Guthrie Shows Up for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Rain or shine, cold or whatever may come, Guthrie shows up.

(Police Chief Kevin Saunders Leading the Way with Breast Cancer Awareness Banner)

This was the spirit found Saturday, October 17th, as community members gathered at Longhurst Park for a breast cancer awareness walk. This event brought together survivors, families, and supporters.

The event included local vendors, food grilled by the fire department, music from DJ Eric, door prizes, and a rock-painting station in which participants could paint the name of someone affected by breast cancer on the rocks as blessing rocks. Each activity offered another way for people to take part, remember loved ones, and show support.

(Image of Some of the Festivities)

For those gathered, the day was about more than going for a walk around town. It was about the people behind the cause.

Stories of Survival and Hope

One who shared their experience was Tammy Sharp, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025 after years of routine mammograms.

(Tammy Sharp Shares Her Story)

Tammy had started getting mammograms in her early 40's. She has dense breast tissue and a history of cysts, she had undergone multiple biopsies over the years, all of which had come back benign.

Then came another round of testing.

In September 2025, Tammy received the news that changed everything. As she shared in her own words how the doctor explained results.

“Your left side, fine. Your right side, cancer,” she recalled being told.

That diagnosis brought a flood of medical terminology, appointments, and decisions that she was not ready for. She described sitting in the doctor's office and watching the doctor's mouth move,but struggling to process what she was hearing.

At home, the weight of the news caught up with her. She talked about opening a small pink gift bag the doctor had given her and feeling overwhelmed.

“I didn't want that little gift bag, and I didn't want all those cute gifts, and I didn't want cancer.” she said.

Later, she reflected on that reaction, and felt embarrassed recognizing that the people who gave her those items were trying to help. She turned to prayer and her faith as she faced the uncertainty ahead.

Testing ultimately brought some encouraging news. Her genetic testing showed to be negative, and an MRI showed no evidence that the cancer was spreading beyond the area of concern. She underwent a lumpectomy on October 27th, 2025. The surgery was successful.

Tammy later completed several rounds of radiation treatments. She said her recovery went remarkably well, and she recently received another clear mammogram.

“I credit my early detection for not only saving my breast, but quite possibly saving my life,” she said.

Her message to others was straightforward: keep up with annual mammograms and take screening seriously.

Every Cancer Journey Is Different

While Tammy was able to share encouraging news about her recovery, the gathering also made space for people whose cancer journeys are ongoing.

(Survivors Sharing Their Stories)

Kathy Smith said she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, when she was 48 years old. Her initial treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

(Kathey Smith Talks About Her Current Second Round with Breast Cancer)

In 2026, Kathey received another difficult diagnosis. She was told now that she has metastatic breast cancer.

Kathy is currently undergoing treatment.

Even while facing that challenge, Kathy spoke about her faith and the importance of continuing on. Her story is a reminder that cancer affects people differently, and that support matters throughout the journey, not only at the moment of diagnosis or during initial treatment.

The experiences shared at the walk reflected different stages of that journey, from early detection and recovery to living with a new diagnosis. Together, they reinforced the importance of awareness, encouragement, and community support.

Remembering Victoria

For Eric and Stephanie, the walk carried a deeply personal meaning. They were there to honor Victoria, their daughter.

(Eric and Stephanie Talk About Victoria)

Eric remembered Victoria as someone who was always willing to help others. Whether someone needed help with sports, assistance with children, or a favor of some other kind, he said, she was willing to show up for people.

That spirit of helping others was part of what made the walk meaningful to her parents. By honoring Victoria, they hoped to support cancer survivors and others whose lives have been affected by the disease.

(The Back of Eric's Hoodie Displaying "In Loving Memory of Victoria Dowlen")

With Victoria's picture displayed on the backs of their shirts, Eric and Stephanie joined others in a gathering built around remembrance, support, and the shared experiences of families affected by cancer.

Taking the Message to the Streets

Before the walk began, Connie Wofford thanked those who came out to support the event. She spoke about Guthrie's willingness to show up for its people, whatever the weather, and expressed pride in the community's response.

(Connie Wofford Thanking Everyone for Coming Out)

She also reminded those gathered that people were there for their families and for the people they care about.

DJ Eric led the group on his bicycle, while Guthrie Police Chief Kevin Saunders carried a breast cancer awareness flag at the front.

The route took participants north along Ewing Street, past Jalapeño Grill, before turning near left onto West Park St. by Joe's Standard Station. Walkers continued past Elkton Bank & Trust, the post office, and Guthrie Baptist Church, before turning around at Springmont Circle.

(Walkers Returning to Longhurst Park)

As the walkers made their way back and were scattered along the way, the group waited near Joe's Standard Station for everyone to catch up so everyone could return together.

The walk brought the cause directly into the community's streets, giving residents a chance to see the people and families behind the message.

When the walkers returned, the gathering continued with music, food, and fellowship.

Organizers were already talking about bringing the event back next year.

For those who attended, the day offered an opportunity to honor loved ones, recognize the experiences of survivors, and stand alongside people still facing treatment. It also carried a practical reminder: early detection can matter, and no one should have to face a cancer journey without support.