A walk to be held on Saturday, May 18 will serve a greater purpose than to just get heart rates up and shed a few calories.

Anna Coleman Yelverton of Demopolis recently had a major operation on her spine due to her severe scoliosis and, to aid with medical expenses, organizers at River of Life Assembly of God Church plan to hold a fundraiser walk.

“This is her ninth back surgery,” Yelverton’s mother Jennifer Thomason said. “She is recovering well and is totally amazing.”

The walk will be held on Saturday, May 18 beginning on Childress Street near the river. Registration will be held Friday, May 17 from 4-6 p.m. at River of Life in Demopolis and also prior to the walk at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

“Jennifer was actually one of the first people I met in Demopolis when we moved here a year ago,” Tammy Jones, pastor at River of Life said. Jones pastors the church with her husband, Brian.

“It was just in praying for her, the Lord told me to hold a walk for Anna. Although I have never done this before, there are a lot of nice people in Demopolis and I am getting a lot of positive feedback,” Jones said.

In addition to her scoliosis, Yelverton has also battled cancer.

In September 2012, Yelverton held an 2010 edition of The Demopolis Times Pink magazine that showcased her smiling on the cover during her battle against Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer, which caused her to lose her hair.

As time elapsed, Yelverton recently celebrated being in remission for two years and there is not enough time in a day to count the curly strands of hair that flow from the young survivor’s head.

The cost to register is $10 a person and $15 per family with all proceeds going to the Anna Coleman Yelverton Fund. Those who can’t participate in the one-mile walk are encouraged to make a pledge. Pledge sheets are available at Demopolis Library, Vowell’s, Smokin’ Jacks or River of Life Church. Checks should be made payable to Anna Coleman Yelverton Fund.

Tammy said though, she doesn’t know Jennifer’s situation, she knows it is hard to miss work and hopes the funds will aid them in meeting their needs.

“I don’t know their situation, but God does,” she said.

There will be door prizes from Lindsey’s, The Mustard Seed, Just Hair, Marengo Cafe’ and other businesses.

Jennifer said in missing work so many days, the funds for the walk will definitely help her family.