Jeanette Johnson’s breast cancer diagnosis was merely the beginning of an event she could start to stir awareness about the disease throughout Demopolis.

Three years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she began an annual cancer walk with her church, Christian Chapel Baptist, drawing participation all over the community.

“I just wanted other people to know that breast cancer can occur at any age and you don’t have to have a family history of it,” she said.

This Saturday community members wearing pink and blue T-shirts will flood Cedar Street beginning at the Demopolis Board of Education at 7 a.m. and ending the one mile walk at Christian Chapel. Some T-Shirts are blue because the ribbon for male breast cancer is pink on one side and blue on the other.

A free breakfast will be served immediately following the walk. In addition, a short program will occur at the church including local health vendors and some door prizes.

“We want people to know about local resources and where the local resources are,” she said.

Johnson, who does not have a family history of the disease, was diagnosed May of 2005 at age 45. Three years later she held the initial cancer walk in October of 2008.

Another component of Johnson’s story showcases the importance of getting regular mammograms as this is when the doctors found a spot on her test results.

“I did surgery in 2005 with reconstruction, I also went through four months of chemotherapy,” she said.

Johnson said most recently she has battled other health issues, but credits the willingness of other people to help her organize the event.

In addition to the walk, Johnson and the church’s health ministry have worked to promote awareness within the church about Breast Cancer.

The first Sunday of this month the church provided facts about Breast Cancer within men and women, the second Sunday information was provided for loved ones caring for a cancer patient, the third Sunday there will be a Q&A sheet passed out testing how much church members know about breast cancer and the month will conclude with a memorial and recognition service during church for those who have had cancer or have lost their battle with the disease.

“I am so grateful for the people of Christian Chapel and Pastor Moore for their help,” she said. “We truly do provide a wholistic ministry for a person’s entire well being.”