So many days and months of the year are dedicated to specific things. Whether to remember a certain person, to raise awareness for something, or to celebrate- each month has its own purpose! March is colon cancer awareness month! At Sherry’s Hope, we are passionate about cancer prevention and education, especially colon cancer screening, prevention and education. What’s our why? Sherry’s Story.

In February 2003, Sherry Whitaker began to experience discomfort in her side. With no real sense of urgency, she visited a nurse practitioner several weeks later, at the encouragement of a friend. She was hospitalized immediately. A few days later, the diagnosis was made. Sherry had a deadly form of colon cancer known as adenocarcinoma. Sherry passed at the age of 44, her battle lasting 12 months and 12 days. Because Sherry’s life impacted so many around her, Sherry’s Hope is the nonprofit organization it is today. Her story is the why behind our passion for colon cancer screening, prevention and education.

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, but also one of the most treatable when found early. The problem is that in many cases, once you have symptoms the cancer is too far progressed. This is why Sherry’s Hope partners with a local gastroenterology practice to offer free colon cancer screening kits! It is encouraged that everyone takes the at-home screening test yearly. To request a FREE colon cancer screening test, please contact info@sherryshope.org or call/text 615-925-2592 with your name, contact number, mailing address and the number of kits you would like to order.

Please remember that the test kit does not take the place of a colonoscopy. If you have a family or personal history of polyps, a family or personal history of colon cancer, or if you have been experiencing any changes in your digestion or bowel habits, you need to make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist.

To learn more about Sherry’s Hope, please call 615-925-2592. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or click here. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope, click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.