Sherry's Run Blog

Many people in Wilson County know Gabby Aulds’ name because she was on their prayer chain at some point. Her name means “God is my strength” and God is certainly the star of Gabby’s story. Her mother, Melissa, credits God with the fact that they discovered Gabby’s cancer back in December of 2018. Gabby was in first grade then and injured her leg on the slide. “She’s a little dramatic,” Melissa laughed, “so we didn’t know how seriously to take this at first, but I watched her. The limp was real and I could tell something was wrong.” A routine X-ray didn’t detect any problems, but the doctor told them to return the following week if it was still painful. Right after that, Gabby fell at school. “She was in a long Disney dress, so I thought maybe she tripped,” Melissa explained. They carried her to Mt. Juliet for an MRI. “Afterwards,” Melissa almost whispered, “the tech person hugged me…Now I know why.”

That evening, Gabby was preparing for a Christmas concert and her doctor called Melissa’s husband, Ryan, asking them to come to Vanderbilt the following morning; he shared his worst fears. “Gabby sang her little heart out that night and we were just in tears,” Melissa said sadly. Treatments for Gabby’s rare osteosarcoma diagnosis began immediately with 30 weeks of chemo and Gabby lost her hair. Weeks later, God touched the hearts of some Immanuel Baptist Church friends and they gathered on the Aulds’ front porch praying, singing, and rallying around the family as Gabby watched from the window. “It was beautiful!” Melissa cried. “They have loved and prayed us through this.”

“She is a true miracle,” Melissa beamed. Melissa explained how complicated pediatric cancer treatments are. Adult treatments are outpatient-based; for children, procedures require long stretches in the hospital followed by short breaks. Many children don’t make it long-term when battling extreme cancers. Some of the medicines and techniques haven’t changed much over the years. Melissa said she aches for more funding, research, and advanced techniques to treat pediatric cancer. “Parents don’t talk about it a lot,” she said softly, but there was power in her voice. “We have to talk about it because people need to know what these kids go through.” 

Children’s bones are usually fully grown by the time they reach the age of 14. Gabby was seven when her fight began; after a large tumor was removed, treatment included getting a cadaver bone and employing magnetic technology to stretch it as she grows. So far, the bone has been stretched 4.5 cm to match the femur in the other leg that is still growing. “We don’t talk about the future a lot,” Melissa admitted. “We’re just trusting God.” There may be future obstacles, but the Aulds family remains upbeat and strong in their faith.

The Aulds family is grateful for Sherry’s Hope and the way they have raised awareness and support for cancer patients with the annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk. Fakes & Hooker, where Ryan is a partner, has been a supporter of the organization. Another family connection, the law firm of Rochelle, McCulloch, & Aulds, has been a loyal Sherry’s Run 5K sponsor. Sherry’s Hope board member Jane Hay expressed her gratitude for their support: “We deeply appreciate Fakes & Hooker, Rochelle, McCulloch, & Aulds, and all the organizations who have supported us over the years. It takes a community to support a community.”

Registration for the 18^th annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk opens on June 15^th.  The Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit Sherry’s Hope is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 8 am and this year’s race will be held in honor of Gabby Aulds, a fierce pediatric cancer warrior who will then be two years cancer free!  Click here to register or join a team and make a difference in the lives of those in our community affected by cancer.

Sherry’s Hope is a non-profit organization that works throughout the year to provide hope to families battling cancer in Wilson County and surrounding communities by offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance. In addition, Sherry’s Hope works to spread colon health awareness by distributing free colon cancer screening tests and providing colonoscopy assistance.

To learn more about Sherry’s Hope, please call 615-925-2592 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.

If you talk to Alta Lee for more than 20 minutes, you’re going to hear her say “God’s got this” at least five times.

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Participating in the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk Event each September is one way our community comes together to show love and support to those who are battling cancer.

Buckeye Drugs in Lebanon recently presented a $3,000 check to the Sherry’s Run organization as part of their sponsorship for the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk.

While this year’s Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk looked different since it was a virtual event, it was still an amazing day with individuals, families and teams across the county, state and country showing support for families battling cancer.

Things look different for the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk this year since it is a virtual event.

Tracy Underwood, who owns A.J.’s Florist with her mother Marcia Pruitte, has always loved seeing green bows hanging in support of Sherry’s Run throughout our community.

Hearing the news that you or a loved one has cancer is devastating.  It can bring an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and a feeling that you are alone, that no one could understand what you’re facing.

The Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 as a virtual event.

A recent donation given anonymously to Sherry’s Run will assist in the important work the organization carries out on a year-round basis.  The non-profit was thrilled to receive a surprise $25,000.00 check from a generous donor who wished to lighten the load of cancer patients in our community. “We could not have been more ecstatic,” said Alisa Eakes, patient assistance director, upon receipt of the funds. “One person can truly make such a difference in the lives of so many.”

Eakes, who keeps a watchful eye on the financial needs of the patients the organization assists, knows just how far such a donation will go toward helping families who are in times of crisis. “Do you know how much assistance we can provide with $25,000?” she gushes. “Paying for groceries or keeping the utilities running should not be a concern while fighting cancer. This takes away that worry for so many.”

