20^th Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk in Memory of Josh Dillard

Josh Dillard was a dedicated husband, father of two boys, and a man that knew where his strength came from in the midst of hard times. His wife, Hope Dillard described Josh as, “the most selfless person who looked for humor in every situation.” These characteristics remained in Josh even as an unforeseen battle unfolded before him. In January 2014, at just 27 years old, Josh was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer diagnosis was a huge surprise because of Josh’s healthy and active lifestyle. In the midst of this diagnosis, Josh and Hope tried to remain positive for their two young sons. Tucker was three at the time, and Sawyer was four months old. Following the news, immediate support came from family, friends, church family, and coworkers. Hope stated, “Looking back, it’s hard to imagine the number of people who helped us in some way.”

As Josh’s cancer journey would continue for almost nine years, the support grew even larger through a Facebook page, Team Josh. Josh received so much support through the social media group and cherished the cards people sent him in the mail. During the pandemic in 2020, Josh even received a birthday parade that lasted almost an hour and required assistance from local law enforcement. Hope recalled, “Josh sat under a tent at the end of our driveway and watched as his friends and family drove by with cars decorated for his birthday. He was so humbled that everyone took the time to do that for him.”

Josh had so many close friends, but really- everyone he met was a friend of Josh. Hope described how Josh immediately befriended his caregivers as he went through treatments and procedures, “Josh loved to make people laugh. He made friends easily and was always looking for the best way to make someone’s day.” Even as he was going through treatments, Josh would always do his best to tell a “dad joke” and assure those around him that he was okay. Josh showed so much bravery, a bravery that did not come from relying on himself. Josh had a strong faith and was always confident that his cure was in Jesus. Even on his hardest days, Josh’s faith did not waiver and he always held on to the truth that God is the ultimate healer. During his journey, Sherry’s Hope had the honor of assisting Josh and his family. Hope stated, “I have no words for how much it meant to have Sherry’s Hope assisting us with expenses and offering encouragement.  It was truly a gift to us and made our burden lighter.” Even as Sherry’s Hope was assisting Josh, he found a way to give back to the nonprofit by donating baseball bats that he handmade specially for the silent auction at the Sherry’s Run 5K Event. Sherry’s Hope Executive Board Member, Scott Jasper shared, “Josh always had a smile and always showed such courage in the midst of his ongoing battle.”

Just a few days before he passed, Josh posted a verse on Facebook that exemplifies so much of who he was. The verse was 1 Timothy 6:12. It says, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed good profession before many witnesses.” Although he was only 36 years old when he passed, Josh was able to impact so many people in the course of his life because of his faith in Christ which he stood firm on. Josh fought the good fight of faith with courage and a smile. Because of Josh’s impact on so many, Sherry’s Hope dedicates the 20^th Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk in Josh Dillard’s Memory.

The 20th annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit Sherry’s Hope is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Click here to register. Come join us as we make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer right here 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 5K event, click here, call 615-925-2592, or email info@sherryshope.org. To learn more about Sherry’s Hope programs and services, visit www.sherryshope.org, call 615-925-9932, or email help@sherryshope.org. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope online, click here, or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.