Sherry Pollex, a respected philanthropist and influential member of the NASCAR community, died on September 17, 2023, at the age of 44 following a nine-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her passing brought sadness to her family, friends, and the motorsports community, where she was admired for her determination and commitment to supporting people affected by cancer.
Born on May 10, 1979, in Marshall, Michigan, Sherry became known not only through her connections to NASCAR but also through her charitable work supporting children and families facing cancer. Throughout her illness, she used her experience to raise awareness, support research, and encourage women to take their health seriously.
Her legacy continues through charitable initiatives she helped establish, including Catwalk for a Cause and the Sherry Strong Foundation.
Sherry Pollex’s Battle With Ovarian Cancer
Sherry was diagnosed with advanced stage 3C ovarian cancer in August 2014, at the age of 35. Her diagnosis began a difficult journey involving major surgeries and 17 months of chemotherapy.
Despite the seriousness of her condition, she remained committed to encouraging others and making a difference. After completing chemotherapy in January 2016, she shared a message of gratitude and hope that resonated with people facing their own health challenges.
In 2021, her cancer returned and spread to one of her lungs. Further examinations revealed that the disease had progressed, bringing additional challenges to her treatment.
After years of living with the illness, Sherry died in September 2023. Her family announced her passing, prompting tributes from across the NASCAR community in recognition of her courage and charitable contributions.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Sherry’s commitment to cancer advocacy began before her own diagnosis. In 2010, she helped establish Catwalk for a Cause, a charitable fashion event that brought together members of the NASCAR industry to support children battling cancer.
The event gave young patients an opportunity to participate in a fashion show alongside racing drivers and other motorsports personalities. Over the years, it raised more than $4 million for childhood cancer research and related initiatives.
Following her diagnosis, Sherry expanded her advocacy to include ovarian cancer awareness. Through the Sherry Strong initiative, she worked to educate women about symptoms, promote awareness, and encourage conversations about wellness and treatment.
Her efforts also contributed to the establishment of the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic at Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2020. The clinic reflected her interest in supportive approaches that could complement conventional cancer treatment and improve the experience of patients.
