In June of 2024, twenty-four-year-old, Gina Wilson moved from Oklahoma to Gallatin, Tennessee to be with her family after finishing college as a track and field athlete. Once she was adjusted to life in a new town, Gina made a wellness appointment to get established with a new primary care physician in January of 2025.  A few weeks prior to the exam, she noticed some small lumps appearing on her neck, so she decided to bring them to the attention of her doctor. Taking immediate precautions, the doctor ordered an ultrasound on her neck. The findings on the ultrasound raised more concerns, so a biopsy was ordered.

Gina was warned after the biopsy was done that there was a serious chance that she could have cancer. With her mom by her side, Gina later received a phone call with the life-changing news that she had thyroid cancer. Gina shared, “I was in shock, it was really unexpected for me and my family.” Of the four different types of thyroid cancers, Gina was diagnosed with the most treatable form. However, the cancer was invasive and had spread to her lymph nodes. She soon was scheduled for an eight-hour surgery to remove the cancer in March.

After surgery, Gina was in recovery for a month. The effects of the operation halted everyday things for Gina for a while. Because of the stiffness in her neck, she couldn’t drive, lay down, swallow or speak well. Despite the challenges at hand, Gina shared the blessing of having a faithful support system: “My parents and siblings have been so encouraging. The Bridge Fellowship is my church home and they have shown up for me all along the way. My mom’s life group brought meals when she was focused on taking care of me. My workplace was so accommodating. Everyone in my life has played a huge part in my journey.”  

Through that strong network of support, one of Gina’s mom’s church friends shared information about Sherry’s Hope with her. Gina marveled, “Sherry’s Hope has helped with the majority of my medical bills so I don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. The assistance with my medical bills has been a lifeline, allowing me to breathe a little easier and live with a sense of peace.” It wasn’t long after she began receiving assistance that Gina heard about Sherry’s Hope’s largest fundraiser: Sherry’s Run 5K. Being a former college track and field athlete, Gina set her mind on completing the race. Although she was still in the midst of her cancer journey, Gina didn’t let that stop her.

About a month before the race, she began training by walking at least a mile a day, sometimes three or four. She explained, “Some days progress felt slow, but every little bit counts, and it helped me to learn to celebrate the small victories.” Soon, the morning of Sherry’s Run came. Gina described her experience, “Once I got there, I decided I wanted to be able to run the race. So, I did a lot of jogging. As I completed each mile, I remembered how far I had come since my diagnosis. I was definitely exhausted after crossing the finish line, but I was so proud of myself.” That moment at the finish line captured the determination and faith that have carried Gina through every mile of her journey. Reflecting on what carried her through the hardest moments, Gina shared, “I had to trust in God. I was very anxious and worried, but ultimately, I believed I would make it through. 1 Peter 5:7 has been my main verse I have clung to in this season. It reminded me to cast my worries on Him and that He would take care of me.”

Today, Gina is doing well and continues physical therapy as she grows stronger. She also has completed a round of radiation with one more scheduled in December. While she cannot officially be cleared as cancer free until five years of clear scans, Gina is setting her eyes on sharing her story with others. She explained, “I made it through the hard part so I just have to keep looking forward and give God the glory. I know someday I will have opportunities to help others on their journeys- it’s important to be vulnerable and let people know they are not alone.”

Gina is truly an inspiration and Sherry’s Hope is honored to play a small part in her story.  Because of your support, Gina is able to focus on her future without the burden of lingering medical bills from her cancer diagnosis. Gina shared, “Sherry’s Hope has been a source of hope and comfort in my life. I’m forever grateful for the tangible difference the organization is making in the lives of people like me, and I pray that God will continue to bless and guide Sherry’s Hope as they serve others.”

 As 2025 comes to a close, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation of any amount to Sherry’s Hope. Your generosity will make a lasting impact on the lives of families in Wilson County and surrounding communities who are battling cancer for years to come, and for that we are so grateful.

To learn more about Sherry’s Hope, please call 615-925-2592. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email help@sherryshope.org. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope, visit https://go.rallyup.com/sherryshope2025. You can also mail donations with the memo, “HOPE2025” to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008. Thank you for giving HOPE!