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Right in the middle of summer seems like a disrespectful time to start thinking about sending kids back to school, but now is the time to plan for a successful upcoming school year. For this month’s Path to Prevention newsletter, we talked with several parents of children who have been and are scheduled to be vaccinated against HPV about how they do back-to-school.
We also hope if you have not already done so that you will check out our program’s new public awareness campaign, which launched last month. You can access the campaign website at stjude.org/preventHPV and follow us on Facebook.
As always, the newsletter includes updates on major programs and initiatives as well as partner activities and updates. If you have anything you would like for us to share, please email us at preventHPV@stjude.org.
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HPV vaccination is cancer
prevention.
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Kids Aren’t Thinking About HPV
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Last month, we launched the first phase of a new national public awareness campaign. The Their Future Is In Your Hands campaign promotes on-time HPV vaccination for all children as a proven way
to prevent HPV cancers later in life. The campaign takes a fun approach to reveal a simple yet powerful truth: Kids aren’t thinking about HPV. That’s why parents, caregivers, and vaccine decisionmakers need to act now. We know that when a child receives HPV vaccination on-time, the greater the HPV cancer prevention potential.
New resources are being added to the campaign website each month.
The campaign Facebook page is up and running with excellent social media content to like
and share with your networks.
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| Back-to-School Planning Tips from Parents
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Summertime is here and all the things that come with it – barbecues, popsicles, and swimming holes. It is never too soon to start thinking about and planning for back-to-school. We talked with parents to get their best tips for back-to-school planning, including how they prepare for having their children receive recommended vaccinations like HPV.
The TL;dr version of back-to-school preparation: Plan ahead.
And the TL;dr version of HPV vaccination: It’s cancer prevention; get your child vaccinated.
Jodie and her 17-year-old daughter live in Virginia. Even though there is a school-entry requirement there, Jodie
knew all along she would have Anne vaccinated because the cancers caused by HPV are serious. She recommends planning ahead as much as you can when it comes to vaccination to allow time for records to be sent to school. When it comes to HPV vaccination, she shared, “I do not feel there is any reason to hesitate to vaccinate children for HPV. It is safe and effective. The consequences of not vaccinating kids are much scarier than the thought of a vaccine.” She also noted teenagers – like her daughter – can be terrible at passing on the information you need from school.
Shannon and her two sons (ages 17 and 15) and daughter (age 13) live in North Carolina. As a family with two
working parents and children that play on several sports teams, it’s all about logistics and routines in their house. Weeks ahead of school starting, Shannon and her husband make sure they have a plan in place for transportation to and from school and activities and for securing any new supplies needed for the school year. Shannon places trust in her children’s pediatrician when it comes to vaccinations. Shannon said, “I understand some parents think their children are too young to need the HPV vaccine, but at some point, those children will grow up and become sexually active. Studies show the vaccine is more effective when given at a younger age.” She continued with emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention, “The HPV vaccine is proven to prevent cancer. That fact alone was enough to convince me all three of my children (two boys and one girl) should receive the vaccine. It sets them up for a lifetime of cancer prevention, which is a gift I wish I had received when I was a child.”
Daniela and her 11-year-old son live in South Carolina. Their family tries to take care of back-to-school supplies
by the end of July to enjoy as much of the time as they can before school starts in August. For vaccinations, they make sure to follow the recommendations from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She checks to make sure flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available and follows the advice of her child’s pediatrician for recommended and required vaccines. Daniela and her husband chose HPV vaccination for their son because of the tremendous cancer prevention benefits. She stated, “We all want our children to be healthy and for them to grow into healthy adults. We feel so fortunate that the HPV vaccine was available for our son.”
