Sherry's Run Blog

It’s summer in Tennessee and what better way to cool off than a big scoop of homemade ice cream?

“I had always heard of Sherry’s Run, but never really realized that it was for people like us.” 

Tammie Mitchell of Lebanon, Tennessee has an important question to ask you.

Kori Gilbert’s life was changed by a shared story -- a story just like hers. Now, she wants to be a part of doing that for someone else.

As thousands of lime green balloons slowly float into the sky over West Main Street, you can almost feel the burdens being lifted for hundreds of our neighbors who are fighting cancer. 

Don Walker, age 63, is a husband, father, grandfather, driving and safety instructor, Christian and retired member of the U.S. coastguard. But perhaps the best word to describe him is encourager.

If you've ever wondered how much difference you can actually make with just one $30 registration fee, we have a story that you need to hear.

Don Cousineau and his wife, Cathy, live a simple life and have always been able to make ends meet. Don says, “We’ve always believed Jesus Christ would help us through.”

Being a mother, working a full-time job, and battling cancer. These three descriptions should never be together, but this is exactly what Tiffiney Hammock faced in April, 2012. 

With her first grandchild on the way, Gina Hunt was excited. Family meant everything to Gina. She would soon find out that this sweet girl would also be a great source of hope and motivation for her as she faced a terminal diagnosis. In 2010, Gina was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time, the doctors gave her approximately one year to live. Gina’s response was, “I will live as long as God wants me to live.” God must have had big plans for Gina, because she spent the next three years bringing hope and inspiration to everyone she met.

When Gina and her husband, Ricky, crossed paths with Sherry’s Run in July of 2013, her cancer had already spread into her lymph nodes and then into her brain. At the time, Gina was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, but she was a fighter. Gina was no longer able to work, so when they learned that Sherry’s Run would be able to assist with necessary expenses like utility bills and provide grocery and gas cards, the Hunts were beyond grateful. When asked how he felt about the assistance from Sherry's Run he said, “we always knew that someone cared about us. There are no words to describe how much that means.”

In September, 2013, Ricky and Gina were able to participate in the 10th annual Sherry’s Run event. On the way home, Gina told Ricky that she wanted to come back the following year. Unfortunately, she would never be able to realize that goal. Gina passed away in December, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Throughout her battle with cancer, Ricky said that she never complained about pain. “She always handled her disease with grace and poise,” said Ricky.

When asked what Gina was like, Ricky talks about how full of life she was. He tells of a time when they were driving down the road and her favorite song came on. At the time, she weighed only about 100 lbs. and had lost all of her hair, but that didn’t stop her from pulling the car over so that she could get out and dance on the side of the road. God gave Gina more time than she could have imagined and she made the most of it. Sherry’s Run seeks to help families like this one make the most of their time together by helping them meet basic needs and connecting them with resources like counseling, support groups and other community based programs.

“Ricky and Gina were so grateful for the help provided by Sherry’s Run. It is such a blessing to serve families like Gina and Ricky everyday. We pray that we can make their fight a little bit easier,” said Tonyia Watson, Board Member for Sherry’s Run. Find out how you can help Sherry’s Run continue to empower people like Gina and Ricky 52 weeks a year.

The tenth annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk is slated for September 14, 2013 in Lebanon.  According to Scott Jasper, Executive Board Member and Race Director, “We feel very fortunate that each year our attendance at Sherry’s Run increases.  This enables us to help those battling cancer, right here in our communities.  Last year we had over 3,800 participants at the Run.” 

Have you or someone you love been affected by cancer?  Would you like to help others with their journey through the disease?  The team at Sherry’s Run would like to officially announce that registration is now open for their tenth annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit those who are affected by cancer!  Come and be a part of this amazing experience that gives so many of our neighbors hope at a time when they are in need. 

Welcome to the Sherry's Run Blogs!

We are in the process of setting up our new blogs up and you will be soon seeing great blogs from our Team and Guest Bloggers!