Jeff Woods knows the value of hard work. Since he was a teenager he has worked hard to pay the bills. So, when his cancer treatment left him struggling with neuropathy and unable to work, Jeff found himself in unfamiliar territory.

Last year, at age 43, Jeff was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. After undergoing surgery, he began 26 weeks of chemotherapy. As it so often does,the treatment left Jeff unable to feel his feet and hands. For a mechanic, this can be devastating.

Jeff’s family and friends, led by his mother, Barbara, organized a road block at the four way stops in Lafayette to raise funds to help him. They knew that their community was a caring one, and were not disappointed. One of the many people who stopped to give, informed Barbara about an organization in Lebanon called Sherry’s Run who assists cancers patients just like Jeff.

The assistance given by Sherry’s Run allowed Jeff to remain in his home throughout his treatments. “I can’t tell you how much it meant to be able to stay in my home. Sherry’s Run was such a blessing at a time when I felt so bad,” said Jeff. They were also able to assist with groceries and gas, but Sherry’s Run also helps patients make connections to other resources. With their help, Jeff was able to get assistance from another great organization: Macon Helps.

When Tiffy Clemons, Executive Board Member for Sherry’s Run, visited the Lafayette Rotary Club, she invited Jeff and Barbara to join her and share their story. “I’m not really a public speaker,” said Barbara, “but, I will do whatever I can for this organization because they have done so much for Jeff.”

As Barbara shared Jeff’s story, she told the group that his symptoms had returned and that he needed a colonoscopy. As a result, there was an outpouring of love from those in attendance and an anonymous donor offered to pay for Jeff to have the much needed test. “Because of this person’s compassion, Jeff will be able to get his colonoscopy and Sherry’s Run will be able to continue assisting him with his daily needs,” said Clemons.

Barbara and Jeff continue to be so grateful for the support shown to them by Sherry’s Run and their neighbors in Macon County. “We want to do anything we can to help this wonderful organization,” said Barbara.

Macon County continues its support of their neighbors battling cancer with their second annual Craft Fair hosted by Macon Bank & Trust to benefit Sherry’s Run on Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. There will also be an Antique Truck & Tractor Show, as well as live entertainment. Please come out and help them give hope to families like Jeff and Barbara.

Each year, nearly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. When caught early, colorectal cancer is 90% curable and 75% of colon cancer occurs in people with no risk. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends an annual Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) along with a colonoscopy every ten years beginning at age 50. Recent studies show that African Americans have a higher rate of colorectal cancer and should begin screenings at age 45. Sherry’s Run cares about you and your family and we are offering FIT colon cancer screening test FREE to you. Please call 615.925.2592 or text your name, address and the desired number of test kits and we will mail them to you. Talk to your health care provider about your risks and decide together when you should have a colonoscopy.

Your support allows us to assist cancer patients 52 weeks a year with gas,groceries, utility bills, housing payments, prescription assistance, health insurance premiums, medical bills, and colonoscopy assistance.

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 click here for more information.