Sherry Pollex, philanthropist and former longtime partner of NASCAR's Martin Truex Jr., dies
Sherry Pollex, the former longtime partner of NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. and co-founder of the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, died Sunday, according to a statement from her family. She was 44.
Pollex battled ovarian cancer since 2014. Her third recurrence began in 2021.
Sherry Pollex, a fixture in the NASCAR garage who championed childhood cancer research and treatment and whose fight against ovarian cancer over the last nine years served as an inspiration to many, has died at age 44. RIP, Sherry. Family statement: pic.twitter.com/nvRyRuXp49
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 17, 2023
Pollex was known for cancer research advocacy and fundraising efforts. In 2007, she started the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation with Truex as a charity for children in need. After Pollex's cancer diagnosis, the foundation shifted focus to "underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood and ovarian cancers," according to the foundation's website.
The foundation held its annual "Catwalk for a Cause" event on Sept. 13, days before Pollex's death.
In 2016, she created SherryStrong.org to help women understand early detection and treatment options for ovarian cancer.
Pollex and Truex were together from 2005-2023, when the couple publicly announced their separation in January.
The following message was posted to Truex's Instagram Story on Sunday evening: "
"From the very minute of her diagnosis, Sherry was determined to not only fight ovarian cancer with everything she had but also make a difference in the lives of others battling this terrible disease.
"Sherry's passion for making a difference in the live of others was inspiring to everyone. Through her tieless charity work for so many years, her legacy will live well beyond our lifetimes and continue to help countless families who are battling ovarian and childhood cancer.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her entire family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her battle."
More NASCAR news: A look at Kyle Busch's North Carolina home for sale for nearly $13M
Girl power: Kicker makes history as first female football player for this Georgia university
NASCAR community reacts to death of Sherry Pollex
She was such a fighter. Inspiring in how she went about her own challenges but also how she learned to live every day to it’s fullest. Amy and I were lucky to have known her and call her a friend. https://t.co/wVzIxlK9LK
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 17, 2023
So sad to hear about Sherry, amazing human being who did so much to help children and the people around her. It was a treasure to know her kindness and heart.
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) September 17, 2023
Richard Petty and the Petty Family is saddened by the loss of Sherry Pollex. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends!
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) September 17, 2023
Very few have touched as many people as Sherry Pollex. Her fight was second to none and everybody who knew her was better for it. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP Sherry, Heaven gained a special one today #sherrystrong
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) September 17, 2023
Linda Mac & I will always feel our lives were better by knowing Sherry Pollex! There was not a better person that touched so many lives! She is now in a much better place than we are! We Love You & Miss You! 🙏🙏❤️❤️
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) September 17, 2023
We are grateful for the life of Sherry Pollex. She modeled perseverance, joy, and served others while battling her own cancer challenges.
A wonderful inspiration for all. ❤️🙏 https://t.co/bD4ONnDA5k— Marcus Smith (@MarcusSMI) September 17, 2023
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of @SherryPollex.
Her strength throughout her cancer battle was an inspiration to the entire NASCAR community. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/aiha5O3fHu— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 17, 2023
Extremely sad to learn of the passing of Sherry Pollex…it was less than a year ago that she served as our honorary pace car driver. Sherry was such a fighter and has done so much in an effort to benefit those who are also fighting. Godspeed, Sherry. You have certainly left this… pic.twitter.com/jYc521N1IK
— Kip Childress (@KipChildress) September 17, 2023
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Sherry Pollex, former partner of NASCAR's Martin Truex Jr., dies