Although the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk Event is held once a year every September, the team works throughout the year to provide hope to those battling cancer in our community by offering financial assistance with everyday needs such as utilities, housing payments, prescriptions, medical bills, gasoline, and groceries. The faithful support of the community allows the organization to continue to assist people who are facing a cancer diagnosis. “I tell people all the time that this community is with them in their fight. This generous donation proves that,” says Eakes.

The organization wants everyone in our community to know that if you are fighting cancer, Sherry’s Run is here for you. In addition to financial support, the non-profit also hosts monthly support group meetings for patients and caregivers. Because the organization’s namesake, Sherry Whitaker, passed in 2004 after battling colon cancer, Sherry’s Run also works to spread colon health awareness by distributing colon cancer screening tests and providing colonoscopy assistance. Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers IF it is found early. If you would like a free colon health screening kit, please text your name and address to 615-925-2592.  If you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatment and in need of assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Sherry’s Run is a non-profit organization that works throughout the year to provide hope to those battling cancer in our community by offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance with everyday needs. In addition, Sherry’s Run works to spread colon health awareness by distributing colon cancer screening tests and providing colonoscopy assistance. To find out more please call 615-925-2592.  To make an online donation, click here or donations may be mailed to: Sherry's Run, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088.

People from across Wilson County showed up in a big way for Mardi Gras at the Capitol to benefit the Sherry’s Run organization.

The Sherry’s Run Executive Board is excited to announce Julie Miller-Wilson and Sarah Haston are the official chairs for the 5^th annual Mardi Gras at the Capitol to benefit Sherry’s Run to be held Friday, February 7, 2020.

Trayce Sackman has always been one to help others.  She’s spent 18 years at Watertown High School both in the classroom teaching special education students and working in the attendance office. She’s volunteered at church, in the community and brought her Girl Scout troop to volunteer at the Sherry’s Run 5K for three years. When her family started participating in the Sherry’s Run 5K in 2010, they were on a team for a friend who had cancer. Trayce never imagined that one day people would have a team for her and would be supporting her through her own cancer journey.

Faith and family. These have been the cornerstones of Denise Seay’s life—and even more so during her battle with cancer.

The busiest spot in Lebanon on Saturday morning, September 14th was the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk! Over 3,500 people gathered to participate in the 16^th Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk, including 578 chip timed runners!

The Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Sherry’s Run organization. This year more than $271,000 was raised from the event. The tremendous support of the community will allow the Sherry’s Run organization to provide financial assistance, spiritual and emotional support for families in Wilson County and surrounding communities who are battling a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The 2019 Sherry’s Run 5K was in honor of Todd and Diane Smith. Todd and Diane are longtime supporters of the Sherry’s Run organization. Todd manages the Sonic restaurant on West Main Street in Lebanon and Diane manages the Sonic location in Carthage. Todd and Diane are an inspiration with their positive attitudes and faith in God as they have both faced battles with cancer.

The 2019 Sherry’s Run 5K was in memory of Geoff Sadler. Geoff and Heather clung to their faith throughout Geoff’s battle with cancer. Geoff lost his earthly battle with esophageal cancer in November of 2018. Although it hasn’t always been easy, Heather chooses to trust that God is upholding her family and will bring good from their journey. Throughout their journey, Geoff encouraged Heather to trust in God’s plan for their lives and to use their story to encourage others.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk! There were 141 teams who participated. The following teams received awards:

            Most participants on a team: Wilson Bank & Trust; Team Captain: Wendy Anderson

            Most money raised (over entry fees): Whit’s Warriors; Team Captain: Tammy Robertson

            Most team spirit: Sadler Princess Protection Agency; Team Captain: Heather Sadler

            Team t-shirt competition: Team Toni; Team Captain: Toni Johnson

A huge thank you to the more than 600 volunteers who worked hard and spent countless hours to make the Sherry’s Run 5K event successful! Without their tireless efforts this event would not be possible!

Congratulations to the race winners:

            Female Overall Winner: Trish Graves

            Male Overall Winner: Anthony Reeves

            Female Masters Winner: Linda Lamott

            Male Masters Winner: Brett Seybold

For a complete listing of all winners by age category and runner times, please visit www.besttimescct.com/results/Sherry19.HTML 

Be sure to save the date for the 17^th Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2020!

Sherry’s Run, Wilson County’s largest grassroots cancer fundraising effort, is a non-profit, Christian organization that has helped hundreds of individuals and their families during some of the hardest times of their lives. With community support and involvement, Sherry’s Run helps members of our community year round through support groups; assistance with utilities, housing, prescriptions, medical bills, gas and groceries; and colonoscopy assistance.

To learn more about the Sherry’s Run organization, please call 615-925-2592. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To make a donation to Sherry’s Run, click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Run, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.

Abounding Joy - Todd and Diane Smith

You don’t have to spend much time with Todd and Diane Smith to see what quality has gotten the couple through the recent string of trials they have faced together: joy.

Lochinvar, LLC recently presented a $10,000 check to the Sherry’s Run organization for their sponsorship for the upcoming Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk.

Buckeye Drugs Makes Donation to Sherry’s Run 

Buckeye Drugs in Lebanon recently presented a $5,000 check to the Sherry’s Run organization as part of their sponsorship for the upcoming Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk.

Faith Over Fear

The Sadler family knows a thing or two about facing storms in life. When the couple met in 2012, what followed was a whirlwind of events that would force Heather and Geoff Sadler to cling to the only source of true peace this world offers: faith in Christ.