CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/40618
"An uninsured status gives you V.I.P. status in our Foundation." — Sherri Arnold Graham Championing a Cause E very 13 minutes a woman dies from breast cancer in the United States. Sherri Arnold Graham, a Fayetteville resident and breast cancer survivor, learned that statistic and decided to do something about it. She formed an organization that reaches out to others affected by the disease. As Founder and Executive Director of "The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation," a ministry for breast cancer awareness and support, Sherri is an international conference pre- senter and her Foundation has not only served women locally in Fayetteville, but throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and in England. 68 | September/October • 2011 diagnosed with breast cancer, she became acutely aware of how many individuals are not coping well with the disease in part because they lack financial and other sup- port. She was astounded by the additional burden the disease places on the many suf- ferers in our community who do not have health insurance and can't afford many treatment options. "I share a burden for others who are at risk for breast cancer," Sherri said. "I've seen many who have underwent chemo- therapy treatments by themselves and then had to drive themselves home." With a vision and goal in mind, she A Fayetteville woman offers life, love and lavender to breast cancer patients | BY KELLY TWEDELL Twelve years ago, when Sherri was first took her business plan to local churches to garner support before launching the Foun- dation. Though she said she knew she had found her calling, she was worried about having her name become synonymous with breast cancer. Before long, however, she re- alized that if she was willing to go forward and serve others, she could make a differ- ence in many lives. Sherri has partnered with Manna Church, Cape Fear Valley Health System and Rex Hospital for financial support. "An uninsured status gives you V.I.P. status in our Foundation," said Graham. "Building relationships are being the hands of feet of Christ and this founda-