Lisa and her children – 16-year-old son, 15-year-old daughter, and 11-year-old son – live in Iowa. Back-to-school planning means making sure three very busy kids have what they need to be successful. Her advice is don’t
procrastinate. She picks up supplies throughout the summer to have everything in order in advance of the start of school. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to some negative perceptions about vaccinations, she takes another view. The pandemic offered the opportunity to promote conversations on the science behind vaccines and why they are beneficial and effective. Lisa said, “By having the opportunity to talk about vaccines on multiple occasions, our kids are knowledgeable about how vaccines can prevent life threatening illness and protect those around you. They ask before their appointment if there are any vaccines that they will be getting. Even though they understand that these are necessary for their health, the fear around receiving a shot will always be there. And they know it is only temporary pain.” Specifically, about HPV vaccination, Lisa said, “We have been hoping and waiting for a vaccine that can prevent cancers and here it is. Hopefully, one
of many more to come. My 11-year-old will be getting his first HPV vaccine this month, and I am so thankful for all of my kids that they have that opportunity to protect themselves.”
Heather and her 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son live in South Carolina. Like the other parents with whom
we spoke, they also plan ahead for the school year. In addition, she and her husband sit down with their children to set goals for the year regarding their academics and extracurricular activities. This allows them to discuss schedules and know what they need to have in place for a great start to the school year. When it comes to vaccinations, Heather tracks her children’s vaccination records and uses her phone to set reminders. She said, “My son received the first HPV vaccine and now it is time for his next one, so a reminder just came up for this.” She continued, “For anyone considering the HPV vaccination, have those discussions with your pediatrician. It was an easy decision for my husband and I as
we have stayed up to date on literature and have a family member who has studied this for years who kept us informed. There will always be literature that states positive and negative information about any vaccination, but in the big scheme of things, if it could prevent a life-threatening condition for your child later in life, is there really any question at all?”
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Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
Quarterly Updates Meeting: August 21
The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program will host its next quarterly updates meeting, Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities, on Aug. 21, 2024, from 11 a.m.-noon Central Time. The event will showcase a presentation on recent research on Understanding HPV Cancer Rural Disparities from Dr. Jason Semprini, a postdoctoral scholar in the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa. Sara Lolley, MPH, program manager of immunization initiatives will share updates on the American Academy of Pediatrics communication campaign to improve HPV vaccination rates within rural communities. Additionally, our program will highlight
the latest developments surrounding the six priority action steps for improving rural HPV vaccination coverage.
Register here to secure your spot and be a part of this discussion.to secure your spot and be a part of this discussion.
ACS Rural HPV Vaccination Learning Community Webinar
On June 12, Josh Kellems, Specialty Services Director for HealthLinc, discussed the ABCs of Quality Improvement. He emphasized forming a project team with roles such as project leader, process owner, technical expert, clinical expert, and
customer considerations. Kellems highlighted AIM statements for guiding improvement projects, detailing components like specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. He set targeted goals for improving HPV vaccination rates and discussed leveraging resources from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The panel, moderated by Kori Pitt and including Kellems, Liliana Cueva, and Shelley Walker, focused on HPV vaccination QI teams, action plans, and the importance of leadership in overcoming barriers.
Visit the ACS website here to watch past recordings or to register.
ACS Project ECHO Nevada for Community Health Workers
The American Cancer Society and Project ECHO
Nevada have teamed up to produce a Community Health Worker ECHO series on HPV vaccinations. Participants encouraged are from Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah who want to expand their knowledge and help increase HPV vaccinations in their communities. This ECHO series will be 6 weeks long and will follow an interactive format using ECHO to provide continuing education through didactics, case-based learning, and tools. Registration is limited to 100 community health workers and the training begins Tuesday, July 16.
Complete the interest form here to register for this training. to register for this training. to register for this training.
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Addressing Cancer Control
and Care in Rural Communities: A National Rural Cancer Control Conference
Attend the National Rural Cancer Control Conference at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center on August 8-9. This event will explore challenges and advancements in rural cancer care, covering research strategies, workforce issues, cancer screening, post-COVID cancer trends,
and digital health innovations. The session on Eliminating HPV-Related Cancers: Implementation and Policy Initiatives will
highlight St. Jude strategies to enhance HPV vaccination uptake in rural areas. This conference offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to enhancing cancer care accessibility in rural communities. Register for this conference here.
