April 22, 2012 was much more than just another date for Carolyn Rhodes – it was a moment of truth.  That was the day that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  When asked to recall her first initial thought after the doctor’s grim words, Rhodes thought of the worst case possible, “I’m going to die.”  Cancer unfortunately runs in her family so she was quite familiar with the disease, but never dreamed it would affect her directly.

Rhodes first heard of Sherry’s Run through her doctor’s office.  “I was afraid and didn’t know what to do or who to turn to, so I gave them a call.”  No doubt this disease takes a physical and emotion toll, but also a financial one.  Finding the funds to support yourself, let alone a family is almost unimaginable.
Since 2012, Carolyn Rhodes admits living with cancer has been anything but easy.  “The parts of my old life that I miss the most are not being able to do what I used to do, like working and playing softball.”  Her family is a vital part of her happiness, especially her children.  She says, “Even though it hurts me that I cannot provide for them the way I used to, they help get me through each day with love.”  Trying not to see the negative aspects of everything is a constant struggle; however the support of her family, church family and Sherry’s Run makes it easier to tackle the day.

When it comes to others and how they can obtain help, Rhodes is ready to give advice.  She says, “If you need assistance from Sherry’s Run, they can help!  Don’t be afraid to ask.”  This is the main thing that almost all newly diagnosed patients struggle with, including Rhodes.  “It’s hard to ask for something, because it seemed like nobody else really wanted to help.  Sherry’s Run, the Breast Cancer Friends support group at Maple Hill church of Christ and the L-Town Riders have been there since day one and I will never be able to show how grateful I am to them.  Sometimes they just call to check up on me – having that kind of support and knowing you are not alone is amazing.”

Through Sherry’s Run, Carolyn Rhodes was given a better chance at a life she did not choose.  Sherry’s Run was able to provide her with gas cards for those trips back and forth to chemotherapy and grocery cards to provide food for her and her family.  When asked what Sherry’s Run meant to her, Rhodes replied, “Easy – loving, caring and sharing.  That’s what they are all about.”  

Come join us as we make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer right here in our community. The tenth annual Sherry’s Run is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. in Lebanon, beside the main office of Wilson Bank & Trust, 623 West Main Street. Mark your calendar and make acommitment to join us. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Log on to www.SherrysRun.org to sign up.

The mission of Sherry’s Run: Through faith and love create an environment for all those affected by cancer, which provides hope, knowledge, assistance, support and compassion. To learn more about Sherry’s Run, please call 615-925-2592.  To refer someone who might qualify for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or visit www.sherrysrun.org

“Serving Cancer Patients 10 Years Running”