The #DoItForGem Campaign
Awareness talks sharing Gemma's story, covering HPV, pap smear tests & cervical cancer awareness. Talks are offered to senior schools, colleges, universities, corporate workplaces, health & wellness events, superyacht industry events & podcasts
Donations To Fund Talks Can Be Made To
THE FLOATING FLORISTA FOUNDATION
Registered Charity Number 1205493
GEMMA’S LEGACY - THE #DOITFORGEM CAMPAIGN
The #DoItForGem hashtag began when our beautiful daughter Gemma also known as @floatingflorista in the Superyacht Industry where she worked as a Florist and Head Of Housekeeping needed immunotherapy treatment for Cervical Cancer, this treatment wasn't and still isn't available in the UK on the NHS! Friends and colleagues set up fundraising pages to raise the money needed for the treatment and when posting on social media they used the hashtag #doitforgem.
Gemma was diagnosed in October 2019 after her second routine smear test at just 28 years old. With no symptoms at all she was told she had early stage Cervical Cancer, by June 2020 it had spread through her lymph nodes and developed into Stage 4 incurable but treatable cancer.
A lifelong dancer, fitness enthusiast and passionate yogi Gemma lived a healthy lifestyle with a physically demanding career that she thrived in…..showing that cancer can affect anyone regardless of health, fitness, age or background.
After major surgery, various procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy Gemma received the incredible news of “no evidence of disease” on Christmas Eve 2020. Sadly, just three months later the cancer returned aggressively, spreading quickly to her liver, back, and eventually her brain. Despite her strength and determination to beat this bastard disease Gemma sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep on 21st October 2021, aged 30.
HASHTAG DO IT FOR GEM
The #DoItForGem hashtag now carries Gemma's legacy through the DoItForGem Campaign. Launched in September 2023 the campaign raises awareness about the HPV Vaccine offered to girls and boys around age 11–12 (and available up to age 45). The vaccine helps protect against strains of the virus that can cause Cervical Cancer but isn't a complete deterrent.
We also highlight the importance of regular Pap Smear Test / Cervical Screening, what they are, why they matter, and when they should be done while spreading awareness that Cervical Cancer often has no symptoms as was tragically the case for Gemma.
PAP SMEAR TESTS
When was your last Pap smear test?
Are you up to date?
Do you know when your next one is due?
Are you due one now or overdue?
Are you putting it off because you’re scared or embarrassed?
DONT…it could save your life!
In the UK we don't start having smear tests until the age of 25, other countries start from age 18 and a Pap smear test can be done if paid for privately from the age of 16 if sexually active. Tests are now repeated every 5 years if no HPV is detected (it used to be 3 years) if HPV is detected then tests are done yearly, tests are taken until the age of 65. In my opinion aswell as many others we believe testing should start at a much younger age (this is a whole other story!) and should have no end date. I have a friend whose mother was diagnosed at the age of 70! She knew there was something wrong but had been fobbed off until eventually she was listened to and diagnosed, she was treated but eventually passed away.
Don’t fear the smear #doitforgem
WHY SHARE #DoItForGem and Tag @floatingflorista @doitforgem On Social Media
Since launching the campaign I have asked women to share on social media when they book or attend a Pap Smear Test to build up a community who are Doing It For Gem.
Join The Community - Hashtag #doitforgem and tag @floatingflorista @doitforgem
GYNEA'S AROUND THE WORLD
Compiled by current and former superyacht stews for female superyacht, cruise ship and airline crew
This directory of recommended Gynaecologists has been put together by one of Gemma&apso;s best friends ex Chief Stew and work colleague Gemma Hulbert @theyachtstew with the help of other female current and former superyacht stews.
Gemma & Gemma worked for many years on different Superyachts until eventually they got to work on the same yacht together which was when Gemma was diagnosed.
If you work in an industry such as Superyachts, Cruise Ships, Airlines or The Military where you are away from home for months at a time or you live in any of the countries listed then this directory will help find a reputable and English speaking gynaecologist if your Pap smear test is due while travelling.
Links:
The Yacht Stew Gynea DirectoryThe Superyacht Services Guide Gynea Directory
PLEASE NOTE
I am not a medical professional, everything I share is based on Gemma's journey, alongside my own research and learning.
Through the foundation and campaign, my aim is to educate teenagers, women, and men of all ages about the importance of gynaecological health, HPV, the vaccine, Pap Smear Tests, and Cervical Cancer awareness.
If I can help even a handful of people understand that Cervical Cancer doesn't always present symptoms and that regular screening is vital then Gemma's legacy is working. It's also about overcoming the fear or embarrassment of the test and encouraging conversations that could save lives.
Please share your screening stories using #DoItForGem, @floatingflorista or @doitforgem on social media to help grow our community and keep Gemma's legacy alive.
For info on talks and presentations, or to book, please email: hello@floatingflorista.co.uk