Join our efforts to improve rural HPV vaccination coverage.
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Wide Open Spaces: Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities
Energizing and Equipping Rural Providers in Washington State to Increase HPV Vaccination of Preteens, Ages 9-12
Vaccination partners in Washington State are dedicated to preventing HPV cancers by increasing HPV vaccination of preteens aged 9-12 with a particular focus on reducing disparities in rural communities and for non-English speakers.
As part of this effort, the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) developed the “HPV@9” Multi-level Quality Improvement Project to support streamlined workflows for HPV vaccination starting at age 9 and to help healthcare providers give a
strong announcement recommendation using a cancer prevention message.
Read more about this project here.
We invite guest contributors to share information on how they are working to improve HPV vaccination in rural areas. If you are interested in contributing or learning more about our efforts to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities, please
email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.
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HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
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HPV Cancer Survivors School: Where are they now?
Lillian Kreppel
When Lillian Kreppel was diagnosed with stage II anal cancer in 2017,
her response reflected her personality: “I don’t have time for this cancer. Let’s take care of this. Let’s get it done.” Lillian and her doctors immediately identified her rigorous treatment program of chemoradiation therapy, and she assembled a huge support team of friends that was with her every step of the way.
“My experience with anal cancer has profoundly changed me,” Kreppel said. “I was completely shocked to get such a diagnosis, even though I knew that HPV could cause cancer. All of my Pap tests over the past few years had been negative, so I felt blindsided.”
Her determination, positive attitude, and relentless spirit got her through the ordeal with her critical organs (and sense of humor!)
intact. Lillian’s personal experience with HPV-related anal cancer profoundly influenced her to become an activist and a tireless advocate, and in the end a new mission and vision in life was born. She knew that she had a responsibility to empower the public and the medical communities through education, awareness, and advocacy, and that the time was, and is, now.
“I would 100% absolutely tell parents and caregivers to please get their kids vaccinated. I did not have the option because the vaccine
was not available when I was growing up. How amazing we have a vaccine that can prevent cancer. This should be a no-brainer.”
Together with actress, Marcia Cross, and businessman, Dan Lifton, they founded HPV Cancers Alliance in 2019. Lillian and the HPV Cancers Alliance are motivated, driven and committed to spreading knowledge and saving lives. In Lillian’s own words, “Although HPV impacts nearly everyone, no one should die from this preventable virus. Try not to be ashamed because HPV is the most common virus and 80% of people will have it at one point in their lives from just being normal. If you normalize it, it will make it easier to talk about and educate.” She is a woman with an iron-sharp mission and vision, and the endless energy and dedication to achieve it. Lillian is funny, outgoing, and a lover of life. She just hit her 5-year cancer free mark and considers herself now, an anal cancer thriver.
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Lillian Kreppel is pictured second from left with fellow HPV cancer survivors.
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Partner Spotlight:
HPV Cancers Alliance
The HPV
Cancers Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating HPV-related cancers through education, advocacy, and support. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals with knowledge about the health and lifestyle impact of HPV infection and embolden them to take necessary actions to prevent and treat the virus and eliminate its consequences.
Co-founder and Executive Director, Lillian Kreppel’s
story exemplifies the HPV Cancers Alliance mission. Her personal experience led her to become an activist and, together with actress Marcia Cross and Development Advisor Dan Lifton, she founded the organization in 2019. Lillian is committed to spreading knowledge and saving lives, stating, “Although HPV impacts nearly everyone, no one should die from this preventable virus.” Now, a 5-year cancer-free survivor, she continues to advocate passionately.
