Sherry Pollex, the former long-time partner of NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex, Jr. and co-founder of the Martin Truex, Jr. Foundation died on Sunday, September 17, according to a statement from her family. Pollex was 44.
Known largely for her advocacy and fundraising efforts for cancer research, Pollex co-founded the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation with Truex in 2007, a charity focused on raising money for children in need.
In 2014, Pollex was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer, and given a 30-percent chance of surviving over the course of the next five years. Over the years, her cancer had gone in and out of remission, including once in December 2020.
Last July, Pollex revealed in an interview with Jeff Gluck of The Athletic that doctors had found her cancer returned, this time spreading to her lung. But, after several different methods of treatment, doctors determined the cancer was platinum-resistant – narrowing the available pool of next steps.
The statement from the Pollex family reads: “It is with great sorrow that our beloved daughter, sister Sherry quietly passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 17. Although there are no words to express our sadness, we take solace in the fact that Sherry is no longer suffering and has been taken back in the arms of the Lord.”
“As we all know, Sherry lived her life to the fullest, as she influenced thousands, if not millions of people through her own personal journey,” the statement continues. “Her love for her family, Catwalk kids who she adored and her friends will last forever. Please join our family in thanking God for giving us Sherry, she’s such an incredible expression of love that will live on. We will continue her legacy of love and caring for those in need as she will always be alive in our hearts.”
On September 13, just a couple of days before the passing of Pollex, the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation held its annual Catwalk for A Cause event. Per the foundation’s website, the event has raised more than $ 4.5 million for cancer initiatives since its 2010 inception.
In 2020, SherryStrong opened the Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic with Novant Health’s new Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. The clinic serves as a holistic center that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental needs of cancer patients to promote health and wellness regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
On Sunday, NASCAR released the following statement on the passing of Sherry Pollex: “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.”
Pollex and Truex were in a long-term relationship from 2005 to 2023, when the couple publicly announced their separation in January.
Truex released a statement on Sunday about the passing of his former long-time partner, Pollex.
