In the early morning of September 10, while most of Lebanon was still sleeping, hundreds of volunteers joined hands in a circle to pray for the thousands of people who would soon be joining them to support the beloved community event known as Sherry’s Run. As Scott Jasper, Race Director, prayed he remembered all of those who have fought and are currently fighting this dreaded disease: cancer. He prayed for the hundreds of patients and their families that Sherry’s Run serves each year. And, finally he offered thanks for the overwhelming support of the Wilson County community for their neighbors fighting cancer.

As participants began arriving, they gravitated to the lime green “Sherry’s Run car” stationed in the middle of the event site. Everyone was invited to add to the car the names of their loved ones for whom they were walking or running. Later, a single balloon was released with a card attached representing all of our friends and family who have fought or are fighting cancer.

The 2016 Sherry’s Run was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Donald Cole, Lt. Bob Harrison, and Whit Robertson. Dr. Cole spent the past two decades of his life raising the level of healthcare for the Wilson County community. Lt. Harrison gave half of his life in service to the community through law enforcement. Whit Robertson inspired thousands to “take care of each other” through support of Sherry’s Run. Each of these men served this community in a way that perfectly represents the spirit of Sherry’s Run: neighbors helping neighbors. 

The 2016 Sherry’s Run was in honor of Dr. Christina Steger.  Dr. Steger has dedicated much of her life to providing excellent pediatric healthcare to this community. Whether she’s in the mission fields of Honduras or serving through the Wilson County CASA program, her passion for serving others is evident, making her the ideal honoree for this event. 

The support was not only in spirit and attendance, but also in generosity. So far, more than $325,000 has been given.  That money will help families affected by any kind of cancer who live or seek treatment in Wilson County or the surrounding communities, who are actively pursuing treatment and demonstrate a true financial need.

In 2015, donations to Sherry’s Run allowed us to make the following impact for patients and their families:

• $57,611 in Utility Bills Paid
• $26,540 in Housing Payments Paid
• $58,259 in Medical Bills and Prescriptions Paid
• $79,000 in Gas and Grocery Cards Provided

The 107 teams that participated added excitement and morale to the event in a special way.  Thanks to all those who formed and joined a team, the Team Chairs and all the Team Captains!  The following teams received awards:

• Most participants on a team – Tennova with 105 Team members; Team Captain: Traci Pope
• Most money raised (over entry fees): – Maple Hill church of Christ who raised $20,180; Team Captain: Lounita Sampson 
• Most team spirit: Frankie’s Playhouse; Team Captain: Frankie Phillips
• Team T-shirt Competition: Dixie Chicks and Roosters ; Team Captain: Kristi Carter

Without the tireless effort of our faithful volunteers, this event would not be possible. Ashlee Chance has been a board member and the teams committee chair for the past several years. Ashlee’s passionate spirit for the mission of Sherry’s Run makes her an invaluable part of the team. She received the 2016 Sherry’s Run Volunteer of the Year award.  We cannot thank her enough for her service.

Thank you to the more than 500 volunteers who worked so hard and contributed countless hours to make this event successful.   Thanks to all who participated in the ‘Paint Your Town Green’ campaign – you were instrumental in elevating the awareness of our event with green ribbons throughout our communities.  

Congratulations to the race winners:

• Female overall winner: Hope Ilias
• Male overall winner: Aiden Britt
• Female Masters winner: Ashlee Chance
• Male Masters winner: Don Poston

For a full list of winners by age category and runner times, please refer to www.sherrysrun.org/the-race/5k-results.

The highlight of this year’s event was the unprecedented gift given by the Lebanon Endoscopy Partners and St. Thomas Gastroenterology of Lebanon. Drs. Price and Miller completed the run just moments before presenting the Executive Board with a check for $300,000 to be given over the course of 5 years. The gift was given in memory of Dr. Donald Cole, local physician who passed in April of this year after dedicating the past 20 years to improving the quality of healthcare for the Wilson County community. “Dr. Cole build a tremendous practice here in this community and we are honored to continue that work. Sherry’s Run meant so much to him.”

On behalf of the Sherry’s Run Board of Directors we offer our sincerest thanks.  The success of this event lies with everyone who chose to make a difference and supported Wilson County’s largest faith-based non-profit event.