Samantha Gonzales-Russell, Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Survivor Reclaims Personal Freedom and Lights up Las Vegas

Samantha Gonzales-Russell has faced cervical cancer three times. After her second recurrence—stage IV—she temporarily relocated to another state in search of a care team able to perform a life-saving total pelvic exenteration. This complex surgery removes all of the organs in the pelvic cavity, resulting in two ostomies and requiring a long, difficult recovery—both physically and emotionally.

In this deeply personal episode, Samantha shares her story. From the frustration of delayed diagnosis and navigating through multiple complex treatments, Samantha’s journey illustrates the difficult realities so many survivors face. Yet what makes her story extraordinary is not only her resilience through treatment, but how she transformed those challenges into purpose.

Sharing her experiences publicly on her Instagram account, @gosamgrow, Samantha found encouragement and support from others who resonated with her honesty and vulnerability. The positive feedback not only fueled her healing but also inspired her to turn her journey into purpose—becoming a dedicated patient advocate.

She prioritized her emotional well-being while learning to reconnect with her body, a process she describes as essential to her healing. This intentional focus on self-care gave her strength, clarity, and the confidence to embrace her new reality, moving beyond survival to acceptance and self-expression. Now, she organizes local patient support events and raises public awareness. She seeks out opportunities to engage with and influence policymakers, and most recently, worked with city officials in Las Vegas to shine a light on cervical cancer—literally—by lighting up iconic Las Vegas landmarks in teal for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Her story embodies the courage of self-advocacy—speaking up when her symptoms were dismissed—and the power of community, showing that healing and change are strengthened when we come together.

Samantha’s message is one of hope: reclaim your voice, your agency, and your freedom to express yourself.

Follow Samantha on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @gosamgrow

Follow her support community, Evergrow Healing Co. on Instagram @evergrowhco

This video project was supported by Pfizer-Genmab.