About Us
Martin Truex Jr. FoundationThank you for visiting the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation website! We are happy you are here. Childhood and ovarian cancers represent some of the most prevalent and underfunded diseases affecting children and women in America today. Without dedicated and consistent charitable support, help for relief and recovery may literally stop in its tracks.
Please use this site to help you learn about the great needs facing children with cancer and women with ovarian cancer and ways you can get involved to help. Together, we have the power to improve lives, inspire smiles and realize dreams! We will Never Give Up.
Martin Truex Jr., President
Martin currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 19 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing He is the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion and a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion.
A native of Mayetta, New Jersey, Martin grew up around stock car racing. His father, Martin Truex Sr., raced in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in the 1990s. Martin, being very grateful for his success, wanted to find a way to give back to the communities that had supported him for so long. In 2007, the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation was created.
In his downtime, Martin is and avid hunter and fisherman and loves being in the outdoors.
Sherry Pollex, Vice President
Sherry is a champion for survivors of cancer. At age 35, Sherry was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer and doctors estimated that her chance of survival was less than 30% within 5 years. She underwent a radical hysterectomy, debulking surgery and 17 months of chemotherapy. For her 37th birthday, she launched SherryStrong.org to empower women to know their bodies, recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer and learn how integrative and holistic practices may complement conventional medicine.
Sherry is a native of Marshall, Michigan and graduated Florida State University with a degree in Sports Marketing. She was a public relations representative for NASCAR. She attributes her passion for sports to her father, Greg Pollex, who owned the championship winning NASCAR race team, PPC Racing.
In her free time, Sherry enjoys spending time with her family and friends, yoga, cooking, her dogs, Charlee & Grayson, and chasing sunsets.
Sherry Pollex, Vice President
Sherry is a champion for survivors of cancer. At age 35, Sherry was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer and doctors estimated that her chance of survival was less than 30% within 5 years. She underwent a radical hysterectomy, debulking surgery and 17 months of chemotherapy. For her 37th birthday, she launched SherryStrong.org to empower women to know their bodies, recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer and learn how integrative and holistic practices may complement conventional medicine.
Sherry is a native of Marshall, Michigan and graduated Florida State University with a degree in Sports Marketing. She was a public relations representative for NASCAR. She attributes her passion for sports to her father, Greg Pollex, who owned the championship winning NASCAR race team, PPC Racing.
In her free time, Sherry enjoys spending time with her family and friends, yoga, cooking, her dog Charlee and chasing sunsets.
John Hondros, Treasurer
John is a native of Winston Salem, NC and graduate of Elon University. In 2004, John opened the Sports and Entertainment Banking Division for Sun Trust Banks, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. John brings over 20 years of superior service and experience of managing the financial goals of an assortment of athletes and entertainers including NFL players, professional golfers, NASCAR drivers, owners, crew chiefs, and musicians. John’s desire to help others is best seen by his commitment to being on the Board of Directors of several prominent Motorsport foundations.
Stoke Caldwell, Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, PA
Stoke’s vast legal experience includes representation of professional race car drivers, teams, sponsors, sanctioning bodies, and others in the television, film and live entertainment fields. He received his law degree from Washington and Lee School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude. Stoke has worked with Martin for many years as his legal counsel as well as for the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Stoke lends his extensive legal knowledge to several prestigious Motorsport foundations as a board member and to many community organizations.
Dr. Matthew McDonald, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Dr. McDonald is a fellowship trained GYN Oncologist and currently serves as the Physician Oncology lead for Greater Charlotte at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine in 1997, completed his residency in 2001, fellowship in 2008, and has been in practice with Novant Health for over 10 years. In 2017 he was recognized as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and “Top Doctor in Gynecologic Oncology”. In 2016, he received “Best Doctor” recognition under Top Physicians, selected by their peers.
Jeremy Scott, District Policy Group at Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
Jeremy has over 20 years of experience in government relations, healthcare policy, and in representing and advancing legislative interests of nonprofit, advocacy, and health organizations. He works closely with organizations in the cancer space, including ovarian cancer. Jeremy received his degree from Malone Collage and graduated magna cum laude from John Hopkins University with a master’s degree in government.
Janet Godfrey, Novant Health Greater Charlotte Market
Janet is a graduate of Appalachian State University and also sits on the boards of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont and Western N.C. and the Ballantyne Ball. Janet has held positions at Novant Health, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and The Charlotte Observer.
ABOUT US
History
The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation was started in 2007 by champion NASCAR driver, Martin Truex Jr., and long-time partner, Sherry Pollex. Originally started as a foundation to help children in need, Martin and Sherry found their hearts gravitating to serving children with cancer. In 2014, Sherry was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. It was at that time the foundation refocused their mission to raise awareness, boost advocacy and generate financial support for underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood and ovarian cancers. A new logo was designed – a gold ribbon representing childhood cancer intertwined with a teal ribbon representing ovarian cancer, both turned on their sides to represent the racetracks Martin conquers each week. Today, the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation works diligently to improve the lives of children with cancer, women with ovarian cancer, and the individuals and families affected by them.
What is the mission of the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation?
The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, boosting advocacy and raising funds for underfunded childhood and ovarian cancer initiatives.
What charities do you support?
We support multiple organizations, institutions, and initiatives that align with our mission. When selecting partners, we give preference to those that are underfunded.
Do you accept proposals for funding from other charities?
We are currently not accepting proposals for new partner programs.
Do you provide grants to individuals?
No. Unfortunately, the foundation is unable to provide grants directly to individuals or families.
Does Martin Truex Jr. make personal appearances on behalf of charities?
For the charities that the foundation supports, Martin may, from time-to-time, lend himself to interviews, PSA’s, and special appearances. It is completely based on his NASCAR schedule and availability.
Does Martin call, write, or visit individuals?
Due to the travel and sponsor demands of his schedule, Martin is not able to call, write or visit individuals.
Does the foundation donate autographed items for charity events?
We receive many requests each year for autographed items. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate every request. We allocate a set number of items each year with the organizations we support receiving first allocation. If we have items remaining, we will let you know. All requests must be put in writing with a copy of the 501(c)(3) charity documentation, name of the event, date of the event, and what the proceeds will be used for. No requests will be considered under 60 days’ notice. Please accept our apologies if we cannot fulfill your request.