HAHIRA — The Eighth Annual Get a Mammy 5K had more than 100 participants run near Bethany Road to help raise money for the cost of mammograms.

Tracy Thomas, president of Get a Mammy, said she estimates the event raised more than $3,000. The 5K took place outside of Bethany Baptist Church Saturday morning.

The funds go toward paying for mammograms, an X-ray used for breast cancer diagnosis.

“We pay for people to get mammograms who can’t afford them,” Thomas said. “Insurance pays for it if you have a screening one, but if you have any other than a screening, the deductible is outrageous.”

Thomas said the 5K has always been in honor of a person in her life diagnosed with breast cancer.

This year, it was Melissa Carter, who was diagnosed back in December.

Carter said she has known Thomas for more than 30 years — their firstborns were even born the same day.

The support she has received, including at the 5K, from Thomas and other family and friends has been phenomenal, she said.

“I’ve had support since day one, and it’s been very humbling,” Carter said. “(People) come out of the woodwork, and I’ve been very lucky.”

It started with a symptom for Carter that sent her to the doctor. She was able to catch it early because of a 3D mammogram.

“That’s how I got my diagnosis. I had one symptom and the 3D mammogram is what nailed it,” Carter said. “Everyone should have one, and they should be free because it’s such a diagnostic tool for breast cancer.”

The Overall Male winner was Parker Childree, and Darby Jones won for Overall Female.

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.