Currently battling colon cancer, Dr. Scott Giles uses his life to push others to get tested for colon cancer regularly. Although Dr. Giles had no symptoms, he decided to take an at-home colon cancer screening test. When the test came back positive, he immediately began researching and knew that he had a 50/50 chance of having cancer. Scott scheduled a colonoscopy to see what was going on in March of 2022. He soon found out he had stage three colon cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes. Scott described the process, “I have no family history of cancer. In fact, my family lives until they are 90! When I first found out, I wasn’t really scared, I just wanted to know if it was true because it was so unexpected.” The month after his diagnosis Scott had surgery to remove one foot of his intestines and began chemotherapy treatments.

Despite his diagnosis and continued treatments, Dr. Giles hasn’t ceased working as an ER doctor. He explained, “My ER work keeps me going because I know I can help others.” He also shared that his oncologists cannot believe he is still working, as his diagnosis progressed to stage four in February 2023. While most would see the diagnosis as a hindrance, Dr. Giles sees it in a different light. He shared, “God has blessed me with this cancer so I can tell people to get tested.” He continued, “Get tested if you haven’t! If getting tested cures your cancer before you have to go through what I am going through, that’s great. There is no reason not to get tested.” Dr. Giles truly uses his diagnosis to spread awareness. The American Cancer Society has lowered its recommended colorectal screening age to 45. At Sherry’s Hope, colon cancer screening and education is so important because Sherry Whitaker, the woman who inspired Sherry’s Run/Sherry’s Hope passed away from colon cancer at the age of 44. Because of this, Sherry’s Hope offers free colon cancer screening kits year-round. While these test kits do not replace a regular colonoscopy, they are a great way to stay proactive as Dr. Giles encourages all to do!

Even before his diagnosis, Dr. Giles was passionate about lending a hand where he could. After becoming friends with Gary Whitaker, the husband of Sherry Whitaker, Dr. Giles began volunteering as medical support at the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk Event. Gary Whitaker described Dr. Giles as a “true supporter of Sherry’s Run.” He continued, “Scott is willing to do everything from working the medical tent to donating financially and never wants to be in the spotlight. He has a very humble spirit and has been willing to do anything I asked him to for countless years.” Dr. Giles still volunteers today stating, “Although it’s mostly just skinned elbows and knees, it’s a necessity.” Dr. Giles desires to help people even when he may not feel his best. Because of Dr. Giles’ passion for colon cancer awareness and his many years of support, the 21st annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk will be held in his honor on September 14, 2024. To register for Sherry’s Run, visit www.sherrysrun.org. We would love for you to join us for a morning filled with hope for families affected by cancer in our community.

Sherry’s Hope is a Christian, 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 the Sherry’s Run SK event, click here, call 615-925- 2592, or email info@sherryshope.org. To learn more about Sherry’s Hope programs and services, click here, call 615-925-9932, or email help@sherryshope.org. To request a colon cancer test kit, email info@sherrsyhope.org. To donate to Sherry’s Hope, visit www.sherryshope.org, or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.