rates in over a decade, bucking the national decline. That’s an accomplishment worth celebrating — and a reminder that progress is possible when communities, providers, and families work together to protect our children. Of course, there is still much to do. Low HPV vaccination rates remain a serious public health concern, and every missed opportunity to vaccinate represents a risk of future cancers. That’s why our team is committed to expanding our “Nine and On Time” campaign, strengthening provider education, and creating new ways to connect with parents and communities about the importance of prevention. On the organizational side, the board-retreat is coming up soon! It’s important for the vision of our year. We’re excited to see our board members and work together on strengthening our strategic plan, setting measurable goals, and identifying new opportunities for growth. This retreat is not only a time for reflection but also a chance to ensure that VAX 2 STOP CANCER continues to build momentum and maximize its impact in the year ahead. Looking ahead, I’m energized by the partnerships forming around this mission — with pediatricians, family physicians, OB/GYN practices, dental professionals, and families who share our vision of an HPV Free Alabama. Together, we are not only raising awareness but also saving lives.
As you enjoy the warmth of family this season, I hope you’ll also carry the message of prevention into your circles. Each conversation, each vaccine given, brings us closer to a future where HPV cancers no longer steal lives. With Gratitude, |
Barbara S. Schuler
CEO and Founder |
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Big News: V2SC’s OB/GYN Program
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What is RRP and how is it relevant? |
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This Fall we will launch our OB/GYN HPV Education Program — a new initiative designed to expand HPV awareness and HPV vaccination opportunities in women’s health practices across Alabama. OB/GYNs can play a critical role in catch-up HPV vaccination - which means vaccinating their 19–26-year-old patients who, for whatever reason, are missing or have not received all required doses of the HPV vaccine. Additionally, since routine gynecological care includes cervical cancer screening (the Pap test), it's important that physicians discuss with their patients the cause of cervical cancer (HPV infection), the way to prevent it (HPV vaccine), and the method used for detecting it (HPV test).
The program incorporates HPV and vaccine education for physicians, support and resources for patient HPV vaccination, tools for utilization of HPV testing, and techniques for productive HPV communication with patients. It relies heavily on recommendations and materials from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and is tailored to the setting and structure of the OB/GYN office visit.
In addition to addressing female genital HPV cancers (cervical, vaginal and vulvar), the program also discusses an often-overlooked fact: certain strains of HPV can be passed from mother to child during childbirth, and in rare cases cause a serious health condition known as juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Read below to learn more about this devastating, yet preventable (with the HPV vaccine) disease.
By working with OB/GYN providers, we are expanding the conversation about HPV vaccination beyond pediatrics and into the full spectrum of women’s health. With this program, VAX 2 STOP CANCER is ensuring that prevention messages reach parents and patients at every stage of life — bringing us closer to an HPV Free Alabama. |
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare but serious disease caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), most often types 6 and 11. |
RRP occurs when wart-like growths develop in the respiratory tract — most commonly on the vocal cords, larynx, and sometimes deeper in the airway or lungs. These growths can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe or speak, and often require repeated surgeries to remove.
While it is not cancer, it can cause lifelong complications and, in rare cases, may even progress to cancer. The good news is that the HPV vaccine — which protects against HPV types 6 and 11 — can help prevent RRP, making vaccination at age nine for both boys and girls an important step in protecting future generations. |
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*It is sometimes referred to as laryngeal papillomatosis, tracheal papillomatosis, glottal papillomatosis, as well as AORRP/JORRP, and in the past was often called juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis, because it was thought to primarily affect only children. There is no cure, but there is currently a NEW FDA approved treatment to treat RRP.* |
Pathway diagram of HPV6/11-mediated molecular mechanisms in RRP |
There is considerable evidence that recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in children often results from vertical transmission of HPV from mother to child during birth. Virology studies show a strong link between genital condylomas (genital warts) and juvenile-onset RRP (JORRP). HPV types 6 and 11—responsible for 80–90% of condylomas—are also responsible for nearly 100% of JORRP cases.
A study conducted using data from the RRP Foundation found that fewer than 25% of JORRP patients were born via cesarean section, which is much lower than the expected national average. This suggests that cesarean birth may play a protective role in reducing the risk of RRP. Additionally, the greatest risk appears to occur when mothers under the age of 20 have condylomas during pregnancy and deliver their first child vaginally.
In adults, RRP is also caused by HPV-6 and HPV-11. However, unlike in children, there does not appear to be a significant relationship between birth factors and the development of adult-onset RRP (AORRP). Instead, researchers believe that in many adult cases, the infection may be acquired later in life, potentially through sexual transmission. |
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Although Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is not new, it is rarely talked about — even though it can have a profound impact on children and families. Awareness of this disease is still far too limited, and many don’t realize it is linked to HPV and can be prevented through vaccination. At VAX 2 STOP CANCER, we believe shining a light on conditions like RRP is essential to protecting future generations. By raising awareness, supporting education, and promoting prevention, we can make sure families have the knowledge they need to safeguard their children’s health.
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Check out the RRP Foundation here. |
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What’s Going On In August?
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| National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)—a time dedicated to recognizing the vital role vaccines play in safeguarding our health. This observance is especially significant to VAX 2 STOP CANCER, as the HPV vaccine and hepatitis B can prevent several types of cancer before they develop. This year, NIAM carries even greater importance as national vaccination rates have been declining, leaving communities more vulnerable to preventable diseases. By highlighting the importance of staying up to date on immunizations, NIAM reminds us that vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have for protecting public health and building a healthier future.
