Tamra Schmitt is one of many cancer survivors that will take part in Saturday’s Franklin County Relay for Life.
Schmitt’s journey began in 1996 with a melanoma diagnosis that changed her life. Since then, the Hampton resident has become a devoted advocate and active member of the relay, using her story to inspire hope and healing in others. The diagnosis was on her right calf, no bigger than a pencil eraser. Surgery followed within a week, and thanks to early detection, no further treatment was needed.
“It was just an amazing time of how the community came together in support. I mean, I think the most important thing for the Relay for Life is to remember that it’s a team effort. We can’t do it alone. So I’m grateful for my community, for my family, for my friends just walking alongside of me.”
For 25 years, Schmitt celebrated being cancer-free and became a passionate advocate, serving as honorary chair for the Franklin County Relay for Life in 2021.
A few months after the 2021 relay, her world shifted again. A November diagnosis revealed high-risk stage-three metastatic melanoma. Prognosis without treatment was grim; six to nine months. Schmitt underwent 12 chemotherapy treatments, major surgery and enrolled in a three-and-a-half-year clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic, which she completed in April 2025.
Her strength comes from faith, family and the belief that “we do not journey alone.” In recovery, she created “The ABCs Through a Cancer Journey” bookmark project, sharing messages like “A—Advocate for yourself,” and “C—Cancer does not have the last word.”
“One thing about the bookmarks I’d like to add, every bookmark is prayed over. And the whole project is sharing hope, one bookmark at a time. And I just feel so blessed to be here visiting with you. Every story matters, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey.”
The bookmarks first came out in July 2023 and to date, over 10,000 bookmarks have been distributed across 30 states through her ministry, Whispers from Heaven.
Pictured is Tamra Schmitt showing some of her “ABCs Through a Cancer Journey” bookmarks
