The NASCAR community was dealt some demoralizing news on Sunday, as longtime cancer research advocate Sherry Pollex lost her own battle with ovarian cancer.
Over the last couple of years, Pollex had become a fixture in the NASCAR community. Many knew her as the former partner of Martin Truex Jr., and her advocacy for others and her own personal fight inspired thousands of people.
Sunday was an understandably sad day in many NASCAR circles, and one of the former drivers who was taken back by the news was Clint Bowyer. He took to Twitter on Sunday to share a touching statement following the death of Pollex.
“This is so hard to comprehend,” wrote Bowyer. “I met Sherry my first year living in NC sum 20 yrs ago. Sherry was a beautiful person in so many ways. She fought so hard!! It’s really hard to see those dates under her picture.
“My prayers to her family and loved ones, I can’t even imagine.”
While her death is startling, Pollex touched thousands upon thousands of lives, becoming an inspiring story that you don’t see all the time. Her legacy will continue to live on in many ways.
The thoughts and prayers of the NASCAR community are with Sherry Pollex, and her family and friends.
NASCAR statement on the passing of Sherry Pollex
In the wake of her death, NASCAR also released a statement on Sherry Pollex. The Catwalk for a Cause brought so many in the NASCAR industry together to give young cancer patients a night of fun and friends. The program started in 2010, Sherry was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years later at age 35.
For all of her work and advocacy, NASCAR put out the following statement;
“NASCAR is saddened to learn of the passing of Sherry Pollex, whose fight against cancer and determination to help others through the Sherry Strong Foundation was an inspiration to all who knew her. NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation’s thoughts and prayers are with Sherry’s family and friends.”
While Pollex ended radiation treatments in 2017, doctors found that the cancer had returned by 2021. It had spread to one of her lungs and further tests showed it had progressed into an aggressive strain that was difficult to treat.
Sherry Pollex led a life worthy of praise and admiration. She leaves a legacy worth remembering and carrying on for years to come.
On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.
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