Tamika’s Friends – Volunteers, Board Members and Medical Advisory Board

This was harder than I ever thought it would be. Literally, I have known Tamika all of her life. I have always prided myself in being the “big cousin.” Although I am only a year older than Tamika, it didn’t matter. It was always my mission to make sure no one messed with my little cousin. This meant at school, while at play or anywhere. Our parents also instilled in us that we were to take care of each other.

Hi, I’m Kimberly Williams (most people call me Kim) and I am the Community Outreach Director for Tamika and Friends, Inc. I met Tamika over six years ago while a member of National Council of Negro Women –Greater Washington Millennium Section. After hearing her story, I wanted to become involved. Educating others about their health is something I truly enjoy doing.

Friendship Through Priscilla's Eyes

Katy and I met in junior high school during track season. We both ran the hurdles; Katy, I have to admit, was better than me only because her legs were longer than mine. (I ended up getting the nickname"Stumpy".) We ran together for five years, and I was made honorary captain during her senior year since I was still a junior. We managed to stay friends after she graduated high school, and when she started college, I was made honorary college student.

After my best friend Heather passed away from cervical cancer at age 28, a devastating event that I wrote about for Jane magazine (ihatetumors.org/jane2006.html), I heard about a study that said less than half of American women had even heard of HPV, the super-common virus that causes cervical cancer.