HPV Cancers Alliance initiatives include:
Recently, the HPV Cancers Alliance achieved significant milestones. They hosted a cancer prevention program called Healthy Girls, Healthy Women where mother-daughter pairs from across the country met with
their state legislators and the Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative to improve HPV awareness and vaccination policies. They doubled their mission partners, expanding their network to 24 organizations globally. The HPV Cancers Alliance also participated in numerous conferences and interviews, advocating for better education, screening, and vaccination against HPV. Notably, they highlighted advancements like a blood test for early cancer detection and addressed stigma and misinformation around HPV.
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The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program is a member of the HPV Cancers Alliance and
has supported several programs and initiatives, including signing on to a call to action led by Healthy Women and the HPV Cancers Alliance urging the Biden Administration to dedicate funding to support programs and resources to advance HPV cancer prevention.
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Partner Activities and Updates
Alabama
Operation Wipe Out hosted "A Night Out for Wipe Out" on June 21. Guests dressed in their best summer attire and attended an elegant evening to raise funds for Operation Wipe Out's activities, which aim to increase access to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening and treatment in Alabama.
Tamika Felder, the Chief visionary of Cervivor Inc., served as the MC for the event and shared her inspiring story as a cervical cancer survivor.
Dr. Gary Pugh, medical officer from the Alabama Department of Health, emphasized the importance of cervical cancer screenings and stressed that no woman should die of cervical cancer.
Dr. Isabel Scarinci discussed effective strategies for making tools accessible to populations affected by this disease. She praised LaFayette High School students for promoting the importance of HPV vaccination with their slogan "Vaccination is
Key, Wipe Out HPV."
At the event, an auction was held to illustrate how different types of funding contribute to ensuring that screening and treatment are available, with Dr. Heather White announcing that over $50,000 was raised. Operation Wipeout celebrates its
success and looks forward to eliminating cervical cancer in Alabama with the help of partners, survivors, and supporters.
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Arkansas
Immunize Arkansas is gearing up for the 2024 Immunization Summit. The annual educational event is for immunization leaders and healthcare providers from around Arkansas and the region interested in addressing and improving immunization issues. The event will take place August 9.
Register for the Immunization Summit here.
Louisiana
Louisiana State University Receives Grant for Cervical Cancer Prevention
The LSU Louisiana Children’s Medical Center Health Cancer Center has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to address cervical cancer prevention barriers, funded by a $1.2 million grant from the American Cancer Society and $75,000 annually from LSU Health New Orleans. Louisiana has high cervical cancer death rates,
especially among African American women. The five-year project aims to increase screenings and remove obstacles preventing access to preventive services. Around 750 women from New Orleans and Shreveport will be screened for HPV, with surveys conducted to identify barriers to follow-up care. This data will guide the development of educational materials and strategies to improve access. This initiative is essential for reducing disparities and enhancing community health outcomes. Review Louisiana’s HPV state profile and other states here.
Louisiana Chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics Annual Conference
The Louisiana Chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics will host their annual conference, “Pediatricians for a Far Out Future,” in Alexandria from August 16-18. The event will feature didactic talks, panel discussions, poster presentations, and Q&A sessions, providing a platform for pediatricians across the
state to learn, collaborate, and build community. Medical students and residents can attend free of charge if registered before August 14. Register for the conference here.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Develops the Parent-Centered Educational Program “¡Actuemos a Tiempo!” (Let’s Act On Time!) to Promote the HPV Vaccine
Researchers from the U54 Partnership for Cancer Research Excellence from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), the UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of Texas, and a network of community partners have developed “Let's Act on Time!” an educational program created to increase vaccine awareness among Spanish-speaking communities. This program narrates the story of a family with an 11-year-old daughter on a visit to their pediatrician with questions regarding the HPV vaccine. “Let's Act on Time!” is complemented by printed fact sheets explaining HPV, HPV-related cancers, and the HPV vaccine. Additionally, the program includes a short public service announcement (PSA) video and audio productions designed for dissemination via radio and social media platforms. All materials are in Spanish, and the short PSA videos include American Sign Language translation. For the past three years, the
U54 Outreach team and its community partners have collaborated to promote the educational program in their community settings, Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs), and across social media. As part of this collaboration, community partners had access to content delivery assistance and materials at no expense. The program impacted 70 municipalities (89.7% of the island), with materials disseminated in 40 clinics and immunization centers across the island, including all 22 FQHCs in Puerto Rico. The team connected with over 2,000 people through in-person events and health fairs. Additionally, 18 workshops were conducted in clinical and academic settings.
