Todd County Comes Together for Breast Cancer Awareness, including a walk in Guthrie

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Todd County has a long history of rallying around individuals who are struggling with health issues. From being included on prayer rolls across churches to raising money through merchandise and helping maintain a visual identity for those who are suffering, the community finds ways to keep those individuals in mind.

Breast cancer awareness is no different. This month, the community is rallying again. From sharing personal stories at the library to community walks and annual events, October in Todd County is finding ways to raise awareness of breast cancer and support those affected by it.

The Todd County Woman’s Club Says, Let’s Talk About It

The Todd County Woman’s Club introduced its Survivor Wednesday series at the Todd County Public Library, where speakers are sharing their personal journeys, faith, and inspiration.

The series began this week, on October 7, with Katina Shanklin presenting “This Is Just a Chapter, Not the Whole Story.”

Over the next couple of weeks, the series will include talks by Sharon Oliver on October 14, Samantha Boley on October 21, with “I Had Cancer, She Had Kindergarten,” and a special guest speaker on October 28.

Each talk begins at noon.




Katina shared her perspective on the series with us, saying that she hopes people come away understanding the importance of early detection and knowing they are not alone if they face a cancer diagnosis.

“I want people to understand how important early detection is. Get your mammograms, do your self-checks, and pay attention to your body. Don’t put those things off,” Katina said. “Early detection can make such a difference.”

She also said hearing from people in the community can make a difference.

“You can read statistics about cancer all day long, but when it’s someone you know, a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member, it becomes real,” she said. “You listen differently.”

The library series is set to lead up to the Todd County Woman’s Club’s annual breast cancer awareness event on Saturday, October 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Elkton Baptist Church Family Life Center. The club is celebrating five years of breast cancer awareness efforts

Guthrie to Hold First Pink Together Walk

Todd County residents will have another opportunity to show their support on Saturday, October 17, in Guthrie, with the community’s first “Pink Together: Stronger Than Ever” Cancer Awareness Walk at Longhurst Park.

The event is being organized in collaboration with the Pink Ribbon Network of Hopkinsville, F.A.I.T.H. Cancer Care Foundation of Clarksville, Warfield FCE (Family and Community Education), and other supporters.

Activities will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. Registration will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., and donations will be accepted.

The event will include music, vendors, informational resources, door prizes, T-shirts for sale, bag lunches, inflatable bouncers, and goodie bags while supplies last. A silent auction will also raise money for breast cancer awareness.

For organizer Tracie Banton, the cause is personal.

“So many loved ones and friends have fought this or are fighting this,” Tracie said.

Tracie said Todd County has many residents who have faced breast cancer, including survivors and those who have lost their lives to the disease. She hopes the walk will encourage greater awareness and remind people of the importance of early detection.

According to Tracie, this is Guthrie’s first cancer awareness walk of this kind, and organizers hope to make it an annual event. Tracie emphasized that donations of any size are welcome because every contribution adds up.

The walk hopes to bring together families, friends, church groups, and community members to celebrate survivors, support those still fighting, and remember loved ones who have passed away.

Whether through the library talks, the Woman’s Club’s annual event, or Guthrie’s first Pink Together walk, residents will have several opportunities this month to learn, share experiences, and support neighbors affected by breast cancer.

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