STORY BY NICOLE BURNS

“You don’t know how much you’re loved until something bad like this happens.”

Sheri Blair said she feels blessed to have such a great support system surrounding her through one of the toughest battles she may ever have to face. The East Brewton mother of two not only has her family, but also her work family to rally around her.

“I’m so blessed to have them in my life.”

Blair has worked in the deli of the East Brewton Piggly Wiggly for the last 14 years. In August, simple back pains led to the diagnosis of cervical cancer. She’s currently halfway through chemotherapy treatments, but unable to work. 

So, Blair’s work family is stepping in to help. On Saturday, one can swing by the East Brewton Piggly Wiggly to pick up a BBQ plate. The $7 plate includes BBQ, baked beans, potato salad, dessert, and a drink. Child hotdog plates are also available for $3.

The store has donated all the food, and a favorite customer, Felton Hardy, has volunteered to cook. All of the proceeds will help Blair survive financially as she fights off cancer.

Plates will be available after 10 a.m. Saturday until the food runs out so one should want to get there early.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Blair. “I just love them all, and they’re more like my family than anything else. Piggly Wiggly is like my home away from home.”

Despite the tough road, Blair has faced over the last three months, she’s not letting much get her down. “I’ve got a good mental attitude about this whole thing,” said Blair. “I want people to know that I’m really staying positive.”

Saturday’s BBQ plate sale will help Blair and her family during this second half of her chemo treatments. She said she’s looking forward to getting back to work as soon as her doctor will allow.

“I know I’ve just got to put one foot in front of the other. I’m not going to let anything get me down.”