Sherry Lynn Bangsund
The Sherry Lynn Bangsund Leadership and Courage Scholarship Award is being established
to honor the memory of Sherry Lynn Bangsund who passed away on February 11, 2011
after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
| Sherry was the Vice President of Quality Assurance for CodeBlue. She designed and developed many of the system and procedures that have made the company what it is today. Whether she was building a network or system, taking action to make lasting changes at the office or in the community, or simply lending encouragement, compassion or a caring shoulder to a friend in need, Sherry always refused to settle for mediocrity. She was a person who set high expectations for herself and for others as she fearlessly and courageously confronted | issues. Once she reached the top, Sherry raised the bar, inspiring those who followed her. Her dreams were boundless; her aspirations were limitless; and her influence is timeless. The name of this scholarship includes “courage” for a reason. Sherry displayed tremendous courage and determination in her fight against cancer. Sherry was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She fought and won that battle and was free of cancer until it returned in 2009. In June of 2009, she was given six weeks to live. She was told that there was nothing that could be done, | Sherry’s compassion for others made those that knew her humble. From her works on poverty in Africa to working at Ground Zero just days after September 11th, from being a counselor for troubled at risk youth helping those at the start of their life to being a Hospice Chaplin preparing those at the end of their lives for their next journey, Sherry believed that your life is measured not for what you do for yourself, but rather what you do, and fight for, for those who can’t fight for themselves. Sherry did not believe in free passes in life, but she did believe that it is everyone’s |
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to go home and get her affairs in order. Sherry said “no” to this. She instructed
her doctors that she would never give up, become afraid or just lie down and die.
Sherry decided to use every method she could to fight this insidious disease. After
six months, the doctors told her that the cancer was no longer visible - she had
won again. Then, just two months later the cancer came back. She fought an eighteen
month long battle but, while the cancer won the battle with Sherry’s body, She won
the battle with her mind. She never gave in, she never gave up, and she never was
afraid. Sherry’s courage inspired all who knew her to never give up, face adversity
straight on and always lead others when they doubt.
Sherry was not only a leader at the workplace; she was also a leader by her deeds. |
responsibility to provide a helping hand when they see someone reaching out for one. Sherry was a special gift to us all,
and all who knew her will always remember the smile, the twinkle of life in her
eyes and the huge heart that she used to help and guide others on their journey
through life.
We believe that Sherry would be thrilled to know that a student would be helped through the generosity of this award. 
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