“Early detection saves lives,” says this year’s Miles for Mammograms Honorary Chairperson Kathy Smith. She should know, having survived breast cancer diagnosed in 1992.

This year, Smith is ready to help those community members without health insurance have the same life-saving breast cancer screenings as those with insurance.

Miles for Mammograms annual 5K/2K will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. in Bartlesville at Tower Center at Unity Square. The funds raised by Miles for Mammograms directly support Family HealthCare Clinic’s Free Mammogram Program, providing free mammograms to women in the community who desperately need, but cannot afford, the screenings.

To register for Miles for Mammograms 5K and 2K races or to donate by “Sleepin’ In” or to volunteer for the event, please visit www.milesformammograms.org or call Family HealthCare Clinic at 918-336-4822.

This year’s event will occur, rain or shine.  T-shirt will be guaranteed for those who register by Sept. 1 and will be available at packet pick up on Sept. 28. The top three finishers in each age group will receive medals. Prizes will go to Top Male and Top Female. Prizes will also be awarded for Best Pinked Individual and Best Pinked Team.

Smith’s cancer journey began in 1992 when she was 39 years old and teaching at Central Middle School. She underwent 45 radiation treatments, with the help and support of friends and family.

Smith has two daughters, Leigh Anne Winters Dunkin and Brooke Winters Cox. At the time of Kathy’s diagnosis, she promised her girls, aged 16 and 11 at the time, that she would tell them the truth about everything.

“I shot straight with them and told them the three of us would make it together, and by golly, we did,” she said.