By establishing partnerships and sharing resources, the Outreach Program in Puerto Rico has
lowered costs associated with raising vaccination awareness, while widely disseminating its educational campaigns and expanding its network. Collaborating with multisectoral organizations has allowed the team to increase its presence throughout the island, diversifying dissemination channels, and amplifying its coverage of vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Given its strong performance among Hispanics living in Puerto Rico, this program may also help Spanish-speaking parents in the U.S. make informed decisions regarding HPV vaccination for their children.
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Tennessee
Tennessee State Pediatric Conference (TSPC) 2024
The Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP) is hosting their annual meeting and pediatric conference August 16-17 in Franklin, Tenn. The meeting will focus on behavioral health, providing pediatricians, nurse practitioners, residents, physician
assistants, nurses, and students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn about evidence-based practices in pediatric medicine. The first day will commence with a welcome reception and trivia, followed by sessions starting on August 16. Register here.
Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee
We are excited to announce that the 2024 Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable Annual Meeting will be held on September 24 at the Memphis Botanic Garden. This year's theme, "HPV Vaccination in Full Bloom," is perfectly fitting for both our venue and our ongoing efforts to promote HPV vaccination. Please join us by registering here.
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Additional Partner Updates
2025 National HPV Conference: Abstracts due Sept. 1
The 2025 National HPV Conference on April 15-17, 2025, will bring together professionals from all HPV disciplines and backgrounds to work towards eliminating HPV cancers. This conference is for advocates, community health workers, clinical professionals, policy, health educators, and more. Sign up here to be notified when registration opens. The call for abstracts for the inaugural National HPV Conference is now live and details are available on the website. Submit your abstracts by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on September 15, 2024. Both poster and oral presentations are being accepted. .
Call for Applications: Emerging Leaders in HPV Vaccination
The ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable invites you to apply for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program. This prestigious program offers a unique opportunity to grow and develop as a leader while influencing the future of HPV vaccination best practices and outreach. Participants will engage in rich idea generation, networking with top professionals, and developing
strategies to increase HPV vaccination rates.
Applications must be submitted by July 31. Don't miss this chance to significantly impact public health and become a key player in the fight against HPV-related cancers. Apply now and
be part of a transformative journey toward a healthier future. If you would like to learn more about the program, click here.
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Will you be attending the National immunization Conference next month?
We hope to see you there!
The National Immunization Conference (NIC) 2024 is a three-day in-person event, hosted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that provides the opportunity for immunization contributors and partners from the public and private sectors to connect. Program content will cover science, policy, education, and implementation issues related to immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.
There will be three Poster Sessions during the conference. These will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:30-2 p.m. Specific assignments for poster presentations will be made available soon. Members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program will be presenting posters about our programming and partnership-driven programming.
- The Roles of Roundtables and Coalitions in Catalyzing Collaboration and Impact to Improve HPV Vaccination Coverage (submitted with the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, Mountain West HPV Coalition, Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable), presented by Dr. Heather Brandt
- Developing National, Regional, and State Plan for Eliminating HPV Cancers Beginning with Cervical Cancer (submitted with the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, ACS National Cervical Cancer Roundtable, HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast, and Alabama Operation Wipe Out), presented by Dr. Heather Brandt
- Local Impact of the Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable on Vaccination Rates in Memphis, TN And Shelby County, presented by Julia Brown
- Prioritizing actions to improve HPV vaccination with rural U.S. communities, presented by Cristobal Valdebenito
- Convening to improve HPV vaccination across the Southeastern U.S, Presented by Lori Lindgren
- Assessing Community-facing Opportunities to Improve Adolescent HPV Vaccination Rates, presented by Portia Knowlton
Learn more about NIC 2024 and register here.
