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.

In 2013, Kori went in for her routine mammogram, as she has faithfully done for the past 23 years. But this time, the result was not the same as it had always been. Her heart sank as she received the news that cancer had been found. 

As a woman of faith, she went to her church family and shared her news, asking for prayers. What she received in response was an answer to her prayers. One of the members of her church shared with her a newspaper clipping that she kept in her Bible about an organization in Lebanon, Tennessee called Sherry’s Run. When Kori contacted Sherry’s Run, she was amazed by what she received.

“The support that Sherry’s Run gave me took a huge weight off of my heart,” said Kori. “I was so overwhelmed that there are people like this.” Sherry’s Run was able to assist Kori with medical bills, prescriptions, utility bills and grocery cards. They also helped Kori connect with a local community organization called Macon Helps that assisted her with gas cards to go back and forth to appointments. 

Because of Kori’s regular mammograms, the cancer was detected very early. She was able to have surgery and no further treatment was needed. On the day of her surgery, her son came from Michigan to be with her. He was able to give her news that made her heart lift rather than sink. Kori was going to be a grandmother for the first time! “Knowing there was going to be a baby soon was what carried me through the it all. It helped me remain positive and focused,” said Kori. 

“Kori is one strong woman, having survived polio as a child and now cancer as an adult!“ said Tonyia Watson, Director of Patient Assistance for Sherry’s Run. “I am just thankful that Sherry’s Run had the opportunity to serve her as she fought this battle.” 

“I want to encourage people who are reading this story to please cut it out and save it. You never know when you will meet someone who needs it,” said Kori.

Sherry’s Run joins Kori in celebrating October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. We care about you and your health! If you are 40 or over we urge you to have a mammogram. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer or have any breast cancer symptoms as you may need to get tested earlier than other women. Mammograms are the best tools doctors have to find breast cancer early.  When breast cancer is found and treated early, many women go on to live a long and healthy life. Due to the recent changes in health care laws many health insurance policies cover mammograms beginning at age 40, so check with your provider to see if you qualify.