WILSON COUNTY, TENN. – August 27, 2012 —   When you meet Claude Butler the first thing you will notice is his wonderfully engaging smile. Secondly, you will take note of his cap which reads: I’m Blessed  I Chronicles 4:10.  This is not only his favorite song, but it is his testimony.  

When the 73-yr. old retiree from Smith County began experiencing some symptoms last summer, his wife Barbara made him go to the doctor.  She then “told on him at the doctor’s office,” and this led to his first colonoscopy and a diagnosis of rectal cancer. He and his family prayed for wisdom to choose the right Christian doctors to guide them in his medical care. Claude began radiation and chemotherapy, followed by a colostomy in December at Vanderbilt.  When testing prior to a scheduled round of preventative chemotherapy in March revealed small tumors on his liver,  Claude instead began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen that will continue until November.  

Claude’s daughter Donna, who works in Cracker Barrel’s corporate office, participated in the 2010 Sherry’s Run event – with no idea that her very own family would be a recipient of funds raised at the event.  When her father was diagnosed with cancer, Donna knew to contact Tonyia Watson with Sherry’s Run.  “Don’t be afraid to ask for help”, said Donna, “Cancer is a huge challenge and the support of Sherry’s Run really helped my parents”.  Sherry’s Run has assisted with living expenses, co-pays for treatment, and some overwhelming medical bills.  

To honor her father and as a tribute to their faith, Donnas’ Team had special T-shirts printed for them to wear at the 2011 Sherry’s Run event.  The shirts had an adorable frog, (her father’s nickname), with the words “Fully Rely On God”.  Claude, wearing his pack administering his chemo, not only finished the course, but beat everyone in his family.  He plans to participate again this year by walking as far as he can.  

Despite the events of the last year Claude feels truly blessed — blessed with the love of his wife of 53 years, and the fact that she “told on him” at the doctor’s office.  He is blessed with the love of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his wonderful church family at Brush Creek Pentecostal Church.  He still struggles with some daily chores, has had complications from his surgery, and faces additional months of chemotherapy; but when he plays the guitar and sings “I Am Blessed” at church, it is with joy and a thankful heart.  

Please join Claude and his family at the 2012 Sherry’s Run on Saturday, September 8, at 8:00 a.m.,  beside the main office of Wilson Bank & Trust in Lebanon.   You can help ensure that Sherry’s Run will  always have the funding to assist those in our community who are struggling with cancer’s huge financial strain.  Registration is open now.  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 or to refer someone who might qualify for assistance, please call 615-925-2592 or visit www.sherrysrun.org.