Our dear friend Sherry has recently been diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), and we are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult journey.

Sherry, Doria, and I met in college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. We became Alpha Delta Pi sisters and best friends. Both Doria and I were fortunate enough to be Sherry's roommates during and after college, and we later stood beside one another in our weddings. We would do absolutely anything for her.

Sherry has always been the definition of strength and determination. She's a country girl at heart, strong-willed and just the right amount of fun. She also happens to be super smart, graduating with one the highest GPAs in our sorority. She worked hard then, and she has continued to work hard every day since. More importantly, she has always been the kind of friend who shows up—someone you can count on no matter what.

After graduating from UNC Wilmington with her bachelor's degree, Sherry earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from East Carolina University. She began her career serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community mental health. After becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she founded Play Solutions, Inc., where she has spent the past 15 years helping children and families as a therapist, Clinical Director, and Registered Play Therapist.

Helping others has never just been Sherry's profession—it has been her calling.

Outside of her career, Sherry is a devoted wife to her loving husband, Michael, and an incredibly proud mother to her daughter, Ruby, who recently graduated high school with honors and will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.

In Sherry's own words:

"I've always considered myself healthy. I have faithfully seen the same physician for years, attended my annual mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and performed regular self-exams. I truly believed I was doing everything right.

After a mammogram and ultrasound in September and October 2025, a small spot appeared, but because I had a history of fibrocystic breast changes, it wasn't considered concerning. Life went on.

By February 2026, I noticed the spot had grown. I was referred to a surgeon for a biopsy, and on March 10, 2026, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with estrogen-positive invasive lobular carcinoma in my right breast. We later learned there were actually three tumors, and the hormone replacement therapy I had been prescribed had unknowingly been feeding the cancer.

Everything changed overnight.

As a small business owner, I am only paid when I am able to see clients. I have been out of work since the week before my surgery on April 20, 2026, resulting in a significant loss of income. While I've been able to handle some administrative work from home to keep my practice running, I don't receive sick leave, vacation time, disability benefits, or paid time off.

For the past 30 years, I have devoted my life to helping children and families facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Being away from the work I love has been one of the hardest parts of this journey.

Unfortunately, my previous insurance coverage was inadequate, leaving many expenses before April 1, 2026, completely out of pocket. My current insurance costs nearly $1,000 each month in premiums, and between deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, my annual medical costs approach $22,000.

For someone who has always believed in planning ahead and staying positive, the financial burden has been overwhelming.

In just a short period of time, I've undergone two surgeries, countless blood tests, scans, doctor's appointments, and have also learned I carry an ATM gene mutation, adding another layer of complexity to my treatment.

I recently began chemotherapy with Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. I will complete four rounds every two weeks, followed by four rounds of Taxol. Along with chemotherapy, I receive multiple additional infusions to help manage side effects and currently take ten medications each day.

After chemotherapy, I will continue with radiation and long-term medication therapy. It's been an emotional and physical roller coaster, but I'm determined to keep fighting.

Most importantly, I want every woman to advocate for herself. Listen to your body. Ask questions. Seek additional testing if something doesn't feel right. I thought I was doing everything I was supposed to do, but I now know that early persistence can make all the difference."

Today, we're asking for your help.

As Sherry continues chemotherapy, followed by radiation through the end of this year, she and Michael are facing enormous medical expenses, insurance premiums, and the ongoing loss of income while she is unable to work. Michael continues working full-time while caring for Sherry, and in August, they will also be helping Ruby begin her exciting new chapter at UNC Chapel Hill.

If you are able to contribute in any way, no gift is too small. Every donation will go directly toward medical expenses, insurance premiums, and everyday living costs while Sherry focuses on what matters most—healing.

If you're unable to give financially, we completely understand. We simply ask that you keep Sherry, Michael, Ruby, and their six beloved fur babies in your prayers, and please consider sharing this fundraiser with others.

Sherry has spent her life caring for children, families, and her community. Now it's our turn to surround her with the same love, kindness, and support she has so generously given to so many others.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your compassion.

God bless you all.