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We The People Vax
St. Jude recently partnered with We the People Vax, a group of statewide immunization coalitions and health organizations across the nation, to promote the efficacy and safety of vaccines by raising awareness of the patriotism of vaccinating. You can download the 4th of July social media campaign here.
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Current and Upcoming Events
- Memphis and Shelby County Back-to-School Immunization Drive will be held on July 27, August 3, and September 7. (Registration links will be shared soon)
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Meet New St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Team Members
The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team is growing. We have a new program coordinator and two new student assistants. This is in addition to the talented existing team. As always, if you do not know who to contact, email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.
Lori Lindgren, MS
Lori Lindgren is an experienced program coordinator dedicated to promoting HPV cancer prevention and addressing the social determinants of health in underserved rural and urban communities.
Her background is in process improvement and program development, collaboration, and community engagement. Originally from Memphis, Lori recently returned to the area after spending a decade in the beautiful state of Montana. She holds a master’s degree in community health and is deeply committed to making a positive impact on people's well-being.
“As a Program Coordinator in the HPV Cancer Prevention Program, I have the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives aimed at educating the community about the importance of HPV prevention and vaccination. I collaborate with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and government agencies to develop educational campaigns and events. This work is incredibly fulfilling as it allows me to contribute
to the overall health and well-being of the community."
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Shanteise Bonds
Shanteise Bonds is a student assistant and student at Rhodes College, where she is double majoring in biology and health equity on the pre-medical track. Shanteise is a strong advocate for maternal health, mitigating bias, and analyzing social determinants of health to improve the disproportionate healthcare accessibility.
This summer, Shanteise is working with the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program to support the planning and implementation of community-based activities and improve vaccination access through effective collaboration with community members and partners. While evaluating and improving programs, she will utilize evidence-based approaches to explore the intersections of faith and disparities in HPV vaccination and HPV cancers.
As a native Memphian, Shanteise is an avid lover of Overton Square, sunsets at the river, and quotes. She has a passion for helping others through her commitment to the Rhodes College Board of Trustees as a Student Trustee and other various organizations on and off campus. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
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Penelope Burns
Penelope Burns is a student assistant and recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she earned dual degrees in political science and sociology. This fall, she will be delving deeper into the realm of public health at Vanderbilt University, pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health policy and management. Penelope is extremely passionate about the intricate ways in which social determinants of health intertwine with healthcare accessibility and affordability. Originally from Memphis, she carries within her the essence of the 901 spirit.
This summer, Penelope is working with the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program and the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast to explore the landscape and context of HPV cancer elimination policy in the Southeast and develop a regional plan to eliminate HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer, as a public health problem in the Southeast.
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Khalid Khalafalla
Khalid Khalafalla is a student assistant and student at Rhodes College, where he is majoring in health equity and education while also being on a pre-med track. Khalid is passionate about bridging the gap in healthcare disparities and is actively working towards earning a certificate in project management to further his career aspirations in the healthcare system.
This summer, Khalid is working with the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program to explore disparities related to HPV vaccination and HPV cancers.
His work includes assessing available HPV cancer and HPV vaccination data, identifying key areas of opportunity to improve equity, and discussing evidence-based strategies to improve HPV vaccination coverage and prevent HPV cancers.
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Team Question
For nearly 40 years, Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. This year’s theme
is “where you belong.” Members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team share their favorite parks.
