The Why Me organization was conceived and created by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. Sherry, always smiled, wrote poetry and was compassionate far beyond her years. Even while fighting her own four year battle with cancer, she always thought about helping other sick children. Sherry was the very first Pediatric Oncology patient at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. She found many wonderful ways to lift the spirits of her fellow cancer patients as a means to ease their suffering. During her fight with cancer, she became an inspiration to all who knew her, especially the other children being treated for cancer that she met. Sherry could see how difficult it was for the families and that someone needed to help them. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, Terry, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.

Since that time Terry has devoted himself to raising awareness about Why Me and funding for the needs of families with childhood cancer. Through countless years of hard work, long days, and personal sacrifices the journey to make Sherry’s vision of support an enduring reality has been realized. Fast forward 30 years and Terry’s service continues as Chairman of the Board of Directors and leader of the Christmas party kazoo parade.