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. 

Each balloon represents someone’s mother, son, friend or other loved one who has won their battle or who is still fighting cancer. Cancer has touched all of our lives. We all have a “Sherry” and that is why we support Sherry’s Run. 

For the 3,500 plus participants at the 11th annual Sherry’s Run, this day is more than a race. It is a celebration of life and an opportunity to share hope. “I continue to be inspired and encouraged by the amazing community support that is shown to Sherry’s Run each year,” says Tonyia Watson, Board Chair & Director of Patient Assistance. “Each registration fee represents one more prescription or bag of groceries that we can provide for someone fighting the greatest battle of their life.”  

The 2014 Sherry’s Run was dedicated to the memory of Clint Tomlinson.  Clint loved and appreciated Sherry’s Run and wanted to participate each year. His team, Clint’s Crusaders, showed up strong to remember him and honor the organization he believed in. Read Clint’s story.

The 2014 Sherry’s Run was in honor of Pete Taylor.  Pete and his wife, Megan, have sought to use his battle as an opportunity to give glory and praise to God. They are so thankful for Sherry’s Run and excited about serving others by giving their time.  Read Pete’s story.

This event is special to so many for many different reasons, but perhaps it is most special for our patients and their families. Don Cousineau (Sherry’s Run patient) and his wife, Cathy were able to participate this year and were overwhelmed by the turnout. Don said, “I knew it was big, but I didn’t know it was THIS big!” Click here to read Don’s story.

The support was not only in spirit and attendance, but also in generosity. So far this year, more than $300,000 has been given.  That money will help families affected by any kind of cancer that live, work, go to church, or seek treatment in Wilson County or the surrounding communities, who are actively pursuing treatment and demonstrate a true financial need.

In 2013, donations to Sherry’s Run allowed us to:

Keep the lights and water on for more than 150 families
    $64,593 in Utility Bills Paid

Help more than 40 families stay in their homes
    $24,343 in Housing Payments Paid

Relieve the burden of medical expenses for more than 150 families
    $54,607 in Medical Bills and Prescriptions Paid

Put food on the table for more than 200 families
    $64,000 in Gas and Grocery Cards Provided

The 112 teams that participated added excitement and morale to the event in a special way.  Thanks to all those who formed and joined a team, the Team Chairs and all the Team Captains!  The following teams received awards:

• Most participants on a team – Team Clint’s Crusaders with 95 Team members; Team Captain: Alyson Atchley
• Most money raised (over entry fees): – Maple Hill Church of Christ who raised $23,930; Team Captains: Mary Fay Wright
• Most team spirit:  Team Frankie’s Playhouse; Team Captain: Frankie Phillips
• Team T-shirt Competition: Team Clint’s Crusaders; Team Captain: Alyson Atchley

Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Sherry’s Run. Dana Jones and Becky Taylor are a great example of this. They each spend countless hours making sure that the retail section of the organization runs smoothly. They received the 2014 Sherry’s Run Volunteer(s) of the Year award.  We cannot thank them enough for their service.

Thank you to the more than 500 volunteers who worked tirelessly and contributed countless hours to make this event successful.  

Thanks to all who participated in the ‘Paint Your Town Green’ campaign – you were instrumental in elevating the awareness of our event with green ribbons throughout our communities. 

Congratulations to the race winners:

• Female overall winner: Hope Ilias
• Male overall winner: Robert Post
• Female Masters winner:  Jenessa Reasonover
• Male Masters winner:  Craig Stewart

For a full list of winners by age category and runner times, please refer to www.sherrysrun.org/the-race/5k-results.

On behalf of the Sherry’s Run Board of Directors we offer our sincerest thanks.  The success of this event lies with everyone who chose to make a difference and supported Wilson County’s largest faithbased non-profit event. We invite you to mark your calendars and plan to join us again on Saturday, September 12, 2015.