Former Longtime Girlfriend of NASCARs Martin Truex Jr., Sherry Pollex, Died After Cancer Battle

April 2024 · 5 minute read

Sherry Pollex was an advocate against Pediatric and Ovarian cancer with her immense philanthropic efforts. Read on to learn how did Sherry Pollex die, what happened to her, and what was the cause of her untimely death which left the world shocked and saddened.

She was widely known in the stock car racing industry due to her relationship with the NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. The 44-year-old philanthropist was diagnosed with a fatal type of cancer nine years back for the first time. She eventually passed away after the third recurrence.

Sherry Pollex Died After 9-Year-Long Battle Against Cancer

Famous philanthropist and the ex-girlfriend of stock car racing champion Martin Truex Jr., Sherry Pollex, died this past Sunday morning at the age of 44. She was diagnosed with Stage-3 ovarian cancer at the age of 35, nine years ago, and had a lengthy and brave battle.

Sherry Pollex realized the third recurrence of her cancer in late 2021. She was getting treatment for the fatal condition but eventually lost the battle on September 17, 2023. The unfortunate news of her death was announced to the public by NASCAR with 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,” NASCAR wrote in a news release.

The family of Sherry Pollex has also released a heartbreaking statement on her death after a prolonged cancer battle. You can take a look at it here:

In August 2014, Sherry Pollex underwent emergency surgery to remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes, spleen, appendix, and part of her stomach. She went to chemotherapy treatment four weeks later and received a 30% chance of survival over the next five years.

Sherry Pollex was a Longtime Advocate Against Cancer

Sherry Pollex was a highly influential personality for cancer research advocacy and fundraising efforts. She started the “Martin Truex Jr. Foundation” with her then-partner Truex as a charity for children in need. It was later shifted to focus on “underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood and ovarian cancers,” after her cancer diagnosis.

The foundation held its annual “Catwalk for a Cause” event on September 13th, a few days back. It is a charity fashion gala founded in 2010 that brought the NASCAR industry together in the fight against cancer. It has raised over $4 million to fund initiatives to advance the research.

In 2016, Pollex launched SherryStrong.org to help women understand the importance of early detection and treatment options for ovarian cancer. Her foundation partnered with Novant Health in Charlotte to open the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic in 2020.

Pollex was not able to attend the recent “Catwalk for a Cause” event but her efforts for such an inspirational event were acknowledged by the hosts in introductory remarks. They called her “an absolute hero” while the crowd gave a standing ovation for her.

Sherry Pollex’s Personal Life and Relationship with Truex

Sherry Polex was born on May 10, 1979, in Marshall, Michigan but moved with her family to Brighton later. She frequently watched NASCAR racers with her family from Michigan International Speedway since her youth.

Her father, Greg, raced Late Models at dirt tracks in Michigan before owning a team in NASCAR’s national ranks. His efforts were mostly focused on what is now called the Xfinity Series where he claimed the 2000 Championship with Jeff Green.

Sherry Pollex moved to Florida during her middle school years and later attended Florida State University to earn a degree in Sports Marketing. She went on to land a role in a marketing firm that had accounts in NASCAR which further strengthened her bond with stock car racing.

Pollex met Martin Truex Jr. during his rise in the Xfinity Series. They officially became a couple in 2005 and used their platform for philanthropic works initially for pediatric cancer. They received the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brother Award for their excellent contributions to the sport of stock car racing in 2017.

Pollex was also the finalist for the Comcast Community Champion of the Year in 2022. In January 2023, Truex and Pollex separated, ending their 18-year-long relationship.

Tributes for Sherry Pollex Flooding on Social Media

Social media platforms are currently full of tributes and kind words for the late Sherry Pollex who passed away after a resilient cancer battle. She was an inspirational figure who spent the later portion of her life advocating to advance research for the dreadful disease.

NASCAR called her legacy “powerful” in their press release and Netizens are also using similar words for her work for the good causes. She was a true ambassador in the fight against cancer.

The funeral arrangements are pending. They’ll likely be kept private. This post will also serve as an obituary for Sherry Pollex, an influential NASCAR figure. She was an amazing human being who made an impact on countless lives. She was a fighter and champion.

Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and other loved ones of Sherry Pollex. May God let her soul rest in peace. She will always be remembered for the efforts she made here.

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