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Pink flooded downtown West Point on Sunday with an estimated 200 people participating in Team WHIP’s eighth annual community breast cancer survivor walk. 

Many newcomers were present for the walk. Breast cancer survivor groups from Atlanta, Columbus, Newnan, LaGrange, West Point, Valley, Lanett, Opelika and Montgomery came out to join the walk.

“We are all evidence of grace,” said Team WHIP (Working to Help Those In Pink) Founder and breast cancer survivor Narfunda Ross. 

Ross started the annual walk to honor breast cancer survivors in 2015. She has been cancer-free for 15 years. Since then, Team WHIP has grown into a nonprofit organization that provides transportation and other resources to survivors. 

Shameka Parham-Turner of LaGrange was this year’s grand marshal of the walk. 

The day began at Lanett High School with walkers and Jeeps, motorcycles, Spyders and cars making their procession to the West Point Depot. 

“You guys do West Point proud by being here,” said West Point Mayor Steve Tramell. 

Tramell’s advice to the survivors and support team was repeated by Ross — don’t skip mammograms. Ross said it’s also important to remember that men have breast tissue and should be vigilant against breast cancer as well. 

Team WHIP helps those in need gain access to health care services such as mammograms. 

Tramell was not the only city official showing their support on Sunday. Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard, West Point City Councilmember Sandra Thornton and Valley City Councilmembers Barbara Dunn and Marquetta Madden participated and gave words of encouragement. 

Thornton, a cancer survivor, congratulated the walkers and riders from surrounding cities for coming out to represent and support their breast cancer survivor community. 

“You have West Point in the house, Lanett in the house, Valley in the house and LaGrange in the house. How amazing is that?” Thornton said. “But most important, you all, we have survivors in the house.” 

Grandma Val’s Lemonade and Zitti’s Hoagy Shop set up shop at the West Point Depot for refreshments. Kim’s Blooming Creations was also set up for survivors and support groups during the event. 

Team WHIP offers resources to find health care and mental health counseling through its partnership with Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. The organization also holds several events throughout the year to help raise awareness and provide a positive community for survivors. 

 

Top, Traci Jefferson’s group, Fly Chic, which was made up of her daughter and sisters, attended the Team WHIP annual walk to honor her mother who is a uterine cancer survivor. 

Above, dozens of bikers and Spyder riders passed under the pink arch for breast cancer awareness after riding from Lanett High School for the Team WHIP annual health walk.