Honorary chair for Miles for Mammograms fundraiser has personal connection

Mindi Gaut has a personal connection to Family HealthCare Clinic's free mammogram program.

She caught her breast cancer in time because of an early screening such as those the clinic offers for free to women and men in the community who desperately need, but cannot afford, life-saving screenings.

“Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chances of living a long, healthy cancer-free life,” Gaut said. “It is imperative that women have access to yearly screenings and follow-up tests so if something is found it can be easier to treat and recover from than if there is a delay in a diagnosis.”

Miles for Mammograms' annual 5K/2K will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 in downtown Bartlesville at the Tower Green at Unity Square. The funds raised by Miles for Mammograms directly support the clinic's program.

And Gaut has been named this year's honorary chairperson.

Her cancer journey began in July of 2003 soon after the birth of her youngest daughter. She found a lump in her breast that was accompanied by some bloody discharge.

Gaut found out she had stage 2 Her2nu+ breast cancer. After a mastectomy, eight rounds of chemotherapy, 52 weeks of immunotherapy and reconstruction, she lived cancer-free until June 2020 when she found a lump on her other breast during a monthly self-exam.

Just a few months prior to that self-exam, Gaut had a clear mammogram in March of 2020.

“Fortunately, it was caught early,” she said. “This is why it is so important that men and women both know their bodies and do monthly self-breast checks in addition to yearly screenings through mammograms.”

This diagnosis was not a recurrence, but rather a second primary cancer that was an estrogen-positive tumor. She recently underwent a mastectomy, four rounds of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments and reconstruction.

Gaut advises those who are faced with a cancer diagnosis to not panic.

“Find and trust your team of doctors. Surround yourself with people who will support and care for you,”  she said.

She also recommends not spending too much time doing internet searches. Instead, she found that self-care goes a long way.

“Rest, eat well, take walks, do things that you enjoy along the way and be easy on yourself. One day at a time," Gaut said. "My family and I have relied strongly on our faith in God and it has brought peace and comfort all along the way and sustained us throughout the entire process.”

Caregivers are part of the journey as well. She said it was wonderful having those who were “available to listen and encourage along the way.” It is also important for caregivers to be available at doctor appointments to take notes and ask questions. “Meals for the family and cards in the mail were sweet surprises to us,” she said.

Gaut suggests that if you aren’t sure what someone going through cancer might need, ask how you can help meet needs.

“For me, I needed to maintain as much normal as possible, so I appreciated people who came alongside and helped without taking over and changing up our normal routine more than it already was being interrupted.”

She and her husband Rick have been married for 31 years and have made Bartlesville their home during that time. They have four children, Hunter, 28, who is married to Mackenzie; Kyleigh, 24, who is married to Colten; Addi, 21, who will graduate from Oklahoma State University in December; and Preslie, 18, who is a senior in high school.

Gaut loves spending time with family most of all. She is also involved with Community Bible Study, and enjoys cooking, baking, playing golf, reading and taking walks.

She first became aware of Miles for Mammograms in 2003 and recognizes the importance of early detection. "This is why we run!" she says.

Family HealthCare Clinic’s mission is to provide quality, affordable health care and health education to individuals of all ages, regardless of medical insurance.

In 2002, Family HealthCare Clinic took over the mammogram program from Bartlesville YWCA and since then has been helping women in our community with often life-saving detection.

This year’s event will occur, rain or shine.   The top three finishers in each age group will receive medals. Prizes will go to Top Male & Top Female. Prizes will also be awarded for Best Pinked Individual and Best Pinked Team.

To register for Miles for Mammograms 5K/2K Run or Walk or to donate by “Sleepin’ In” or to volunteer for the event, please visit www.milesformammograms.org. Registration ends Sept. 23. Please call Family HealthCare Clinic at 918-336-4822 with questions.