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National Nonprofit Day (8/17)
August 17 is National Nonprofit Day, a time to recognize the invaluable work nonprofit organizations do to strengthen communities and create lasting change. For VAX 2 STOP CANCER, it’s a day to reflect on our mission to prevent HPV-related cancers through education, public awareness, and advocacy. Nonprofits like ours fill critical gaps in public health by reaching underserved communities, providing trusted information, and building partnerships that make prevention possible. National Nonprofit Day serves as a reminder of the impact grassroots organizations have in driving meaningful progress and improving lives every day.
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Catch up on June & July … |
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| National Cancer Survivors Month (June)
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to honor those who have faced cancer, celebrate their strength, and recognize the progress made in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. For V2SC, it’s a powerful reminder of why our mission matters—to prevent HPV-related cancers so fewer families have to face the challenges of a diagnosis. This month also raises awareness about the unique needs of survivors, from ongoing medical care to emotional support, and highlights the importance of prevention efforts that can reduce future cancer cases. National Cancer Survivors Month is both a celebration of resilience and a call to continue advancing the fight against cancer.
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| | Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week, observed each June, is dedicated to raising awareness about health issues that affect men and encouraging prevention, early detection, and healthy lifestyles. At V2SC, this week is especially meaningful because HPV doesn’t just affect women—it can cause serious cancers in men, including oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers. Many of these cancers are preventable with the HPV vaccine, making awareness and vaccination essential parts of men’s health. Men’s Health Week is an important opportunity to highlight these risks, break down stigmas, and ensure that men have the information and resources they need to protect their health for the future.
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Back-To-School Vaccine Summer Push
The back-to-school season is an important time to make sure children are protected against preventable diseases before the new academic year begins. At VAX 2 STOP CANCER, this effort includes raising awareness about the HPV vaccine, which can prevent six cancers later in life, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, vaginal and penile cancers. Vaccinating at the recommended age—starting as early as 9—provides the strongest, longest-lasting protection. The back-to-school vaccine push helps ensure students start the year healthy, protected, and ready to learn, while also strengthening community immunity for the year ahead.
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Our new poster coming soon to pediatric and family medicine practices. Many thanks to ADPH and the Oral Health Office for their collaboration!! |
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Kids First Pediatrics-Troy has been a valued partner in VAX 2 STOP CANCER’s mission to prevent HPV-related cancers through education and vaccination. Together, we’ve worked to promote early HPV vaccination—starting at age 9—by sharing accurate information with parents, encouraging timely immunizations, and supporting community awareness efforts. Dr. Lindsey VonCannon’s dedication to protecting children’s long-term health has played a key role in our back-to-school outreach and in building healthier futures for Alabama’s youth.
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Here are a couple things they had to say about our Pediatric Provider training!
How did the training change the way your team talks about the HPV vaccine with patients and families?
“The training reiterated the safety and convenience of starting the HPV shots at 9 instead of 11, and I now discuss the vaccine at the 9 and 10 year well visits as though it is an expected and routine part of these visits that children receive the HPV vaccine. If a family would like to discuss further, I remind them that it has been approved down to age 9 for decades and it is a more effective vaccine/cancer-fighting tool the earlier an immune system is exposed to the shot.”
Have you seen any changes in how parents respond to the HPV vaccine since completing the training?
“On the whole, I feel that families are open to starting the vaccine series earlier with this approach to discussing the shot. There, of course, are hesitant families, but I believe they are the same groups that would be hesitant to giving the shot in general, not to starting at 9 in particular.”
What advice would you give to other pediatric practices who are considering participating in this training?
“Teach both the providers and the staff to discuss the 9 and 10 year WCCs as having an expected shot. Families are sometimes hesitant to give a shot at these visits because they had already "promised" their child that there wouldn't be any shots. If the front staff and schedulers can prepare them ahead of time to expect a shot, this can smooth the way to giving the HPV vaccine at these visits.” |
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9 & On Time — One Of Our Own! |
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This month, we’re especially proud to celebrate one of our own — Valerie — who just received her HPV vaccine right on time at age nine! Her story highlights the heart of our “9 & On Time” campaign, which encourages parents to start HPV vaccination at age nine for both boys and girls. By starting early, children build strong protection before they are ever exposed to the virus, and need fewer doses. This simple step sets them on the path toward a healthier future, free from HPV-related cancers. Valerie’s milestone is a reminder of why our campaign matters — because every child deserves the gift of prevention.
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Did your child receive the HPV vaccine 9 & On Time?
Submit a success story below! |
Sharing your “9 & On Time” story inspires other parents, raises awareness, and shows how simple prevention can be. Together, these stories move us closer to an HPV Free Alabama! |
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6 cancers prevented. 2 shots. 1 healthy future. |
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Want more 9 & On Time information? |
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From WBRC News published Lauren Harksen, August 6th, 2025 |
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Alabama Kindergarten Vaccine Coverage Hits 95%, Bucking National Decline |
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During the 2024–2025 school year, more than 95% of Alabama kindergartners were fully vaccinated—the highest rate in over a decade. Nationally, coverage fell to around 92%, continuing a downward trend. Read more from WBRC here: Full Article
Source: CDC Article |
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We are incredibly thankful to the many foundations, businesses, and community partners who stand beside us in our mission. Your support makes it possible for us to expand education, increase access to HPV vaccination, and ultimately save lives. It’s only through strong partnerships like yours that we can continue to protect families and build a healthier future for Alabama. |
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We’re always accepting donations, and every gift helps us continue the fight to prevent cancer! |
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HPV-Free Alabama, one shot at a time! |
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| Find us on your favorite social media site! |
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