Chapter Leader: Jolene Whisler

Cervical Cancer Survivor

Jolene Whisler spearheaded the efforts. Her passion for spreading awareness comes from her many experiences while battling Cervical Cancer. “I have been a Cervical Cancer Survivor since 2006. I was 34 years old at the time and had radical surgery five days after being diagnosed. I endured 25 external radiation treatments and three internal radiation treatments. My experience drives me to want others to understand how quickly Cervical Cancer can move and how fast detection is with annual cancer screenings. I chose to take my health for granted, unfortunately. I had not had a cancer screening in seven years, and when I did get one, I lost my ability to ever
have a child within five days. That was my history and choice, but I want others to be reminded of Cervical Cancer Awareness and understand that HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can transform into cancer if left undetected. It’s scary, especially since there are more than 200 types of HPV. Again, early detection saves lives!

Heartland Health Services lit up the Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria, IL, for a Reveal the Teal observation for #CervicalHealthAwarenessMonth2022