Why Me & Sherry's House

Why Me is a Worcester-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families throughout Central Massachusetts. Founded in 1985 by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her own battle with cancer, Why Me began with a simple but powerful vision: to ensure that no family would have to face childhood cancer alone. What started as one young girl’s desire to help others has grown into a strong, compassionate community that has supported families for more than 40 years.

Today, Why Me provides comprehensive support for the entire family, from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, relapse, or bereavement. Services include emotional and peer support, financial assistance, family events, sibling and teen programs, meals, transportation assistance, and bereavement support. Sherry’s House, our eight-bedroom residence and support center in Worcester, provides short-term lodging for families traveling for their child’s cancer treatment and serves as the heart of our programs and community.

All Why Me programs and services are provided completely free of charge, allowing families to focus on what matters most—their child and one another. Through every stage of the childhood cancer journey, Why Me offers families a place to turn for practical assistance, meaningful connection, and the support of a community that understands.

Why Me provides comprehensive, wraparound support to children with cancer and their families throughout every stage of the childhood cancer journey. We recognize that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, which is why our programs are designed to address the emotional, practical, social, and financial challenges families face from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, relapse, or bereavement.

Our services include emotional and peer support, family events and activities, financial assistance, meals and transportation support, sibling programming, opportunities for teens to connect and build community, ongoing bereavement support for families who have experienced the loss of a child, and so much more.

At the heart of everything we do is connection. We bring families together with others who understand the childhood cancer journey, creating a community where both parents and children can find practical help, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging. Every program and service is provided completely free of charge, ensuring families can access the support they need when they need it most.