“I was born and raised in Nepal, a mountainous country, before I moved to Knoxville, Tenn., which I consider my first home. The U.S. Great Smoky National Park, which was located about 40 miles from my place in Knoxville,
holds a special place in my heart. This national park has incredible biodiversity and stunning mountain views, where I often used to go hiking. The landscape of this national park reminds me of Nepal.” - Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow
“As a boy, I lived in the Galapagos National Park, creating cherished memories, including assisting researchers in studying the renowned Galapagos tortoises, which fostered my deep appreciation for nature and
conservation.” – Cristóbal Valdebenito, program coordinator
“My favorite park is Carnes Park, located in my hometown of Camden, Ark. It holds many special memories for me, from family reunions and kickball games to hosting my 18th birthday party at the community center in the
park.” – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator
“I’ll always love the Wolf River Greenway trails. I ran cross country in high school, and we would practice there sometimes. The beaches and river-side paths feel like a green escape from the city.” – Kasia
Mitchell, program coordinator
“I love Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. Parks in Houston are always bustling with people walking, biking, and running, enjoying the city's natural beauty. It's always heartening to see.” – Akeria Taylor, program
coordinator
“I grew up swimming and golfing at the historic T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis, one of the first state parks open to African Americans in the southern U.S. My family and I have at least one outing a year there,
celebrating the resiliency of our heritage.” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director
“I love Peets Hill Burke Park located in Bozeman, Mont. I would ride my bike from Family Graduate Housing on Montana State University Campus to the park and hike up Peets Hill that overlooks Bozeman. It is touted as
giving the best Bozeman sunset views. I can safely say that is true.” – Lori Lindgren, program coordinator
“I’m not a big park guy but if I had to pick one it would be the renovated Tom Lee Park. It has nice outdoor basketball courts and it’s nice to go late at night so you can see the bridge
lights on.” – Khalid Khalafalla, student program intern
“My favorite park is Bobby Lanier Farm Park in Germantown. I spent many afternoons swinging and climbing the monkey bars on that playground. Every year the park would host a charity horse show
where one could see varieties of horse breeds and riding styles.” – Penelope Burns, student program Intern
“My favorite park is Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee. As a native Memphian, I grew up spending hot, summer days at the park, just being a kid. Even now, I find myself walking the trails, eating Coastal Fish Company on the lake, and enjoying kayaking with my favorite friends and family.” – Shanteise Bonds, student program intern
“My favorite park growing up was T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis. Memories made from events such as my family reunions will always hold a special place in my heart “– Ursula Leflore, administrative
specialist
“My favorite park is Ballard Park in Tupelo, Miss. My family spent many Sundays and holidays by the lake. My soccer team played games there, and our school hosted an annual picnic for honor roll students.” - Julia
Brown, program manager
“I grew up right next to the Fairbank Ballpark in Iowa. It was as if the park next door was an extension of my yard. I spent countless hours there as a child on the baseball and softball field, volleyball
courts, and playground equipment. However, after a recent trip to Alaska, which included several national parks, I know there are many, many more parks I want to explore around the world.” - Heather Brandt, director
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Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials
The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has created a series of HPV fact sheets that emphasize basic information about HPV vaccination and include action steps to prevent HPV cancers.
Four versions of the fact sheets target various audiences:
- Cancer patients and families
Select the versions in English or Spanish most appropriate for those you serve. Download the fact sheets or email
PreventHPV@stjude.org to have copies mailed to you.
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Access Previous Versions of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Monthly E-newsletter
Did you miss one of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s monthly e-newsletters? No problem! You can access all of them online. Scroll to the bottom of the resources page to read them. For more information, email PreventHPV@stjude.org.
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About St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. That’s why St. Jude is raising awareness on vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), which can prevent six types of
cancer caused by the virus. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude has an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from the HPV vaccine and reducing their risk of preventable cancers later in life.
On-time HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers. The vaccine is most effective when started at age 9 and completed by the 13th birthday, but it’s recommended for everyone through age 26 and for some people through age 45.
HPV vaccination has been routinely recommended by health care professionals in the U.S. since 2006. Most children can receive an HPV vaccine at no cost, and it can be administered safely along with other routine vaccinations. With more than 500 million doses administered worldwide, HPV vaccines are preventing new cases of cancer every day.
It’s not too late to help protect your child against HPV cancers later in life - learn more at stjude.org/PreventHPV and ask your doctor about HPV vaccination today. Email
PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105
United States
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