Have you ever known a person who just made you smile? Whenever you are with them, their positive attitude just rubs off? Cindy Thorne, Sherry’s Run volunteer, is just one of those people. Her smile is contagious and her attitude infectious.

But Thorne’s attitude does not come from lack of adversity. During the fall of 2016, the rug was pulled out from under her as she heard the words “breast cancer.” She had to make the hardest decision of her life. After much prayer, she elected to go through the double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Cindy came out of the surgery cancer free with no need for treatments, but also with a new outlook, “Life is so uncertain and we are not promised tomorrow, so why not find joy in the journey?” she says.

Cindy not only finds joy, but she creates it by using her talents to give to others. For 3 years, Cindy has been one of the volunteers who create the beautiful green bows that cover Wilson County and beyond this time of the year. She takes her job seriously, tying several hundred bows each year. “Every time I get about 10 bows finished, I just smile and think, ‘Hey, that will pay someone’s light bill this month!’” muses Thorne.

Cindy has made positive impressions in other ways. Soon after her surgery, a young mom from her church approached her to say that she had been inspired to have her first mammogram because of Cindy. “Just hearing that made it all worth it to me,” says Thorne, “I hope my story can help other women understand how important self exams and mammograms really are.”

Thorne also encourages you to get involved with Sherry’s Run. “Come to the run and meet the people who are being helped,” she says, “and if you can’t come…give!” This year’s 5K will be in honor of Cindy and the inspiration she provides for this community. Register today and be a difference maker!