Benefit planned to support Amy Smith during cancer treatment

A benefit event titled Wag ’n Walk — Support Amy Smith’s Battle With Melanoma Cancer will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Dover City Park, 2421 N. Wooster Ave., Dover.

Smith, who grew up in Dover and now lives in New Philadelphia, has worked at WJER Radio since 1996 and also works at WTUZ Radio. She was diagnosed in September 2025 with an aggressive melanoma tumor and is receiving treatment at the Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center. Her treatment requires two to four trips to Cleveland each month, along with missed work and ongoing medical expenses.

Organizers said the event aims to help ease some of the financial burden while also raising awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of skin care and routine dermatology screenings.

"Over the years that I’ve known Amy—first as a coworker, then as my boss, and now as a close friend—I’ve seen her repeatedly give selflessly to help friends and even strangers whether it was with a financial contribution, transporting a rescue dog to its forever home, or simply offering a non-judgmental listening ear," said Hannah Hartman. "I’ve watched her manage incredibly stressful situations that would have made me throw my hands in the air and give up—and I never once saw her lose her cool. She’s the most hilarious person I know, and I love being in her presence because she makes me laugh so much. She’s just the best!"

Activities during the event will include a dog walk, which participants may complete at their own pace and location, as well as a silent auction from 1 to 3:45 p.m. Auction bids will be drawn at 3:45 p.m., and winners may take items home that day or pick them up beginning April 13 at WTUZ-WJER, 2424 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia.

Live music will also be featured from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. by Kodachrome Babies.

Attendees also are invited to bring a donation for a chance to win a special gift basket.

Requested donations include pet food for dogs, cats and small animals for the Stark County Pet Food Pantry. Donations also are being collected for the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, including paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent, antibacterial hand soap, 40- to 60-gallon garbage bags, dog and cat food and water dishes, toys, leashes, collars, floor scrub brushes, floor squeegees, dog and cat crates, buckets, towels and blankets.

Additional donations are being accepted for Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center, including soft knit caps or scarves, hand lotion, lip balm, pocket-size tissue packs and handwritten cards of support.

Tickets and T-shirts are available at:

www.eventbrite.com/e/wag-n-walk-support-amy-smiths-battle-with-melanoma-cancer-tickets-1975357777287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

Smith has long been active in the community, including work with the WJER Toy Drive, animal rescue and service on boards for the Red Cross, the Miss Clayland Scholarship, the Tuscarawas County YMCA and the Tuscarawas County Senior Center. Organizers said the event will provide an opportunity for the community to show support for Smith during her treatment.