Kristen’s Fight: A Mother’s Strength and the Power of Friendship Against Cervical Cancer

September 2025

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month and International Women’s Friendship Month 

By Janet Partridge

My name is Janet Partridge, and I want to share the story of my neighbor and friend, Kristen Persons. Though she is no longer with us, her memory and spirit live on through this story—one I hope will help others. 

We were very different people- Kristen grew up in rural Mississippi and never left the South, whereas I hailed from England and had moved around the UK and the US. But through our kids- we became good friends. I admired her strength, but her absolute devotion to Anthony and her being a “wonder (solo) mom”. Kristen was an extreme introvert, but those of us lucky enough to gain her friendship were gifted by her intellect and droll sense of humor.

Kristen was a devoted mother and passionate runner, finding strength and peace in her daily six-mile runs along the Greenline or through Overton Park. At 41, she seemed to be the very picture of health—nourishing her body with good food, exercising regularly, and caring deeply for her 10-year-old son, Anthony. Yet, beneath her strong exterior, something was wrong. 

When Kristen began experiencing lower back pain and spotting, she initially brushed it off. After a discouraging first doctor’s visit blaming her running, the symptoms worsened. A second opinion brought devastating news: stage 3 cervical cancer. 

The diagnosis shattered Kristen’s world. “How could this happen? I’m healthy—I can’t be sick. I’m Anthony’s mom,” she said. Brutal radiation and chemotherapy followed, causing excruciating pain, surgeries for colostomy and urostomy bags, and debilitating neuropathy that left her unable to walk. 

After a brief remission, the cancer returned aggressively. Despite chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery, the disease spread relentlessly. Kristen’s pain was unimaginable, but her determination remained unwavering, fueled by the hope of watching Anthony grow up. 

In 2024, after three years of battling cancer, Kristen made the heartbreaking decision to enter hospice care. Her family members and friends and I did not know how long she would last, and everyone’s priority was taking care of Anthony. Together, we petitioned for my husband and I to be made Anthony’s legal guardians, with an understanding that we would adopt him when the time came. In the same week, Kristen gave us her beautiful boy and admitted defeat. She was so brave and went downhill so fast. I always knew when she needed me and was there with her at the end. Finally, she had no more pain. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and the support of family who vowed to care for Anthony. In September 2024, Kristen’s legacy was honored as Anthony was adopted by us as his guardians. 

Kristen’s message, which she asked us to share, is clear – cervical cancer is preventable. She ensured Anthony received the HPV vaccination despite her pain and urged others to get vaccinated and have regular cervical cancer screening. If Kristen could fight through so much for her son, so can you.