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Global Initiative
Against HPV and
Cervical Cancer

In November 2011, Michele Baldwin became the first woman to paddleboard 700 miles on the Ganga River in India. Less than three months later, she passed away

Michele was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009. When she later learned that the cancer had come back in an aggressive, untreatable form, she refused to let cancer dictate how she’d live in the time that remained. Michele decided to create the Starry Ganga Expedition: Michele Baldwin’s Living Memorial. On this amazing pilgrimage, Michele stood astride a snub-nosed version of a surfboard and for several weeks did a stand up paddle down the Ganga (also known as the Ganges River). Her trek through India was not only to satisfy the urgings of her spirit, but to also spread the message that cervical cancer is preventable through Pap/HPV tests and vaccines while raising funds for the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer.

A cameraman traveled with Michele on her final journey, documenting this inspirational and emotional trip. Today, a documentary team plans to take more than 150 of of deeply moving interviews and footage that they are working to turn into a fianlized film.

Director Frederic Lumiere and writer Mark Hefti have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the documentary and spread message message to as large an audience as possible. 

“We see this as an INSPIRATIONAL short-form documentary that will also help to educate and maybe even save lives. The story is heartbreaking and at times graphic, but ultimately, it shows Michele’s passion and selfless courage to leave behind a meaningful and lasting legacy.”

Once the film is finished, 100% of profits from sales and licensing of the film will go to the Michele Baldwin Memorial Fund  of Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) that is managed by ASHA (American Sexual Health Association).

UPDATE: The project has been fully funded. In fact, the the campaign excceded its original fundraising goal. You can learn more and follow the film’s progress on Kickstarter or the project’s Facebook page.