Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) held its 10th annual Cancer Awareness Walk
Friday.
“We just want to let the survivors know that we are standing by them,” Sheriff Morris A. Young
said. “We know what cancer does in this community and all over. It’s a disease that brings a lot
of fear.”
The walk started from the Gadsden County Jail at 9 a.m. and went through numerous areas of
Quincy before ending at the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. Part of the walk included passing
James A. Shanks Middle School and George Monroe Elementary School, where students were
let out of class to show their support for the walkers. The event culminated with a “Pink Out”
celebration where the walkers were treated with lunch and refreshments to thank them for their
participation.
Gadsden County resident Alisia Robinson said she participates in the race to honor her sister,
Shannon Robinson, who passed from the disease. She said the event was about giving back to
those who have passed and those still combatting the disease.
“We have a lot of people who have survived and a lot of people still going through the process
of treatment,” Robinson said.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new female
cancers each year. For 2025, the organization estimates that about 316,950 new cases of
invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and 42,170 women will perish from the
disease.
Gadsden County resident Del McCall said events such as this are important because breast
cancer connects us all.
“A lot of people’s families have been affected by breast cancer in some way,” McCall said. “It
connects all of us. At some point, this touches us, whether it’s directly or indirectly.”
Gregory Shoats, another Gadsden County resident, said it’s important for him to support the
event because his aunt is a breast cancer survivor. “Seeing this many people come out this
early in the morning — it’s a blessing.”
There was also a candle light memorial held, and informational booths were also provided by
GCSO and community partners. There were approximately a 100 people who participated in the
event, comprised of several organizations such as the Gadsden Correctional Facility, the
Gadsden County Department of Elderly Affairs, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Gadsden County Management Services, and others. Young said they’ll continue to hold events
like this in the future, citing the devastating impact breast cancer has on the county’s residents.
“I know what it does to this community,” Young said. “We’re gonna stand up for them.”
