Sherry Abraham

Sherry Abraham is a co-founder and president of Women First. Begun as a mutual support group for women diagnosed with breast cancer, Women First has expanded to address a wide variety of women’s' health issues.

Sherry has been and continues to be the heart, head and hands of this all-volunteer organization, along with Judy Hester. Her common sense, get-it-done approach means she devotes 20 to 30 hours every week to priority projects. Her spirit and extraordinary accomplishments are best captured in her own modest words. “Five of us with breast cancer sat around a picnic table and decided we would meet to give support to each other. Pretty soon we were passing the hat to buy food for someone who needed more than we did.

After burning up two computers doing flyers and research, we sat down and wrote a simple set of bylaws so we could become a nonprofit. We decided if we were really going to help women, we needed a permanent place, so we wrote and received a $20,000 grant from the E.R. Carpenter Foundation. We now utilize a 10-room house and we're using every foot of it! We survive on grants, donations and prayers. All our programs and services are free and everyone is equally welcome.” Sherry and co-founder Judy Hester have expanded their support groups, educational programs and food assistance services throughout the state of Mississippi. Sherry is active with the National Breast Cancer Coalition and speaks frequently on cancer awareness and related issues. She has advocated with members of Congress and in a variety of state and local media outlets.